the blue hackle, edition 8

4 SCOTS The Blue Hackle

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‘Disciplined and Ready’

Commanding Officer’s Foreword

The last month has been about closing down bases and handing them over to the Afghans and the Americans. There has been a palpable sense of purpose to this activity as it was the key event of the tour so far and the Battalion in command of two of the bases to be closed was at the centre of it. The QM, Major Gary Tait, was at the centre of things and in his element, as the several photos in this edition show – but it was the team effort from across the Task Force that made the difference and meant the complicated plan ran smoothly.

We have now said goodbye to Task Force Helmand and 7th Armoured Brigade and transferred under the command of Regional Command (South West) and the US Marine Corps. This is a pretty significant change that affects us all especially as we have grown as a Battlegroup and welcomed the 9/12 Lancers and 2 RANGLIAN into the fold. I know many of you will be thinking why have we not come home yet and your ‘tour’ body clock is out of synch. But there is still a very important job to do to help the Afghans during their election period and the early summer, and in supporting the recovery of the last bases left in Central Helmand. This is why we are here longer than others, but, I know this is difficult to explain to young children.

Have a happy Easter and we will produce a couple more of these before we leave theatre.

Commanding Officer 4 SCOTS: Lt Col J C Roddis MBE

Soldiers from 4 SCOTS board their final flight out of Patrol Base Lashkar Gah Durai.


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Just Giving Thank you to everyone that has made a donation to our Just Giving page this month, with a whopping

£1230 being donated! This takes our total so far

on Herrick 19 to £3,658.55.

From Caribbean Nights and International Food Day, 4 SCOTS wristband sales, UK Family briefings and Nuclear Blackout runs, as well as individual donations, it is great to see everyone’s hard work and fundraising efforts becoming such a great success. Please keep spreading the word to all your friends and family of the fantastic work the Royal Regiment of Scotland Association does and how important it is that we continue to help them to help our Jocks. Visit our page and donate today!

www.justgiving.com/4SCOTS


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Manoeuvre Battlegroup For the Manoeuvre Battlegroup, the month of March has been dominated by the activities to successfully complete the Base Redeployment And Closure/Transfer (BRAC/T) of our two outstations; Patrol Base Lashkar Gah Durai and Main Operating Base Price. The task to redeploy all troops from these locations was always going to be completed by the 4 SCOTS led Battlegroup, and the first 6 months of Herrick 19 has been used by the BGLO, Major Gary Tait, to construct a workable plan.

In the end, both Lashkar Gah Durai and Price were transferred to other forces, being the Afghan National Army and the US Marine Corps respectively, but that did not make the logistical task of redeploying our troops any less epic. Hundreds of tonnes of kit and equipment; from AAA batteries to vehicle spares, air-conditioning units and shower facilities, tents, gym kit, rations, flooring, water, ammunition, a myriad of ISO containers, as well as the soldiers, all needed to be brought back to Bastion as part of a detailed plan. The idea is that on the final day, at the chosen time, everyone and everything left in the base can simply get in the vehicles they have and drive out…it is far easier said than done.

While the logistical plan was developed and led by Major Tait, the Battlegroup also had the task of protecting the forces that were conducting the remediation work. Over a 2½ week period, the Danish Tank Platoon, Estonian Company, Armoured Infantry Company, Price Force Protection Platoon, Delta Company and CO’s TAC all deployed in depth to the bases to ensure the soldiers within remained safe from the enemy.

Major Tait stands proudly in front of his Log Enabler.

Hldr Secka was one of D Company to deploy to Lashkar Gah Durai.

The bases become ‘desert leaguers behind HESCO’.


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While it was the Manoeuvre Battlegroup that helped protect the US Northern Retrograde over the New Year, it was the US Marine Corps that assisted us with ours this month. In typical American style they ‘went big’ and bought a significant number of vehicles and troops to help move our kit out.

One benefit of empting a base, however, is that you are suddenly left with vast expanses of open ground inside the perimeter for activities – such as the Jocks playing the US Marines at baseball.

The inaugural ‘Jocks vs. Yanks’ baseball match in the Lashkar Gah Durai Stadium.

The Americans can always be relied upon to turn up in good numbers.


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TFBW Force Protection Multiple

It has been a tough past couple of months for the teams on the towers; the number of Jocks and commanders away on R&R has been at its peak, resulting in prolonged periods on the towers without rest for the remainder. This, coupled with the worst weather the winter has thrown at us, has tested the Jocks’ resolve.

There has been plenty of change over the last few weeks; the sudden and significant increase in temperature and sunshine has seen the Jocks emerge from hibernation. We have also bid farewell to seven members of the multiple and we welcome seven new members in their place.

Cpl McDermott has been called upon to resume his post with Delta Company. They deployed as the Manoeuvre Battle Group’s Protected Mobility Company and he will fulfil the role of a dismounted section commander – his dream of getting out of the gate and onto the ground can now come true and I know he will

A timeless shot of Jocks then and now - situation no change; still shnoot’n!

Hldr Nayackalou, Cpl Glasgow, Hldr Grant and LCpl Martin - the first wave of the new team deploying by TATA onto the towers.

The new team look on as the old and bold demo a CASEVAC onto the Quad.


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throw himself into the role with the same amount of enthusiasm as he displayed working as part of our team. We welcome Cpl Glasgow in his place. LCpl Carry returns to civilian life in Ayrshire having originally deployed from 6 SCOTS to Afghanistan with A Company 4 SCOTS back in August. During that time he helped run the Zeroing Range as part of one of the Permanent Range Teams delivering the RSOI package to the Brigade Relief in Place. LCpl Martin takes his place as one of the Tower Commanders.

