General McChrystal visits UK troops
31 Dec 09
A surprise Christmas Day visit from ISAF Commander General Stanley McChrystal brightened up festive celebrations for the British soldiers in a remote corner of Afghanistan.
General Stanley McChrystal and the UK OMLT team (Amber 57) based in PB Sandford
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
Soldiers at patrol base (PB) Sandford welcomed one of world's most senior military officers for a cup of tea on Christmas Day.
PB Sandford is in the heart of the Helmand province in the fertile 'Green Zone' close to the Helmand River. The soldiers that occupy the patrol base are from the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (2YORKS) and the Afghan National Army and living alongside them is a small element from the Danish Army.
General McChrystal, who is the Commander of all ISAF troops in Afghanistan, spread some Christmas cheer amongst the soldiers from 2 YORKS on a whistle-stop tour of Afghanistan on December 25th.
Traditionally senior officers visit their troops in the morning to wish them all a Happy Christmas – usually with a mug of tea topped up with rum.
Afghanistan is an alcohol-free zone for troops but this didn't stop General McChrystal from enjoying a 'cuppa' with the 2 YORKS soldiers and stopping for a few photos.
General Stanley McChrystal and Private Tuvakasiga
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
For the soldiers of Sandford it has been a particularly difficult tour.
They have been operating in very austere conditions and have been victim of countless insurgent attacks and IED strikes.
The surprise visit of such a senior military figure on Christmas Day boosted morale immeasurably and will be remembered by all in Sandford.
The 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) deployed to Afghanistan as the Operational Mentoring Liaison Team (OMLT) Battle group on 23 Sep 09 for a six month operational tour returning late Mar 10.
The 2nd Battalion is currently based in Weeton Barracks near Preston as part of 11 (Light) Brigade.