Mastiff Group deploys to Afghanistan
9 Nov 09
More than 60 soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (3 YORKS) and The King's Royal Hussars (KRH) have deployed to Afghanistan for the vital role of transporting troops and protecting large convoys in Helmand province.
A soldier fires the powerful 12.7mm heavy machine gun from atop a Mastiff armoured vehicle during pre-deployment training on Salisbury Plain
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The two Wiltshire-based Army units have formed a 'Mastiff Group' for Operation HERRICK 11.
The troops will be operating the Mastiff protected mobility vehicle. It is heavily armoured and is used to transport troops and protect large convoys, as well as to directly engage the Taliban with its advanced weapons systems.
In preparation for their deployment, the 3 YORKS and KRH soldiers recently carried out their last pre-deployment training exercise on Salisbury Plain where they were put through their paces during a demanding week.
They then joined up with the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards Battle Group before flying out to Afghanistan.
Officer Commanding Nick Mackenzie said:
A convoy of British Army Mastiff 6x6 wheel-drive patrol vehicles crosses Salisbury Plain
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"The Mastiff Group will perform a vital role in Afghanistan.
"They have undergone an intensive training package prior to deployment and are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in Helmand province."
It has been a busy but successful year for 3 YORKS which is based in Warminster.
A company's worth of soldiers are now returning from Afghanistan and another company returned from Iraq at the beginning of August, when they were amongst the last British combat troops to leave the country.
For many of the KRH soldiers, who are based in Tidworth, it will be their second winter tour in Afghanistan having previously deployed on Operation HERRICK 7.