Coldstream Guards safeguard Kabul schoolchildren, 2 April 2008
As the Coldstream Guards prepared to return home to Windsor, Major Wayne Hennessey Barratt - Officer Commanding of 1 Company summarised their last six months at their base at Camp Souter, Kabul.
'We have tried to blend security and consent winning activities or rather humanitarian activities, so that we are improving security but also making life better for the people of Kabul'.
Major Hennessey spoke of the achievements of 1 Company at the opening of the 'Coldstream Bridge', a footbridge over the notorious Jalalabad Road 'The bridge has been our primary project and we are delighted to be able to deliver it before we leave'. The project, a product of the combined efforts of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Coldstream Guards Civilian and Military Cooperation (CIMIC) team was completed in just six weeks and now allows school children to safely walk to the Qabel Bey School.
CIMIC Officer Captain Pete Dale who together with Mr Rab Mackenzie of the FCO represent the British efforts behind the construction of the bridge described the many other projects that the Guards have delivered; 'the positive dialogue that we have enjoyed with both the FCO and the Afghan authorities has led to the construction of water wells, road building projects and the hosting of medical clinics for the local population' adding that 'the Coldstream Guards are guests in this country and we must engender the Afghan people with the knowledge to do things for themselves'.
Initiated by the school's principal - Abdul Ramaan Noor and Mayor Qurushi, the Jalalabad road has been the scene of the deaths of 25 school children from road traffic accidents. Speaking at the opening ceremony Mayor Qurushi said 'I want to thank you all - the British personnel in Afghanistan for all that they are doing for the country' adding that 'I hope Principal Noor will escort every child across our new bridge - all 2000 of them!'.
Presenting certificates to Mayor Qurushi, Principal Noor and Engineer Nizarniza - Brigadier Henderson, Commanding Officer of 102 Logistics Brigade said of the project 'even though this is a small contribution - it most certainly will not be the last and we look forward to being able to work with you and with all of the Afghan authorities to improve the lives of the people of Kabul'.
The Coldstream Guards complete their six month tour of duty in Kabul having made a significant contribution to the security and well being of the Afghan people. 1 Company represented the British contribution to the UN mandated International Security and Assistance Force in Kabul and was specifically tasked to stabilise the British Sector. As Major Hennessey Barratt described 'We have been very fortunate in having a number of effects on the insurgency here, namely a marked decline in the terrorist incidents within the British Sector' adding that 'We are very happy to make a significant contribution to a safer and more secure Kabul'.
Speaking of the Coldstream Guards imminent arrival in the UK, Major Hennessey Barratt said 'I think firstly and fore mostly we look forward to saying hello to our wives and loved ones and to the people of Windsor where we are based. Adding that 'we are having a homecoming parade which will be a great honour and privilege to be part of and just really trying to come home in style'.
'We have tried to blend security and consent winning activities or rather humanitarian activities, so that we are improving security but also making life better for the people of Kabul'.
Major Hennessey spoke of the achievements of 1 Company at the opening of the 'Coldstream Bridge', a footbridge over the notorious Jalalabad Road 'The bridge has been our primary project and we are delighted to be able to deliver it before we leave'. The project, a product of the combined efforts of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Coldstream Guards Civilian and Military Cooperation (CIMIC) team was completed in just six weeks and now allows school children to safely walk to the Qabel Bey School.
CIMIC Officer Captain Pete Dale who together with Mr Rab Mackenzie of the FCO represent the British efforts behind the construction of the bridge described the many other projects that the Guards have delivered; 'the positive dialogue that we have enjoyed with both the FCO and the Afghan authorities has led to the construction of water wells, road building projects and the hosting of medical clinics for the local population' adding that 'the Coldstream Guards are guests in this country and we must engender the Afghan people with the knowledge to do things for themselves'.
Initiated by the school's principal - Abdul Ramaan Noor and Mayor Qurushi, the Jalalabad road has been the scene of the deaths of 25 school children from road traffic accidents. Speaking at the opening ceremony Mayor Qurushi said 'I want to thank you all - the British personnel in Afghanistan for all that they are doing for the country' adding that 'I hope Principal Noor will escort every child across our new bridge - all 2000 of them!'.
Presenting certificates to Mayor Qurushi, Principal Noor and Engineer Nizarniza - Brigadier Henderson, Commanding Officer of 102 Logistics Brigade said of the project 'even though this is a small contribution - it most certainly will not be the last and we look forward to being able to work with you and with all of the Afghan authorities to improve the lives of the people of Kabul'.
The Coldstream Guards complete their six month tour of duty in Kabul having made a significant contribution to the security and well being of the Afghan people. 1 Company represented the British contribution to the UN mandated International Security and Assistance Force in Kabul and was specifically tasked to stabilise the British Sector. As Major Hennessey Barratt described 'We have been very fortunate in having a number of effects on the insurgency here, namely a marked decline in the terrorist incidents within the British Sector' adding that 'We are very happy to make a significant contribution to a safer and more secure Kabul'.
Speaking of the Coldstream Guards imminent arrival in the UK, Major Hennessey Barratt said 'I think firstly and fore mostly we look forward to saying hello to our wives and loved ones and to the people of Windsor where we are based. Adding that 'we are having a homecoming parade which will be a great honour and privilege to be part of and just really trying to come home in style'.
