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01/10/2009
Afghanistan Veterans 'Troop Back'
Despite losing five men while in war-torn Afghanistan, there was an air of celebration yesterday when the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment returned to its NI base.
About 70 soldiers from the regiment have flown into NI after finishing their six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
The soldiers were reunited with their families living at Palace Barracks in Holywood, Co Down.
They were involved in Operation Panther's Claw and worked with the Afghan National Army in Helmand.
There were five soldiers who didn't come home however, including Acting Sergeant Michael Lockett, 29, from Devizes, Wiltshire, who was killed in an explosion there earlier this month.
This is the third tour of Afghanistan the battalion, made up of soldiers from Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, has made in the last four years.
This weekend there will also see the homecoming of another regiment, this time the tragedy-hit 38 Engineering Regiment, whose departure from their NI barracks in Antrim town was marred by the brutal murder of two of their members.
Sappers Patrick Azimkar and Mark Quinsey were both shot dead outside Massereene Barracks by the Real IRA, just hours before they were due to fly out.
One of those killed in Afghanistan later was also a member of 38 Engineer Regiment.
In May, Jordan Rossi, 22, from Basildon, West Yorkshire, was killed after he was caught in the explosion near Sangin, in Helmand Province.
There are conflicting reports over a planned counter-demonstration against an official homecoming parade in Antrim on Saturday.
It was being organized by republican supporters, a development that has been widely condemned.
See: Sappers' Tragedy Recalled In New Death
See: Bail For Massereene Suspect
(BMcC/KMcA)
About 70 soldiers from the regiment have flown into NI after finishing their six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
The soldiers were reunited with their families living at Palace Barracks in Holywood, Co Down.
They were involved in Operation Panther's Claw and worked with the Afghan National Army in Helmand.
There were five soldiers who didn't come home however, including Acting Sergeant Michael Lockett, 29, from Devizes, Wiltshire, who was killed in an explosion there earlier this month.
This is the third tour of Afghanistan the battalion, made up of soldiers from Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, has made in the last four years.
This weekend there will also see the homecoming of another regiment, this time the tragedy-hit 38 Engineering Regiment, whose departure from their NI barracks in Antrim town was marred by the brutal murder of two of their members.
Sappers Patrick Azimkar and Mark Quinsey were both shot dead outside Massereene Barracks by the Real IRA, just hours before they were due to fly out.
One of those killed in Afghanistan later was also a member of 38 Engineer Regiment.
In May, Jordan Rossi, 22, from Basildon, West Yorkshire, was killed after he was caught in the explosion near Sangin, in Helmand Province.
There are conflicting reports over a planned counter-demonstration against an official homecoming parade in Antrim on Saturday.
It was being organized by republican supporters, a development that has been widely condemned.
See: Sappers' Tragedy Recalled In New Death
See: Bail For Massereene Suspect
(BMcC/KMcA)
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21 August 2009
NI-Based Trooper Dies In Afghanistan
It has emerged that one of the two soldiers killed by an explosion in Afghanistan yesterday was from a Co Down-based regiment. The soldier - based in Ballykinler - and a colleague from another regiment were killed while on a routine foot patrol near Sangin, in Helmand province, on Thursday. Their families have been informed.
NI-Based Trooper Dies In Afghanistan
It has emerged that one of the two soldiers killed by an explosion in Afghanistan yesterday was from a Co Down-based regiment. The soldier - based in Ballykinler - and a colleague from another regiment were killed while on a routine foot patrol near Sangin, in Helmand province, on Thursday. Their families have been informed.
24 July 2008
Soldier Dies In Further Afghan Carnage
Days after Royal Irish Regiment soldiers were injured in an explosion in Afghanistan, a colleague has been killed in a further deadly bomb attack. The soldier who died was a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), on attachment to the Parachute Regiment.
Soldier Dies In Further Afghan Carnage
Days after Royal Irish Regiment soldiers were injured in an explosion in Afghanistan, a colleague has been killed in a further deadly bomb attack. The soldier who died was a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), on attachment to the Parachute Regiment.
02 December 2009
Edward At Cathedral For Commemoration
A thanksgiving service for the Army's Ulster-based 19 Light Brigade has taken place at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast. Her Majesty The Queen was represented by HRH The Earl of Wessex who is Royal Colonel of 2nd Battalion, The Rifles.
Edward At Cathedral For Commemoration
A thanksgiving service for the Army's Ulster-based 19 Light Brigade has taken place at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast. Her Majesty The Queen was represented by HRH The Earl of Wessex who is Royal Colonel of 2nd Battalion, The Rifles.
27 July 2006
RIR soldiers to be sent to Afghanistan
Around 60 Royal Irish Regiment soldiers are to be sent to Afghanistan as part of military reinforcements tasked to the region. The soldiers, who are all from the RIR's first battalion, are to travel to the Helmand province where they will serve with the Parachute Regiment, as part of the 16 Air Assault Brigade.
RIR soldiers to be sent to Afghanistan
Around 60 Royal Irish Regiment soldiers are to be sent to Afghanistan as part of military reinforcements tasked to the region. The soldiers, who are all from the RIR's first battalion, are to travel to the Helmand province where they will serve with the Parachute Regiment, as part of the 16 Air Assault Brigade.
10 February 2011
NI Soldier Hurt In Deadly Afghanistan Attack
There's an NI link emerging today from news of further casualties in Afghanistan. While two soldiers from The Parachute Regiment have been killed in a shoot-out, there are local reports that a third soldier - who comes from Newtownabbey in Co Antrim - is seriously ill with stomach wounds sustained in the same tragic incident.
NI Soldier Hurt In Deadly Afghanistan Attack
There's an NI link emerging today from news of further casualties in Afghanistan. While two soldiers from The Parachute Regiment have been killed in a shoot-out, there are local reports that a third soldier - who comes from Newtownabbey in Co Antrim - is seriously ill with stomach wounds sustained in the same tragic incident.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
