200 soldiers from the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Task Force (C-IED), who have returned from Helmand Province, were officially welcomed back to the United Kingdom today when they marched through the town of Didcot in Oxfordshire and received their richly deserved ‘Herrick’ campaign medals from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mr Tim Stevenson OBE.
Didcot is home to 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, the disposal experts within the C-IED Task Force.
Along with: Royal Engineer specialists, Royal Military Police, Military Working Dogs and members of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, they worked in teams providing three different capabilities: Improvised Explosive Device Disposal, Conventional Munitions Disposal and High Risk Search teams, all of whom were responsible for finding and disposing of bombs and improvised explosive devices.
It brought the force numerous awards in the recent Operational Honours including two George Crosses, the highest award for gallantry that can be bestowed; one posthumously for Staff Sergeant Olaf ‘Oz’ Schmid and the other, Staff Sergeant Kim Hughes.
Lauded as heroes, from all the soldiers in Helmand ranging from Privates to Commanding Officers, everyone was in no doubt that these remarkable soldiers saved numerous lives:
"They are real heroes of this campaign," said Major Rob Philipson-Stow, Second-in-Command of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group based in Musa Qal'ah.
"The way they approach their job is phenomenal."
Brigadier James Cowan, the Commander of Task Force Helmand, said:
"The men and women of the C-IED Task Force are an extraordinary group of people.
"Selflessly committed to their dangerous work and utterly professional, there isn't a soldier in Task Force Helmand who doesn't hold them in the utmost respect for what they do and the way they do it.
"I am deeply proud to have them serving as part of my brigade, saving military and civilian lives day-in and day-out. They are some of the true heroes of this campaign."
Tragically, the tour saw the loss of Captain Dan Read, Staff Sergeant Schmid, Corporal Marlton-Thomas, Warrant Officer Second Class Markland, Corporal Oakland, Sapper Mellors and Sapper Watson.
The parade marched behind the Band of The Rifles, stepping off from the Orchard Centre in Didcot. Half an hour later they arrived at the town’s Civic Hall for the presentation of their medals.
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So grateful for the incredible job that you do. You are true heroes in every way, and have my utmost respect. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteWell deserved - and for those who did not return, they will never be forgotten (may they R.I.P)
ReplyDeleteProud of You ALL. X
We watched the recent parade of the returning troops from Afghanistan, it was a moving experience and one we will never forget, we are so proud to be British and our army must be the best in the world. Well done all the troops of all the services for doing such a hazardous job in Afghanistan and their families who must suffer agonies of worry whilst awaiting the return of their loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI had the absolute pleasure of meeting some of these soldiers as they were waiting to fly home from Camp Bastion. A distinct honor to receive a 'Felix' patch from one of them. I also worked with a few of the folks from the 11th (INF?) Bde [Black Bulls] as well.
ReplyDeleteBelated congratulations on a job well done.
Kevin