Portraits of bravery: the family

As Armed Forces Day approaches, one army wife reveals it is not just the military personnel who feel the strain of serving on the frontline, but their families left back at home.

By Paul Kendall, Daily Telegraph

Like many army wives, Pamela Littmoden doesn't watch the news. If you're counting the days until your husband comes home, keeping a constant eye on the growing list of casualties makes the waiting a hundred times worse.

But Pamela has more reason than most to dread that knock on the door.

Not only was her husband, Chris, serving in Afghanistan until recently, but her son and his new bride are both in the Army as well, and have been in Helmand since the beginning of March.

The Littmoden Family on tour in Afghanistan together during
Op HERRICK 12

"I worry an awful lot," she says. "I don't sleep very well. But what can you do? All the worries in the world are not going to change anything."

Chris, a staff sergeant in the TA Royal Logistics Corps, was in Afghanistan between February and May this year.

Glen, the couple's only son, is a 22-year-old Lance Corporal in the Royal Engineers, and his wife, Victoria, 20, is a mechanic in REME, The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Glen and Victoria met in the spring of 2008 on exercise in North Yorkshire and married in December last year.

"I wanted to get married before we came out because I wanted to feel a little bit closer to him," says Victoria, speaking on the phone from Camp Bastion.

"It's a hard thing to explain, but I just wanted to know that, if anything happened to Glen, everyone would know I was his wife and not just his girlfriend.

"Of course I worry about him. It's not the nicest feeling in the world, but it's something that we both joined to do. If you didn't come out here then you wouldn't be doing what you joined to do."

Glen works as a searcher, using special state-of-the-art detection equipment to locate roadside bombs, which are then targeted by disposal experts.

His missions can take up to two weeks and, in that time, neither Victoria nor Glen's father nor his mother back at home hear a word from him.

Victoria is responsible for keeping squadron vehicles up-and-running. The newly-weds are not allowed to go on operations together.

"I hate it," says Glen. "When we're in Bastion, we see each other for dinner every night, but when we're out on ops we don't see each other at all. It's hard."

Victoria's heavy workload helps her cope.

"I just try and get on with things," she says. "I'm busy all day every day. I get updates about how Glen's patrol is doing from my boss every morning and if anything happened to him, then I'd be the first one to know about it.

"It's a strange thing to get used to. Before coming here, we were inseparable. We spent every day together. Now people tell me that I can't spend time with my husband."

Chris, 51, a former Royal Engineer, is, not surprisingly, proud of both of them.

"They're perfectly matched," he says. "They have a common sense of humour, they both like their fitness training. She understands what he goes through and he understands what she goes through."

All three agree that it has been toughest for Pamela, alone at home in Colchester, trying to keep her imagination in check.

"The worst times are in the middle of the night," says Pamela. "During the day you can talk to people, but at three o'clock in the morning it's silent and you're on your own."

Photo: Captain Leanne Christmas RE

Engineers and logisticians busy building in Helmand

Over the last couple of weeks Royal Engineers have been busy supporting infantry operations and building new bases in Helmand province, while logisticians have been delivering essential building supplies.

Engineers from 1st Armoured Engineer Squadron, 21 Engineer Regiment, recently supported a 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment operation to push south from their bases in the Nad 'Ali region of Helmand province.

Marines and engineers at patrol base construction site

The major development operation was designed to clear routes to allow checkpoints and patrol bases to be located further south.

The engineers followed the infantry into the new compounds in order to build temporary, defendable patrol bases so that ISAF can provide greater security in the area which will ultimately increase freedom of movement for the local people.

Two patrol bases have been built so far which will increase the ISAF coverage by a further kilometre.

Intimidation by the insurgents is higher in areas where the ISAF footprint ceases so these new bases are crucial to isolating the insurgency from the local national population.

An engineer begins to demolish a wall

Once the tasks had been completed, an Afghan National Army (ANA) patrol with ISAF adviser call signs (units) attached took control of the patrol bases.

The engineers will return later in order to establish more permanent patrol bases on other greenfield sites.

Meanwhile in Sangin, engineers from 73 Armoured Engineer Squadron have carried out substantial engineering works at Patrol Base Suffolk, an ANA-run base where there is partnering by elements of the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Brigade Advisory Group.

Royal Marines based in Sangin provided force protection while the engineers got on with the construction.

The focus of the building works was three fold: reinforcement, rebuild and compound consolidation. External walls were reinforced, with large sections being rebuilt or re-engineered into optimal positions for compound protection, and the three internal buildings were rationalised into one.

A logistic patrol negotiating a deep river to deliver essential stores to a patrol base

This has allowed the creation of a combined ANA/Advisory Group operations room and communal spaces.

Consequently, the enhanced patrol base infrastructure and efficiencies made through combining working spaces freed up 20 to 25 ANA soldiers from routine force protection duties.

