Yes.....We hit £30,000!!

Corporal Glyn Sephton

27 April 2012

With many thanks again to you all for getting us to the massive sum that reached the total of £31,433.08.  This was raised by much kindness of many people doing parachute jumps, male leg waxing, etc. Many thanks from all of us and to you all for your kind donations!!!  

RETURNING HOME  (B Company insight)

Corporal Glyn Sephton

12 March 2012

By Major Andy Husband RIFLES

Officer Commanding B Company - 5 RIFLES

Returning home is an emotional affair.  For hardened Rfn that have spent nearly 7 months in Helmand Province words cannot quite the describe the absolute joy that is the first meeting, that first embrace with loved ones.  Indeed, nothing can match it and it is definitely enough to melt even the hardened of hearts.  This was definitely the case on B Coy’s return to Paderborn.  With the German based families and the ROG lining the road to meet us, the Coy was welcomed home as kings.  Delight was written over the faces of children, wives, husbands and Rfn alike.  In addition, the Warrior Club was fully decked out for our arrival for a celebratory beer and some food.  We couldn’t have asked for more.  For those with family based in the UK, the immense pleasure of seeing loved ones again is slightly delayed, but the relief at being a step closer to home is still ever  present.

Reservists stand side-by-side with regulars in Helmand

Corporal Glyn Sephton

12 March 2012

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Copinger-Symes said reservists had 'integrated seamlessly' into the 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 RIFLES) Battle Group, which is responsible for the Nahr-e Saraj (South) area of operations.

Fifty-four Territorial Army (TA) Riflemen joined 5 RIFLES in early June last year, and throughout training and operations the reservists have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their regular counterparts.

The TA soldiers have also been invaluable when their teams find themselves in front line checkpoints - with handymen, carpenters and electricians stepping up to the plate.

5 RIFLES were heavily involved with operations in Iraq and had little experience of Afghanistan before this tour. But six of the 19 TA soldiers that joined D Company of 5 RIFLES had deployed before, with another two also serving in Iraq - bringing valuable experience to the table.

Out on operations the TA soldiers have blended into the company, performing tasks such as operating specialist weapons and conducting searches for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Rifleman Darren Neal comes from a large family in East London and deployed on operations alongside two of his

D Company - Operation Herrick 15 Officer Commanding's update

Corporal Glyn Sephton

12 March 2012

D Company is now entering its 5^th month in Patrol Base 4 and we face a situation few of us would have imagined possible at the start of our tour.  It is nearly 2 months since we were last in contact and following the operation to clear Kopak of the remaining Taliban in early February, the area remains free of insurgents.  Local people are very happy with security; village elders tell us that this is the first time they have had peace in the area for many years and are hugely grateful to be able to move around freely without fear of insurgent intimidation or IEDs.  Indeed, as I write this a bustling market is taking place about half a mile down the road in the village of Tabila, next to the newly built school and Police Headquarters.  In a few weeks a clinic will also be built.  Progress has been impressive and it is remarkable what the Afghans can achieve when they are left to get on with it.

 Maintaining security in Kopak sees D company dispersed across 7 checkpoints (CPs).  To do this task D Company has been reinforced with two extra platoons from 3 SCOTS (The Black Watch) BG, making D Company more than 5 Platoons strong.  With attachments, there are now 225 soldiers in D Company Group.  Serjeant Bramham commands at CP HEWAD, a dominating position that overlooks the graveyard where we killed the Taliban commander for the area back in December.  Serjeant Duggan commands at CP SRISH, where he has established a strong and very well organised CP directly opposite what used to be the insurgent headquarters for Kopak.  Lieutenant Nicholls and Corporal Christian remain at CP KAHMANAN, keeping open the main road that runs north to south through Kopak, guarding the flourishing market that has been established at Tabila and reassuring the locals as they move back into the area following the heavy fighting that occurred there last summer and autumn.  Serjeant Matika is temporarily commanding our most northern CP, CP SARHAD, while Serjeant Gillum is on R&R.  Corporal Abraham has been commanding CP JABA, our closest and most well established CP, while Lieutenant Tuffin has been on R&R.  Our other two CPs, CP ASMAT and CP OBI are manned by platoons from 3 SCOTS.  Both CPs are in compounds previously used as IED factories by the insurgents.  Indeed, CP ASMAT is the compound immediately east of the now closed CP TOKI seen in ‘Royal Marines: Mission Afghanistan’ on Channel 5.  Meanwhile, Colour-Serjeant Turner is faced with the huge task of

