Building morale

At the start of the deployment, running water was scarce at the smaller patrol bases, as were hot showers. A section of Royal Engineers were part of the Battle Group and they played a vital role, both in patrols and for improving the safety and living conditions for the soldiers.

At least two combat engineers would accompany a patrol. In their kit bags were explosives designed to blast through the mud compound walls to escape enemy action or to reach injured soldiers. On a larger scale, the Engineers worked round-the-clock to upgrade the security of patrol bases as well as improving the washing and sleeping facilities.

Rifleman Johnston

Rifleman Johnston describes how life on a Forward Operating Base is different from that on a Patrol Base.

Rifleman Johnston's transcript (PDF, 6.4kb)

Corporal Kevin Ball

Corporal Ball remembers his best and worst memories of the tour.

Corporal Ball's transcript (PDF, 5.1kb)

Serjeant Kevin Foxton

Serjeant Foxton gives a passionate account of the living conditions he endured during Operation Herrick 11.

Serjeant Foxton's transcript (PDF, 32.3kb)

Serjeant Kevin Foxton #2

Serjeant Foxton laughs at being caught out by a female helicopter pilot.

Serjeant Foxton's transcript 2 (PDF, 3.2kb)

Rifleman Miller

Rifleman Miller describes living conditions at Patrol Base Jamil - one of more than 22 PBs within the 3 RIFLES Battle Group area of operations.

Rifleman Miller's transcript (PDF, 2.9kb)