This additional manpower lift of ANA soldiers will be used in future operations in the Sangin area to help increase security and improve the freedom of movement for local Afghans.

Of course new bases need materials to be built from and over the last two weeks soldiers from 12 Logistic Support Regiment have been in the Green Zone of southern Helmand delivering essential engineering stores in support of building projects in that region for the UK forces based there.

The soldiers worked tirelessly moving stores and containers around new company locations, negotiating deep rivers and driving through bustling bazaars.

These much needed stores are essential to keep patrol bases adequately stocked and ultimately allow UK soldiers in these areas to improve security and provide reassurance for the local nationals.

Pictures: via MOD

VIDEO: Afghan and British army forces conduct first ever partnered engineering task

Army engineers from Close Support Kandak, 3rd Brigade, Afghan National Army and 21 Regiment, Royal Engineers, are undertaking a programme of infrastructure works at Patrol Base Rahim, in Nahr-e Saraj, as partnered engineering teams.

Filmed and edited by Captain Philip Atkinson, SCOTS

PICTURE of the day: Operation Herrick training

Live firing on one of the ranges in Helmand

Reception, Staging and Onward Integration (RSOI) is the final stage in the intensive training that every soldier completes before taking on their tasks in Helmand.

Back in the UK and on exercises around the world, armed forces undergo months of training to prepare them for the rigors of Helmand.

RSOI is the final phase which takes place in Afghanistan and brings everyone up to speed with the very latest developments.

Compound clearance drills

Responding to a 'contact'

Defensive posture whilst on patrol

Section patrol - lead man sweeping for IEDs

On Patrol with 15 Field Sqn RE

Platoon Heavy weapons, .50 cal and General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)

Simulated casualty extraction

Pictures: Cpl Sean Hayes REME

On the ground and in the air - brothers deployed to Afghanistan

While Army Warrant Officer Class 2 Mark Boardman is helping to improve the infrastructure in Helmand province, his brother, RAF pilot Flight Lieutenant Richard Boardman, is flying overhead in the Tornado GR4, providing tactical reconnaissance to troops on the ground.

WO2 Mark Boardman, aged 36, is in the Royal Engineers. He is currently based at Lashkar Gah with the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team where for the past six months he has been working as part of a multi-national group to improve everyday life for Afghans; from constructing schools to installing an oxygen generator in a hospital that supplied oxygen for 20 beds.

He said:

"The effect you can have on ordinary people's lives is massive. The highlight of my tour was enabling a contract to improve Bost Airport. Its development will create local jobs and improve trade, and in so doing help with Afghanistan's reconstruction."

Flt Lt Richard Boardman, aged 35, is from 14 Squadron, based at Royal Air Force Lossiemouth, Scotland.

While the Tornado jet he flies over Afghanistan is capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons including Brimstone and Paveway IV with breathtaking accuracy, it is in the role of tactical reconnaissance in which this aircraft excels.

Using RAPTOR (Reconnaissance Airborne Pod for Tornado), the aircraft can provide high resolution images from distances in excess of 25 miles (40km), allowing intelligence to be gathered unnoticed. The aircraft's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance role is vital in the battle against deadly improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Flt Lt Boardman said:

"Supporting the troops on the ground is the key reason why we are out here and, for me, that is what makes this tour rewarding: being able to identify IEDs, preventing our guys from getting killed, and being there when needed to provide close air support for troops engaged with the enemy."

Both brothers went to the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester. WO2 Boardman joined the Royal Engineers in 1989, straight from school. He said:

"I was in the Army Cadets and always wanted to join the Army; whereas for Richard, it was the Air Cadets and a life as an RAF pilot."

Flt Lt Boardman joined the Royal Air Force in 1997 and was the first pilot to fly with RAPTOR, trialling it in the Middle East in 2002. When an aircraft is required for close air support, the pilots sometimes have to scramble and get airborne within minutes. He said:

"It takes me back to the Battle of Britain era, running to your aircraft and taking off moments later; it is the reason why I joined in the first place!"

Guards make strong start improving security for Nad e-Ali

Grenadier Guards, Royal Engineers and soldiers of 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancasters Regiment have built a new bridge on the fringes of Nad e-Ali, near the new patrol base they have built.

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards Battle Group, in Afghanistan less than a month, have taken over the area around Nad e-Ali from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.

Their tour, under the newly formed 11 Light Brigade, builds firmly on the work of the previous battle group and operates in a particularly volatile area known among the soldiers as ‘The Wild West’, due to the amount of insurgent activity.

Already, two major achievements highlight the progress being made in this region. We rarely hear of these results following difficult fighting and the ongoing battle against improvised explosive devices (IEDs). However, green shoots of development are appearing in this central, southern district of Helmand province.