5 RIFLES - Commanding Officer's Op HERRICK 15 Mid Tour Blog

Corporal Glyn Sephton

6 March 2012

Op HERRICK 15 Update

5 RIFLES Battlegroup / Combined Force Nahr-e-Saraj (South)

As a Battlegroup we’re now 4 months into our 6-month tour, though B Company, which deployed as the Theatre Armoured Infantry Company, has just returned to Paderborn.  They have had a good tour, primarily employed in securing some of the key routes within the Task Force Helmand area and split between two different Battlegroups.  I will let Major Andy Husband, the Company Commander, give you all of the details in his own entry on this website, but B Company has done an outstanding job – especially since they have been cut off from the rest of the Battalion.  The insurgents don’t much like the Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicles that B Company were mounted in for much of their work – they call them ‘tanks’ and aren’t keen to hang around once they appear.  The Company has taken some casualties, including on the last day of the tour, but they’ll be going home with all of their Riflemen.  Having handed over to a company from 3 YORKS and just finished their ‘decompression’ period in Cyprus, they are now back in Germany and will soon depart on some well-deserved post-tour Leave.

 The rest of us still have two months to push, but the back of the tour is firmly broken and most people have had their two weeks of R&R.  Whilst there is still plenty to do, and plenty of time to do it, it is pretty satisfying to be able to look at what the Battlegroup has already achieved.  We deployed to an Area of Operations (AO) that sat across the seam of the three main Districts in Central Helmand – Lashkar Gah, Nad Ali and Nahr-e-Saraj.  This made the AO a very complex challenge – most significantly because it meant interaction with three distinct Afghan Governance Districts - three different District Governors; three different sets of local Councillors; based in three different and

Welcome Back B Company!!

Corporal Glyn Sephton

6 March 2012

From all Rear Operations Group we would like to welcome you all back and hope you enjoy a well earned rest!!!!

Welcome Home B (Bravo) Company!!!!!!

Corporal Glyn Sephton (Published on the BFBS Website)

6 March 2012

Soldiers from 20 Armoured Brigade who were first to go on Operation Herrick 15 have become the first to return home to their loved ones.

Families and partners of the 109 soldiers from B Company, Fifth Battalion The Rifles greeted them as they arrived at Alanbrooke Barracks by bus direct from the airport.

Members of the rear party (Rear Ops Group) and previously returned troops lined their route back into their loved ones arms.

A Blog By Serjeant Jamie Jones, Fire Support Company

Corporal Glyn Sephton

6 March 2012

This time it’s the turn of the Ops Pl, writing from the remote (but rather peaceful and civilised) locale of OP STERGA. The Platoon is now well established in our new home and in some cases it isn’t that different to what the single lads are used to back in Paderborn on a weekend (minus the beer). For some it is actually a little better as each multiple takes turns to cook for everybody else and there is always hot water courtesy of the climate – not always the case back in Paderborn!

The meals we cook are somewhat random, making the best of what the 10man ration packs have to offer. LCpl Vats Vatuvilli and Rfn T Tawake can conjure up a meal worthy of a Jamie Oliver Restaurant with a fine mix of Fijian style and Rottie bread. We maintain a West Country Influence with my attempts to make a ploughman’s but I fear this is a little beyond my expertise.

The days are long and busy. Sjt Maj Mark Burge has at last made into the green zone, taking Vats and T as sniper cover (or perhaps for their cooking skills). Burgey left, draped in ammunition, looking like an extra from Rambo. We promised not to shatter this illusion by mentioning his habit of taking cover every time weights get dropped in the gym….. Other local amusement is provided by the development of facial hair (best described as 70’s Porn ‘taches) with Ken “Paddy” Padfield in particular now growing more on his face than his head.

