Helmand Mission: With the Roya

After celebrating St. Patrick’s Day 2008, 1st Royal Irish Battlegroup deployed to Afghanistan’s Helmand province as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade. For six months the Royal Irish fought the Taliban in Helmand in some of the most difficult country on earth. At the same time the Battlegroup was training the nascent Afghan National Army (ANA) and many of its engagements were alongside Afghan soldiers. Well trained and with an operational maturity gained from deployments in every year but one since 1998, they were considered the unit in 16 Air Assault Brigade best suited to the critical task of mentoring the ANA. One company deployed with 2 PARA Battlegroup in the Sangin valley. Its soldiers saw intense action against the Taliban, especially through the latter’s use of IED’s (Improvised Explosive Devices). Another company was given the task of ensuring the safe passage of an additional generator for the Kajaki dam and was involved in heavy fighting while so doing. TA soldiers from 2 R Irish formed Imjin Company which provided security but also deployed on wider tasks. Professionalism, high levels of trust and the unique humor of Irish soldiers ensured that they had a successful tour and accomplished their missions.

This is the stirring story of a regimental family at war and of those who sustained them, including their remarkable chaplain, Padre Albert Jackson, and the rear party which supported the families, especially those whose fathers or sons suffered injury or death. Above all, it is the story of a highly professional unit demonstrating its skills to the world and helping make Afghanistan a better place for its people.

Richard Doherty is recognised as Ireland's leading military history author. He is the author of The Thin Green Line The History of the RUC GC, In the Ranks of Death, and Helmand Mission With the Royal Irish Battlegroup in Afghanistan 2008 and numerous other titles with Pen and Sword Books. He lives near Londonderry