Seasonal message from Afghanistan

A WARRINGTON soldier serving in southern Afghanistan has sent a Christmas message to his family and friends at home.
Craftsman Craig Ashton, 24, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers serving with 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh (2 R WELSH) sends a message to loved ones and thanks all those who have supported the troops with welfare boxes.
Craig, (pictured) is serving a six-month tour in Afghanistan.
He said: “For my fiancé, family and friends, just a quick message to say I hope you all have a great Christmas and a happy New Year. I miss you all and hope to see you soon when I’m back on R&R (Rest and Recuperation).”
Soldiers of A Company 2 R WELSH are currently five months into a seven-month tour, a month longer than most operational tours in Afghanistan as they were deployed early for the summer elections.
Based at the southernmost point of Battle Group North West’s influence in Helmand, they are living and working at the front line, holding ground and supporting operations.
Their biggest threat is Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) – they found 14 over a 24-hour period in their last major operation.
Company Commander Major Huw Jones said: “The threat of IEDs reshape everything that we do – they effect where and how we patrol. We lost two soldiers to IEDs in the Company.
“It’s a very effective enemy tactic, but also a cowardly one. The guys show immense courage going out every day in what is effectively a minefield. It’s quite remarkable, but the number of IEDs we now find shows how prepared we are now. Having that connection with home is very important. Parcels, letters and emails all matter a lot to us out here.”
Pictured: Craig writing his mesage home