Soldiers from 49 Field Squadron (EOD)on the parade square at Carver Barracks, Wimbish, Essex
[Picture: Andrew Reed LBIPP, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
Colonel Simon Winkworth, Director, Whole Fleet Management, who presented the campaign medals, thanked the soldiers from 49 Field Squadron (EOD) [Explosive Ordnance Disposal], part of 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD), for their valuable contribution and commitment.
The soldiers who returned from their six-month tour of Afghanistan earlier this month have been replaced in Helmand by over 100 soldiers from 21 Field Squadron (EOD), also part of 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD).
It is the Wimbish-based soldiers, together with 11 EOD Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, that between them find and destroy IEDs.
Working in teams they provide three different capabilities: improvised explosive device disposal, conventional munitions disposal and high risk search - all are responsible for finding and disposing of explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices within Helmand province.
During their six-month deployment, 49 Field Squadron (EOD) dealt with thousands of incidents, ranging from disposal of Taliban weapon caches to IEDs.
With involvement in Op MOSHTARAK, the Counter-IED Task Force has been heavily committed throughout their deployment. In addition to their operational commitment the Task Force supports training International Security Assistance Force troops and the local population in explosive hazard awareness.
This week's parade concluded with a two-minute silence in memory of Corporal Loren Marlton-Thomas and Sapper David Watson, who were both killed in Afghanistan. Wreaths were also laid on the regiment's memorial by family members.
Corporal Marlton-Thomas was killed whilst conducting a route search to clear explosive devices in the vicinity of Patrol Base Sandford in the Gereshk area of Helmand province.
Sapper Watson died of wounds sustained in an explosion caused by an IED in the vicinity of Patrol Base Blenheim in the Sangin region of Helmand province.