Brigadier Rtn Tony Calder Army Experiences
Speaker meeting 20-May-10 U B T
nlike in the present conflict there were nowhere near as many
casualties, but there were some and these had to be airlifted out by helicopter. In a strange way the men quite enjoyed the posting and this was probably one of the last conflicts where there were no journal- ists on the scene.
y contrast the local regiments the Vikings- the 1st. Battalion of the East
Anglian Regiment - are currently stationed in Afghanistan where conditions are rather different. Here the environment is very flat, with some vegetation plus villages surrounded by high walls. It is the close proximity of the local population which makes this operation more difficult.
here is much more close quarter fighting, sometimes a mere 20 metres
apart. However, despite some of the scaremongering of the press, the equipment is light years away from that which the army was using in his day. The aircraft support is so sophisticated with GPS guided bombs for long-range very accurate attacks, and direct support from fighters using cannon and rocket fire. There is much more use of helicopters and there is that wonder of modern science - night vision goggles. Air support is used much more these days.
T
he personal kit was so much different too, with fantastic rifles and
weaponry .On the down side the kit weighs in the region 80lbs. and if you are operat- ing in temperatures of more than 80o the modern soldier has to be every fit. Tony‟s youngest son lost 3 stone when he was fighting in that conflict. Support weapons
are also excellent but with that excellence in technology there is a price tag and some bombs cost as much as £100,000 each.
T T T
he latest vehicle, the Mastiff, is fantastic and much safer than the
earlier vehicles which quite rightly came in for so much criticism early in the campaign. The final difference between the two campaigns is the number of casualties, and with a 25% rate in the current conflict, this is a big problem.
ony finished his gripping account by quoting from a young private from the
„C‟ Essex Company who, despite suffering very serious injuries , felt that they had to „get the job done‟ and was very proud to serve in the modern British Army.
ony said that however we may feel about the rights and wrongs of the
campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan we ought to feel proud of the way our young soldiers conduct themselves, and remember that we should consider supporting the army Benevolent Fund who, in turn, help those injured and provide them with the support that they will need for the rest of their lives.
A
sobering thought upon which to dwell after such a riveting talk.
Editors comment. I set out to make a few notes as a basis for my vote of thanks but so fascinating were the facts that came out, I just could not stop writ- ing. Even so, I know I probably left out as much as I included in my notes, and do so hope that this account does justice to The Brigadier who received a very warm round of applause from the members of our club.
Story Supplied by George Larkey 9
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