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(September 13, 2009)

Dear Mr Foster



I have recently had the honour of assuming Command of L (N éry) Battery RHA and I thought it appropriate that I should update the Old Comrades Association on the Battery’s preparations for Afghanistan.   You will be pleased to learn that the Battery has grown in strength with 42 officers and soldiers on the nominal role, all of whom will deploy to Afghanistan in late September 2009.

 

The period since your last reunion has been challenging but enjoyable.   Soldiers from the Battery have deployed to Kenya and Arizona where the climate and terrain have been similar to the conditions we will face in Afghanistan.   In the UK the Battery has trained hard and as you would expect has been leading the way.   During one particular BC’s fireplan on the Regimental exercise, Exercise PASHTUN SABRE, L (N éry) Battery fired more ammunition than A, B and E Batteries in a shorter period of time.   The gun numbers of B and E Batteries were smiling but very tired!!



Gareth Barber

 

As we prepare for operations we have been given unprecedented access to aircraft from both the Army Air Corps and the Royal Air Force.   During Exercise CRIMSON EAGLE the boys spent a great deal of time operating with Apache helicopters and at RAF Waddington we learnt the utility and the fire power that aircraft such as the Harrier and Tornado can bring.   We have also taken on three newly trained Forward Air Controllers, one from the infantry and two from the Cavalry.

 

The Battery will deploy to Afghanistan at the end of September.   We will be based in the Musa Qlaeh district and will be working with the Household Cavalry Regiment.   I am fully aware that Afghanistan will push the Battery harder than ever but I am equally confident that we will rise to meet the challenge.   My address should you wish to write or post anything for the guys will be:

 

547855 Maj G R Barber RHA

BC L Bty

1 RHA

BFPO 792 MSQ DC

 

I hope this letter finds our Old Comrades in good health.   I am pleased to report that your Battery is in fine form and is primed for operational success.   I hope your reunion is a success and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

 

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