Firstly, the guards’ battle group has installed a new patrol base north of the district centre at a key crossing point. Built by Royal Engineers attached to the battle group the patrol base houses separately, the Afghan National Army (ANA) and a British Army Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT), who guide and train the Afghan soldiers, serving alongside and supporting them.

Working as one force

The new patrol base, which has yet to be named by the ANA ensures the positions from which Taliban insurgents can engage the town are further away from the population centre. It also protects a vital bridge used by local farmers every day.

Commanding Officer of 1 Grenadier Guards Lt Col Roly Walker is keen to develop the relationship between ISAF troops, the ANA and the Afghan National Police (ANP) further. He is working hard to ensure they are seen locally acting as one force rather than three separate ones.

Reopening of a local school

Secondly, this new patrol base has been built as part of a long term plan to improve the security around Nad e-Ali, and a giant step forward has been made with the re-opening of a local school, in the district centre.

Helmand Province Governor Gulab Mangal visited the school and cut the ribbon to declare it open talking to the children and teachers. Governor Mangal was also well received at a Shura with local elders to express his commitment to the Food Zone Programme in the region, and he met with ISAF and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to discuss the progress of security in the region.

Proud to be making a big difference

The school had previously housed the British forward operating base (FOB), known as FOB Argyll and home to the battle groups operating here. The 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards have however taken over the newly built FOB Shawqat just down the road which has allowed the school to be re-built and re-opened.

The soldiers of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards are relatively new to Afghanistan but are already proud to be making a big difference for the local Afghans here.

PICTURE: of the day, Helmand Province

Royal Engineers conduct survey tasks in Helmand as they build new patrol bases near Nad-E Ali for ISAF "International Stabalisation and Assistance Forces" and ANA"Afghan National Army" and ANP "Afghan National Police"

Soldiers from 1st Bn Grenadier Guards and 2nd Bn Lancashire Regt provided security during the construction.

Captain Ben Babington-Browne killed in Afghanistan

It is with deep sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Captain Ben Babington-Browne from 22 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers, died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Monday 6 July 2009.

The incident took place whilst on takeoff in Zabul province, at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mescall, on the afternoon of 6 July 2009.

Two Canadian soldiers were also killed in the crash.

Captain Babington-Browne was working in the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Headquarters of Regional Command (South) and was visiting FOB Mescall as part of an ISAF team to undertake an engineering survey of the Romanian FOB.

Captain Ben Babington-Browne

Captain Ben Babington-Browne was born on 17 October 1981 and grew up in Maidstone. After graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and completing the Royal Engineers Troop Commanders' Course he joined 22 Engineer Regiment in April 2007.

He deployed shortly afterwards to Iraq as a Troop Commander in 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron where he quickly showed that he was an exceptionally gifted leader. It was a demanding tour but he thrived in that environment, earning the respect of all who served with him there.

Once Captain Babington-Browne returned from Iraq, he was selected to run the Regimental Junior Non-Commissioned Officers' Cadre; a testing course which trains and prepares Sappers for promotion to Lance Corporal. As Cadre Officer he was an exemplary model of leadership for the Sappers on the course and in many ways will have influenced those young soldiers for the rest of their careers.

He leaves behind his mother Nina, of Maidstone, as well as his brother Daniel.

Captain Ben Babington-Browne's mother Nina issued the following statement:

"Ben is a much loved son, brother and nephew who had a huge personality and will be so missed by his family and friends who are all heartbroken by his untimely death. One of the brightest stars in the firmament has been lost in the line of a duty which was second only to his love for his family and friends. We are all immensely proud of all his considerable achievements in his short life. God bless and keep him."

Royal Engineers help reconstruction in Helmand

A specialist team of Royal Engineers are helping deliver reconstruction projects worth over six million dollars in Afghanistan including the construction and refurbishment of nine health clinics, twelve schools, six mosques and twelve roads.

The specialist team, known as STRE, works closely with the British-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) based at Lashkar Gah, a multi-national, civilian and military partnership leading the stabilisation process in Helmand.

Amongst the soldiers working in the STRE is Warrant Officer Class Two Mark Boardman. He said:

"The PRT identify the projects and we deliver them. Over the last year, the STRE has implemented over six million dollars worth of construction projects, ranging from the construction of school latrines and police post perimeter security enhancements, to the building of a brand new prison, an orphanage and numerous mosques, schools and health clinics.

"Working out here is a special challenge, but the job satisfaction is immense. Seeing local children go to school for the first time ever, at a school that we've built, or patients being treated at a hospital we've completely refurbished, is incredibly rewarding."

WO2 Boardman, who is on his second operational tour to Afghanistan, continued:

"We use local Afghan contractors to actually do the building work. It's a good way of injecting money into the local economy and generating employment. My team and I provide infrastructure advice and guidance, and oversee the contract to completion."