Colonel Neil Hutton, Deputy Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade (left), presents troops from 216 Parachute Signal Squadron with their Afghanistan medals
[Picture: Cpl Rupert Frere RLC]
216 (Para) Sig Sqn are the communications experts of 16 Air Assault Brigade, focusing on radio and computer links between soldiers. Members of 216 Sig Sqn were involved in a range of roles in Afghanistan, from individual soldiers working with groups of infantry soldiers in the Forward Operating Bases across Helmand Province, to helping run the main British Headquarters at Lashkar Gah.
Many of the squadron will have been working in ones and twos attached to all the other regiments and nationalities working in the British-led Helmand Task Force.
The medals were presented by Deputy Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, Colonel Neil Hutton, who spoke to many of the soldiers and families present. He said:
"It gives me a huge amount of pleasure to see so many members of your families here. This is a very special occasion. These medals are recognition not just of the six months you have worked on the operation itself but also the six months preparation and training you put in beforehand. You should all be extremely proud of what you have achieved in the last six months."
Col Hutton praised the developments made since many of these soldiers were last in Afghanistan in 2006:
"I have been asked 'has progress been made?' For those that were around in 2006 and can see the changes and the difference made, and then look at Helmand in April 2008 and what Musa Qaleh was like and how Garmsir was still under the control of the Taliban, and now look at Helmand in October and see the difference that you have made, so yes, progress has been made."
Among those receiving medals was Lance Corporal Daniel Mark, aged 22, from Colchester. Proudly watching LCpl Mark were fiancée Melissa Clubb and mother Denise Mark.
LCpl Mark had a solo post attached to the Danish troops in Helmand Province, working as their radio systems operator. Fiancee Melissa, who is currently a student in Bath, was delighted to see him home safe:
"It is absolutely fantastic to have him home, we were really worried. I'm very proud to see him receive his medal."