CASUALTIES FROM OP HERRICK

Many people are aware that other Army regiments based in Northern Ireland are deployed in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK. Aftercare Service is retaining links with these and providing moral support where appropriate, not least because we have been through the same process with 1 and 2 R IRISH on previous deployments; and because there are also local soldiers now serving with, for example, 2 RIFLES in Ballykinler and 2 MERCIAN in Holywood as well as other supporting units both Regular and Territorial.

There have been inquiries from the general public about how best to express support to these other units, apart from offering condolences and sympathy for casualties incurred. One method is to send a donation to provide comforts for the wounded as they recover from their injuries in various hospitals. (2 RIFLES, for example, are issuing each wounded soldier a commemorative “hoodie” which adds esprit de corps and raises a smile.) If anyone would like to contribute but is unsure how to go about it, either contact the local Field Team or send donations to HQ Aftercare Service, Anderson House, HOLYWOOD, Co Down BT18 9QA where they will be properly processed and receipts issued.

This is not a plea for donations, merely information in response to questions asked by the good people of Northern Ireland who may wish to make a gesture to our military colleagues.