Second In Command D Company Blog  - Captain Charlie King

Corporal Glyn Sephton

5 March 2012

 Second In Command B Company's H15 Blog, Captain Ben Cottenden

Corporal Glyn Sephton

5 March 2012

Since the Coy arrived in theatre almost two months ago we have been incredibly busy. Our Area of operations is by no means huge, and the number of locals we have within the area is not large, but there is still lots going on. At the minute, the Riflemen are rotating through days of patrolling and days of guard. The patrolling phase usually includes 4-5 patrols a day mostly lasting a couple of hours but sometimes up to 24 and beyond. These include both mounted and dismounted patrols. We have also conducted a number of operations outside of our area working alongside the Afghan National Police and the Afghan National Army. They are pretty professional and have proved that a lot that is written about them is false.
The temperature has dropped from a scorching 54 degrees on arrival to a more sociable 35. We even had rain today!!! The camp is reasonably large with an ever increasing community (about 150 at the last count). We have Engineers, Gunners, REME and Medics attached which adds flavour and variation. We are also lucky enough to have some chefs that provide fresh food five days a week with rations filling the other two. Recently we had running water installed which has made the camp a cleaner and less smelly place! Each Rifleman has his own bed space complete with camp cot and mosquito net and they have gone a long way to making a small piece of home. BFBS TV means the guys can catch up with any live sport and you will often find a number watching the movie channel during their down time. Most importantly for some we have a gym. OP MASSIVE has started and a string of gym queens frequent both day and night.
The landscape out here has to be seen to be believed. The backdrop to our camp is a string of mountains that look close enough to touch but must be over twenty miles away. The ground is covered in a fine dust that almost feels like talcum powder. The boys call it moon dust as it really does look and feel like being on the moon. There is very little vegetation but sudden slashes of green turn up in the most unlikely of places, offering a small reminder of what it's like at home. The locals live in huge compounds with their entire family and livestock living in one room. They also have the craziest road system you will ever see with the highlight being a full family of five sat on one motorbike. It has to be seen to be believed.
Although 6 and 7 Platoon has moved North, we still receive regular updates. Lt Sawers says his chaps are on good form and moral remains high. They have been up there for about three weeks and appear to like their new surroundings. I think being away from the rest of the Company agrees with them. 6 Platoon under Lt Milne also appear to be in good spirits; they have been based with 3 MERCIAN for three weeks and they also appear to be in good spirits.
I am not sure how the time is passing back in Germany or the UK but it is shooting past out here. I can hardly believe it has been two months already. I suppose that being incredibly busy makes the time pass quicker - I hope it is with you too! R+R starts this week with the first guys disappearing. It would appear its all we talk about and most have a "chuff chart" which they can tick off as the days pass.
The mail is getting through as are the eblueys. Please continue to send as it is such a huge boost to our moral to receive a small piece of home.
I hope this finds you all in good health. We are cracking on in the fine British tradition and hope to see you all very soon.

Officer Commanding B Company's H15 Blog

Corporal Glyn Sephton

5 March 2012

Maj Andy Husband, Officer Commanding B Company

In the long shadows of the distant mountain ranges, the hesco bastion walls of B Company's patrol base provides a fortified safe haven in the middle of the desert, A home from home, sat on an arterial route feeding both Helmand's Provincial capital, Lashkar Gar, and the remainder of the Province. 'Home' is a slightly unusual term for the tented camp, cot beds, iso containers and dust covered offices that we occupy, however, it is a place where the Riflemen can truly relax, maintain the link with their families and friends through internet, fax blueys or by satellite phones, and enjoy the delights of a set of al fresco washing and dining facilities. Austere yet luxurious in parts, the patrol base combines a mixture of both primitive living conditions (the loo arrangements are something that need to be seen to be believed!), with well-appointed appliances such as running water for showers and washing machines to rinse the sand, dust and dirt from our clothing. It will never really be truly 'home', however, it is the closest we are going to get during our six months here and it does provide a welcome respite from

A Blog from Lieutenant Ben Jordan, Officer Commanding 2 Platoon, A Company

Corporal Glyn Sephton

5 March 2012

“Making Friends with Chickens; the 2 Platoon Way”
2 Platoon have recently spent two weeks in Check Point PARI (known as CP PARIDISE) after the first rotation in PB1. The first two weeks in theatre have been busy with everyone settling into the routine well. The initial patrols were filled with ground familiarisation patrols in order to gain as much knowledge of our area of operation as possible. It involved the Rfn practising as much pigeon Pashtu on the local nationals as they could handle. Rfn Harvey See has been thrown into the deep end being used as an interpreter on more than one occasion, it is entertaining asking him to translate the politics of the Afghan Government but he always gives it a shot. It can be slightly confusing when the local national answers, “I haven’t heard of Brittney Spears”. One of the biggest fears from patrolling was the wave of Afghan children who swamp for sweets and don’t take no for an answer. Sometimes the children can use pincer movements on your emotions coupled with the good cop, bad cop routine. One child will use the ‘large kitten eyes’ and another will dive in with demands of “KALEM” which is chocolate in Pashtu. If all fails, they have a backup technique which Rfn Andrew Bowden became victim to; more than 10 kids will surround the individual and shout at him until he provides the goods. This method is thought to have derived from the Mafia in

A Message from Lieutenant Bob Sawers, Officer Commanding 7 Platoon, B Company

Corporal Glyn Sephton

5 March 2012

A message from Lieutenant Jamie Milne, Officer Commanding 6 Platoon, B Company

Corporal Glyn Sephton

5 March 2012

5 RIFLES help develop relations in Helmand

Corporal Glyn Sephton

14 February 2012

Soldiers working in Helmand Province have helped Afghan elders and local government officials meet up for the first time.

