Some voices from QRH KATT

 1st December 2011

Major Jefford

Another quick update from B Sqn as we enter the third month of our tour. Working with the ANA is still a highly enjoyable and interesting job, with no two days the same. Time continues to fly by as a result. Recent highlights have included the visit of the Secretary of State for Defence who met a number of the team and discussed our work with the ANA. We are being kept busy day-to-day with routine patrols alongside the ANA, as well as helping them to develop the Kandak’s processes, focusing on everything from personnel management to logistics and maintenance. Gratifyingly we are seeing the Kandak make progress.

We continue to develop a genuine friendship with the Warriors – we are all soldiers so have much in common! R&R is also in full swing, so there are lots of happy men setting of on their trips home. Life in our PB remains comfortable and we are all getting along well. We find plenty of ways to amuse ourselves, even staging a conker championship, won by Tpr Ford with a world-beating ‘Elevener’. Finally we remain hugely grateful for the incredible volume of parcels we receive. They make such a difference to morale, especially with Christmas approaching. The decorations we have received will soon be put up, swiftly followed by some carol singing practice!

Enough from me – here are some words from the guys:  

Tpr Whittingham   

I am part of the B Sqn Highway KATT. I have been out in Afghanistan now for roughly two and a half months. I am learning and adapting to the role of my job, which I have enjoyed so far. We have been kept quite busy out here over the past few months with mounted and dismounted patrols ongoing throughout the AO. One of the main highlights over the past number of weeks was the successful completion of building a new checkpoint for the ANA along the HWY, West of Gereshk. This was named Operation MALIKA K, lasted 3 days and had a substantial amount of publicity behind it – it was even mentioned in The Sun! Being the Squadron Leader’s driver I was thoroughly proud to personally play a major role in the Operation. As for now, R&R has started kicking in for a lot of the lads. Those that remain here have found themselves a little rushed to say the least. I am currently working under my Troop Leader, Capt Grubb which involves plenty of exciting work. I am now looking forward to spending some time at home with family and friends on my upcoming R&R in the next week or so. This I cannot wait for! Ultimately I am enjoying myself. I am really looking forward to the many challenges ahead with my fellow KATT members.

LCpl Magill

I have been crewed as Major Jefford’s gunner and Captain Von Brockdorff’s driver for this tour. I also double up as a stand in signaller, which I am currently doing now as Signaller Scrupps is off on R and R. Lucky him! I admire Signaller Scrupps for dealing with all this kit. If anyone can tell me how all these complex radios work I would be really grateful. In general though our job working with the ANA is very enjoyable. While there can be frustrations, they do love banter just as we do. To that end I look forward to the following four months, which I have no doubt will be full of further challenges and excitement. Thanks to all for the parcels and support – we are thinking of all you all back in the UK and Germany.

Cpl Anderson

I am the commander of 22b, which is a Jackal with a .50 cal mounted. I have spent most of the tour so far covered in dust but this aids blending in with the local environment and population. I work closely with the ANA and spend at least an hour a day drinking tea, or chai as they call it, with them before going on patrol around their CPs in the local area. I especially like socialising with the Check Point commanders who are lots of fun at times. Although occasionally I struggle to understand their sense of humour! I have to say that working with the ANA and getting to know them has been interesting. What is great though is that our squaddie sense of humour seems to translate with very little effort. I must say again thank you to all for the parcels and letters. It really lifts the lads when things are getting a little difficult.

Cpl Gurung   

I arrived here at PB Harriet on 7th of Nov to cover Cpl Ritchie, who is on R&R. However, thankfully I think I may be staying here. Since arriving here I’ve settled myself in well. Working alongside ANA isn’t always easy, though progress can be seen despite the difficulties. I am enjoying training and advising them - they are certainly a very interesting army!

Keep checking back for more 2 Rifles updates.