PICTURE of the day: 1 Royal Welsh heli assault into Nad E-Ali

While the Mobile Recce Force (MRF) of 1 Royal Welsh prepared for a patrol and shura, D Company flew in at dawn for a Heli Assault south of the MRF, into the insurgent stronghold.


The dawn silence is broken by the distinctive noise of the Chinooks carrying D Company, 1 Royal Welsh to the landing zone deep in Taliban territory.




Wheels down and starting the flare, an RAF Merlin sweeps into the landing zone.


Apache top cover providing protection for the support helicopters carrying the troops.

Pictures: Major Paul Smyth