Troops from 5th Battalion the Rifles Regiment (5 RIFLES) have seen district community councillors and local elders from the village of Char Kutsa, in their area of the Nahr-e Saraj South, meet up at a ‘shura’ or village meeting.

The signifies the progression the Battalion has made since deploying in October, and is a milestone for the local Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA).

The meeting, or shura, is a chance for all parties in the community to meet to discuss issues, and in the past has been the preserve of British officers from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) you used it to keep local Afghans informed.

But now the local Afghan Uniformed Police have taken over the hosting of the shura, which is held at local checkpoint called Lamar - making it a purely Afghan-led forum.

Captain Chris Davies is the second in command of the A Company 5 RIFLES which holds the ground in the area.

Captain Davies, 28, said the attendance of the district community councillors was a major step in improving governance in the area as it is the link between the Afghan government and the local people.

He said: “This was the most significant and influential attendance we have seen so far in this tour and it is a real promising step for the local community here in Char Kutsa.

“Not only does the attendance of the DCC officials add authority to the shura here, but it means that it has legitimacy with the government as well and will foster greater confidence among the rural communities here.”

Yes.....We hit £25,000!!

Corporal Glyn Sephton

04 February 2012

With many thanks again to you all for getting us to the first massive milestone as is stands today (04/04/2012) our total is £25382.25.  This was helped by Oliver Marsh who donated  £372.24 (Donations from colleagues at UBS), Oliver many thanks from all of us and to you all for your kind donations!!!  

From All the Boys & Girls at 5 RIFLES

Corporal Glyn Sephton

24 January 2012

From all at 5 RIFLES we would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all the kind donations so far and particulary the kind people

who have raised money for us, some of them are:

Staff Sargeant Stu Mann, and his Gymathon gang (Tash Davies, Joanne Pursey, Lance Corporal Bourne, Corporal Griffiths, and others to follow) who raised £2262

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Copinger-Symes and Mrs Copinger-Symes who donated £100 and raised £100

Micky Miles from the The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) who raised £75

Mr Sasho Bogoevski who donated £100

MANY THANKS!!!!!!!  

Fire Support Company Newsletter No.2 by Major R J Spalton

Corporal Glyn Sephton

31 December 2011

Well, time for the second thrilling instalment. This week there is a distinct Mortar bias in the article – not bias on my part I hasten to add, more the fact that Messers Burge, Jones and Wheatley have been stuck in places with no access to IT. Burgey and his band of Romany travellers are doing fine and we hear daily reports of their progress from the dulcet and just-about intelligible Geordie-tones of John Cooney on the radio. We think Mike Lindgren has now gone native (native to 2 Rifles rather native to Helmand that is) as he is now only ever seen with his new mates and barely acknowledges our presence. Noted!

Bridgy’s Band of Brothers

Two weeks into the tour and the Mortar section based in PB1 have been.............( Click on  'Read More' below)

A Blog by Lieutenant Will Ward - Officer Commanding 1 Platoon

Corporal Glyn Sephton

31 December 2011

Commanding Officer's Christmas Message

Corporal Glyn Sephton for Commanding Officer

22 December 2011

Life in Nahr-e-Saraj – Winter 2011

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Copinger-Symes

Commanding Officer 5th Battalion The Rifles

Commanding Combined Force Nahr-e-Saraj (South)

  - The surprise visit from HRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex. 

Life has settled down into a sort of routine now, in the 6 weeks since we set up home here in Patrol Base 2 – a funny little community fashioned out of tents and sand-bags, countless ISO containers and a forest of radio antennae.  We are in Nahr-e-Saraj District, which forms part of Helmand Province.  On Google Earth you’ll find us just South West of a town called Gereshk, near a community called Paind Kalay, sandwiched between the Nahr-e-Bughra Canal and the River Helmand.  Everything here is related to land and water, and the area that we

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at 5 RIFLES

Corporal Glyn Sephton

15 December 2011

From all of us at 5 RIFLES we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We would also like to thank you for all you support this year.

Swift & Bold 

Remembering the Fallen - Rifleman Sheldon Steel

Corporal Glyn Sephton

15 December 2011

Today we remembered our fellow Rifleman Sheldon Steel in both the UK and in the 5 RIFLES barracks by holding a 2 minutes silence to remember how brave he was and how he paid the ultimate price for his country.

