By GEMMA BROWN

Last updated at 12:49, Friday, 16 October 2009

AFTER six months of serving their country in uncompromising conditions in Afghanistan, soldiers stationed in Tynedale were given the recognition they deserve this week.

Operational service medals were presented to 54 squaddies from 35 Battery of 39 Regiment Royal Artillery at Albemarle Barracks on Wednesday.

All members of the two troops which make up the battery returned safe and well from their tour – a first for many of them – on Monday, October 5.

During a parade in front of a crowd of proud and relieved family and friends, Colonel Paul Lane, commander of 1st Artillery Brigade, the headquarters to which 39 Regiment is affiliated, congratulated the troops on a successful tour and presented the medals.

The battery, as part of Operation Herrick 10, had been providing fire support for 19 Light Brigade in Helmand Province since April this year.

Equipped with a guided multiple launch rocket system, the gunners have been based throughout Helmand, including the main British military base, Camp Bastion, and at headquarters in Lashkar Gah.

Among the soldiers receiving medals was Gnr Michael Wilson (21), from Kenton, Newcastle, and Gnr Simon Moores (21), from Manchester, who returned home to girlfriend Stephanie McCrorie (19), from Prudhoe.

Gnr Moores said: “Adjusting to the desert conditions and the heat was the hardest thing. There were times when temperatures reached above 50 degrees.”

For Cpt Louisa Herbert, a former student at Ponteland High School, the tour was her second visit to Afghanistan after having served in Iraq and Cyprus.

She said: “It is always difficult being away from your family and friends, particularly as for many of the guys involved in this tour, it was their first.

“But despite that I am always amazed at how quickly you find yourself and others adapting to the situation out there.”

For father-of-two, Sgt Peter Grey (28), from Alnwick, the tour was one of several he has completed during his 11-year army career. His father Peter, mother Denise and sister Kelly attended the parade.

Denise said: “It is always hard for the family at home, no matter how many times they have been away. It’s great to have them all back safely.”

The troops now have six weeks rest and recuperation and have been replaced by the regiment’s 132 Battery, the Bengal Rocket Troop.

First published at 09:53, Friday, 16 October 2009
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk