A Royal Navy Consultant Radiologist from the South West who extended her tour in Afghanistan to ensure that Afghan surgical teams could successfully treat their own wounded soldiers, has been presented with her OBE Medal. Surgeon Commander Jo Leason, who grew up in Yealmpton, near Plymouth, was made an OBE in the Operational Honours and Awards List for her “inspired leadership … [Read more...]
First Afghan reconnaissance troops complete training
Royal Marines from Taunton’s 40 Commando have completed the training of a section of the Afghan National Army. The first 27 Reconnaissance Troops for the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Kandak 215 Brigade have passed out of training at their base in Nahr-e Saraj. The training, carried out by 40 Commando Royal Marines, means the Afghan students are now able to carry out vital … [Read more...]
Head of Royal Navy visits South West Royal Marines in Afghanistan
The most senior officer in the Royal Navy, the First Sea Lord, has paid a flying visit to South West-based 40 Commando Royal Marines in Afghanistan while on a tour to receive an overview of military operations. Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, visited Afghanistan to receive an first- hand update on operations and the transition to … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Honour for Royal Naval Medic from Devon
A Royal Naval medic from Devon has been presented with an operational honour today (Friday) by the Duchess of Cornwall after his first six-month deployment to Afghanistan. Medical Assistant Craig Barff (24), from Devon and originally Hartlepool, deployed in April to work with the Close Support Medical Regiment in Helmand Province. The Duchess of Cornwall, as Commodore in … [Read more...]
Honour for front line Medics
Two South West female naval medics have been honoured for saving lives on the front line in Afghanistan in support of Royal Marines and soldiers. Leading Medical Assistant Lianne Spiby (25) served with Lima Company of Plymouth-based 42Commando and Leading Naval Nurse Sarah Morris, from the medical defence hospital unit at Plymouth’s Derriford Hosptial, have been working with … [Read more...]
42 Commando Royal Marines receive Afghanistan medals
Hundreds of a Royal Marines who have recently returned from combat operations in Afghanistan received operational service medals at a ceremony in Plymouth (Friday November 11) and were told to have pride in their achievements. After the huge Afghanistan home-coming and Armistice parade in Plymouth City Centre, 42 Commando individually honoured troops who served for six months … [Read more...]
Returned Afghanistan troops mark Armistice Day in Plymouth
More than one thousand Plymouth-based Royal Marines, Sappers and Gunners from 3 Commando Brigade, paraded through Plymouth on Armistice Day to mark their return from a successful six-month tour in Helmand, Afghanistan. Hundreds of loved ones and well-wishers braved storm force winds and driving rain to gather on Plymouth Hoe and along Royal Parade in the city centre on Friday … [Read more...]
Royal Marines return from Afghanistan to Heros’ Welcome
Royal Marines from M-Company of 42 Commando flew home last night (Tuesday 26th) to a rapturous welcome from friends and family after a successful combat deployment in Afghanistan. The 100 Commandos from Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth, were greeted by about 200 cheering loved ones at Exeter Airport waving banners and balloons and excited children wearing t-shirts bearing welcome … [Read more...]
Commando Logistics Regiment heading home from Afghanistan
The Devon-based Commando Logistics Regiment are coming towards the end of their time in Afghanistan and will arrive home after a six-month tour of duty in the next six to eight weeks. The first elements of the regiment have arrived at their base in Chivenor, North Devon from Camp Bastion in Helmand Province. The logistic support squadron has been keeping the Royal Marines, … [Read more...]
Father and Son return from Afghanistan
A Royal Marine from Plymouth has returned from Afghanistan where he spent six months living at Lashkar Gah base where his father, a Royal Navy sailor was also based. Lance Corporal Simon Swann, 24, an intelligence gatherer with Plymouth-based 30 Commando, has returned from serving in Afghanistan. Simon’s father, Warrant Officer Dave Swann, 47, worked as part of the Provincial … [Read more...]