He was killed in Afghanistan and was described as a "future leader in the making" as his family and colleagues gathered for his funeral today.

Rifleman Sheldon Steel, from 5th Battalion The Rifles, was killed by an explosion in Helmand province while on foot patrol.

He has been described as a soldier with a "big heart".

The Rifleman was caught in the blast from an improvised explosive device in Babaji, in the Lashkar Gah district, on November 27.

Today his coffin, draped with a Union Flag, was carried into

The Delta Dogs help Afghan police build checkpoint

Corporal Glyn Sephton

7 December 2011

The Results are in....

Corporal Glyn Sephton

7 December 2011

As promised the results from my earlier blog about the Battalion's leave commitment, where each Soldier who was taking Pre tour leave took with them 10 wristbands each to sell to family and friends, the winner would win an extra weeks leave. The winner was Craftman Dunscombe, an attached member of the Battalion who raised £340, an outstanding effort.  The results were as follows:

 Fantastic news, the total raised by the Rfn (all ranks) over leave is a staggering £ 10139.74 the breakdown is below:

Money raised for Heroes by little Rifleman

Corporal Glyn Sephton

4 December 2011

Last Friday (2 December) saw just under €50 raised for the Wristband appeal by little Bobby-Jo Blakemore, this was her own idea in which people at the John Buchan School Fete were asked to NAME THE TEDDY BEAR for a kind donation. Bobby-Jo's dad is currently on Op Herrick 15 and is a member of 5 RIFLES.

Bobby-Jo from all of us we would like to say THANK YOU for your help and i'm sure your Daddy is very proud of you!!

SWIFT & BOLD

Christmas boxes pile up in Paderborn

Corporal Glyn Sephton (Published on the BFBS Website)

21 November 2011

Families from 5 Rifles in Paderborn have been packing Christmas boxes to send out to their loved ones in theatre. The event was supported by the welfare team at 20 Brigade.

Treats were provided to put inside the boxes, which can all be sent for free via BFPO as long as they weigh under 2 kilograms. More than 300 Christmas boxes have been sent out to Afghanistan so far from all the different regiments.

For Full video click HERE

5 RIFLES gain a New mascot

Corporal Glyn Sephton

17 November 2011

Officers in A Company, 5 Rifles have contacted Leeds University's Equestrian Society thinking it would be a good idea to have them as mascots to boost morale while the soldiers are doing a six-month stint in Afghanistan. The students from Leeds University's Equestrian Society braved temperatures as low as three degrees for a saucy photoshoot to make a Calendar for their fundraiser to help the Disabled Association . 

Emily from the Leeds University's Equestrian Society said to The Sun, "We've all been assigned a specific rifleman who is going to write back to us.

"We are obviously really supportive of them so we're delighted we can sort of officially be linked with them."

I'm sure that they will be a great asset to the tour and they have already sent free Calenders to Afghanistan.  Thanks Girls!!

You can buy the calendar by visiting leedsuniriding.webs.com and you can read the Full story in The Sun by clicking HERE

We hit the £1000 mark

Corporal Glyn Sephton

06 November 2011

From all the Guys and Gals at 5 RIFLES, we would like to say thanks you for the kind donations so far which has got us to the £1000 mark. 

Again many thanks.

Greetings from Afghanistan

Corporal Glyn Sephton for Commanding Officer

04 November 2011

Most of the team have now been here for at least 2 weeks; some are still trickling in; and B Coy have been here for 2-3 months..... so an update might be appropriate.

We've had the most terrific handover from 1 RIFLES - friendly, efficient, informative and a total pleasure. I'm sure that there will have been the odd account-holder who thinks otherwise but across the board it has been great fun catching up with old friends, as we learn about our new patch and pick up the hard-won tricks of the trade from our fellow Riflemen. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their graft over the past 6 months in general and most particularly the last few weeks; they have

Ceremony marks handover/takeover from 1 RIFLES to 5 RIFLES 

Corporal Glyn Sephton (Published on the BFBS Website)

03 November 2011

A ceremony has marked the end of the role of 1 RIFLES - the last Battalegroup attached to 3 Commando - in Nahr-e Saraj South and the handover to 5 RIFLES of 20th Armoured Brigade.

They have spent six months fighting the insurgency, bringing security to the area and mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces.

The tour has seen them take part in 6,001 patrols and 200 operations - but at a cost.

For Full Video and story click here or click on photo above