8 NAVY NEWS, NOVEMBER 2010 ● The delight shines in both their faces as Mne Ben Slade’s daughter Ellie tries out his green beret


Heads held high


IT WAS the best of times and the worst of times for the men of Charlie Company 40 Commando and their families.


As the men returned to their base in Norton Manor Camp where 300 family and friends were waiting to meet them, the joyful reunions were tempered by the knowledge that 14 of them would not be coming home.


The 114-strong Charlie Company were the first men to return from 40 Commando’s six-month deployment to Afghanistan. “It’s a bittersweet day being back here; 21 people from the battle-group were killed and 14 of them were Royal Marines,” said Maj Duncan Forbes, who commanded Charlie Company. He said: “Their sacrifice was not made in vain, they did an amazing job every day, showing bravery and leadership, which is humbling for us as their leaders to look to.


day for those families who have not got their husbands coming back.”


He added: “It’s a sad


The 600 men of 40 Commando deployed to Sangin in April, working with the Afghan National Security Forces to maintain stability in the area, reassure the local population and disrupt insurgents.


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Lt Col Paul James, Commanding Officer of 40 Commando, said: “It’s been a hard fight, but we have achieved much.


local people and have worked hard to support the Afghan National Security Forces.” He added: “The bazaar itself, central to the economy of the area, is thriving and a much more bustling place than when we arrived, with new shops opening all the time.


and we are confident that our American partners will build on what we have achieved.” He concluded: “We have lost


brave Marines but we will do them proud and we return home with our heads held high.” 40 Commando were the last


“We have sought to protect the g


40 Commando took on their final mission Operation Ghartse Surlanday, a massive vehicle operation with Jackals and Mastiffs deep into the inhospitable deserts to the east of Sangin, an area not routinely patrolled by ISAF and Afghan forces. For nine days, 40 Commando’s


Bravo and Delta Companies worked hand-in-glove with the Afghan National Army’s ‘Tiger Team’.


know the area and its people, and identify the routes the insurgents were using to travel through the arid desert into Sangin. Acting Capt Ambrose Peregrine RM said: “Whilst out in this beautiful area I was almost moved to tears when a small group of children, who were joyfully playing outside their village, started waving and calling out to us as the sunlight swept across,


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the mountains and the desert plains.” The operation was a complete success, giving all the forces a much better understanding of the area.


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was great to see them successfully carry out Op Ghartse Surlanday in a seamless manner and to all return unharmed afterwards. “This operation was the


outst


culmination of our six-month tour and it has made me extremely proud to lead such outstanding Marines.”


“There is still work to do,


back in the UK, the completion of this operation saw the remaining men of 40 Commando arrive at Camp Bastion before returning home to Norton Manor Camp in Taunton.


British unit to serve in Sangin, handing over authority to the US Marine Corps in September. Immediately after the transfer,


through Taunton on November 17. ● Left: Royal Marines of 40 Commando arrive home at Ex- eter Airport in Devon; they were then carried by bus back to their unit


near Taunton to a welcome from friends and family; (below): Sgt Danny Smith celebrates his return with son Oliver


at Norton Manor Camp, 40 Commando will parade With Charlie Company already c


said: “The men were outstanding, as always, and it


Capt Matt Shaw RM illuminating Their mission was to get to


Pictures: LA(Phot) Kyle Heller


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