Prince honours the troops

Prince honours the troops

16 May 2012 - by Joanne Fleming

THE Ballykinlar-based Second Battalion The Rifles marked their return from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan this week.

A Sounding of the Retreat ceremony was held at Castleward on Monday evening with a wide range of guests from across the community.

Over 300 guests from business, local politics, education, health and community groups, who supported 2 Rifles during their recent tour, watched a pageant performed by officers and Riflemen. Around 450 soldiers took part.

Yesterday afternoon soldiers were presented with their operational medals by Prince Edward who flew into Ballykinlar specially for the occasion.

This is the battalion’s second tour of duty in Afghanistan since Abercorn Barracks became their home base.

Many of those on parade will be undertaking duties in support of the London Olympics later this year.

The Battalion is composed of over 600 men and women based around three rifle companies of around 100 men each, a heavy weapons company with the capability to operate machine guns, mortars and antitank missiles and an HQ company including clerks, drivers, electrical and mechanical engineers, medics and chefs.

It has been deployed on operations in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan and prepared for their most recent tour of Afghanistan with an exercise in Kenya.

The battalion was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 when 2 RIFLES had responsibility for delivering security in the Upper Sangin Valley, the most hotly contested area in Helmand.

Based at Abercorn Barracks, Ballykinlar since 2007, following the creation of The Rifles, 2 Rifles have worked hard to foster links with the local community, regularly participating in sporting events against local teams and visiting schools.

Invitations for the buglers have also come flooding in following the Battalion’s return from its last tour of Afghanistan and a number of concerts, parades and events were supported. These included playing with the band and bugles at Ravenhill rugby ground before the Ulster Schools’ Cup Final.

Lt. Col Bill Wright MBE, Commanding Officer Second Battalion, The Rifles, gave an insight into their recent role in Afghanistan.

“The main focus for Task Force Helmand is on the development of the Afghan Security Forces,” he said. “Fantastic progress has already been made and, in many areas, Afghan Police and Army operate independently with minimal ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) assistance and their continued development is crucial to long term success.”

Lt. Col Wright added: “Abercorn Barracks has provided the battalion with a superb training facility, not to mention a picturesque setting with its own ranges and training area backing onto the sea, overlooked by the Mourne Mountains.

“The training area is used by police and army units alike from all over Northern Ireland. The camp itself offers first class accommodation and facilities for our soldiers.”