Highlanders Agnew, Meiklejohn, Moffat, Ross and Scott have returned to Fallingbostel early for some well-deserved post-tour leave, prior to resuming their duties as part of Assaye Company. In their place we welcome Highlanders Atherton-Wilson, Grant 11, Nayackalou, Marie and Townsend. LCpl Cossar enjoyed an extended R&R so as to accommodate a period of paternity leave, taken in anticipation of the birth of his second daughter. The tension built as the days past and with only a few days to go, Caris was born fit and healthy! On return, Cossar has channelled his enthusiasm into his DIY.

Eight years as a joiner prior to joining the Infantry has come flooding back to him and he has been knocking up all sorts of projects to build-up and personalise the towers. ‘One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure’ couldn’t be more true as LCpl Cossar descended upon a nearby heap of rubbish like a tramp on chips! Shuttling a variety of wood and junk back to his tower he has quickly knocked up some wooden decking and a picnic bench from which to enjoy alfresco dinners in the warm evenings! We look forward to the onset of spring and summer, only a few months to go until we finish the task and still with a few changes ahead to look forward to.

Stig of the Dump!

The steps it took for LCpl Cossar to create his dream picnic-table and summer decking! Hldrs Marie and Townsend enjoy.


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Commander Task Force Helmand Visits the RCBS

This month saw the RCBS be visited by Commander Task Force Helmand. The commander appeared to enjoy his visit and was thoroughly impressed by the continued progress of the Afghans and the on-going commitment and support from the RCBS team. The visit was conducted at Camp Shorobak, the Afghan camp located next to Bastion,

initially seeing warriors in training in the classroom before joining them on the ranges to see one of their live firing practices of various weapon systems. Throughout his time with the RCBS, the commander was able to witness first-hand the valuable contributions of B Company’s soldiers in the support to the Afghan’s training. It was the final time that the Brigade Commander would visit the RCBS before 7th Armoured Brigade’s Headquarters depart theatre.

Major Kelmanson and Cpl Botto escorted Commander TFH to Shorobak.

The commander and his entourage joined the ANA at the ranges.

LCpl Burns explains to the commander the SPG9 weapon system.


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Afghanistan Nation Army (ANA) Logistics at the RCBS You will have read in previous editions, all about the excellent work that is getting carried out by the instructors from B Company within the Regional Corps Battle School (RCBS). It is my responsibility to ensure that they have all the relevant kit, and equipment to do so. I do this by advising mentoring and assisting the ANA S4, who is the equivalent of our Quartermaster in 4 SCOTS. The main concern that arises within the RCBS is that they do not have much of the kit needed, meaning that we find ourselves having to beg and borrow from others. The Operational fight is their priority, and rightly so; however we are trying to get them to understand that training the right people with the correct kit and equipment is just as important.

Working the Afghan Logistics is done in the same way that we do in the British Army, with the exception that it is all done in Afghan time; which is “why do it today when we can do it tomorrow” and nothing is ever a problem, until the problem arises. In saying that; my ANA counterpart is a very experienced Officer who has been around for an age; he fully understands what the Regional Corps Battle School is about and his role within it. All I do is point him in the right direction, and mentor him through his process.

Company scribe: Captain Gordon Law

Captain Gordon Law with his Afghan S4 counterpart.


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Delta Company February started with the company together on CFX in Norfolk and ended with the company formed up together in Afghanistan…but for most of the month the Company was split to the 4 winds between Brize Norton, Sennelager, Fallingbostel and Camp Bastion.

CSgt Taylor, Cpl Singleton and a small team have been busy all month taking over ‘Camp 121’, our Mastiff vehicles and the company’s equipment. They have done a fantastic job and the company is now fully equipped and ready for our first operation. Concurrently, in Sennelager, elements of the company completed ‘CSTTX’. This is a large planning exercise under the ‘Collective Training Groups’ watchful eye. We took this opportunity to put the platoon signallers through their paces, under the guidance of Cpl Hiagi.

Sgt Robertson managed the deployment of the company equipment from Fallingbostel, sacrificing his long weekend in the hunt for all the equipment required…Sorry Vicky!

Despite many setbacks, D Company finally boarded the flight from Brize Norton to Afghanistan.

CSM Traynor enjoying the view during an aviation recce of the local area.

Hldlrs Hayes, Kirby, Finnie pose for their 'Charile’s Angles' photo.


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As ever the airbridge was ‘taught’, and most of the company were delayed by up to a week flying to theatre. This led to a very busy week on arrival in order to hit our ‘initial operational capability’ date of 28th February.

Not wasting any time, the company deployed forward to Lashkar Gah Durai on 28th February, to assist with the closure of the Patrol Base. We spent 8 days protecting Durai whilst key equipment was stripped out and last minute negotiations were conducted with the Afghan National Army (ANA) for the handover of part of the base as a new ANA Check Point. On the night of the 8th March, Delta Company led the final convoy out of Durai. The convoy consisted of 71

vehicles, 252 personnel, and stretched 5km along the Highway. All safely reached Bastion early on 9th March.

The Company then re-deployed to FOB Price on 10th March. C Company, 3 MERCIAN had been protecting Price since October. 13 & 15 Platoons relieved C Company of their tasks to enable them to extract. Again, the Patrol Base was collapsed around us, though this time it was handed over to the US Marine Corps. On 15th March Delta Company again led the final convoy out of Price, recovering all personnel and equipment back to Bastion in good order.

Officer Commanding Delta Company: Major Will Colquhoun

CSgt Jardine, Captain Law, Sgt Robertson and Lt Hill discuss the plan in PB Lashkar Gah Durai.

Contractors arrive at Lashkar Gah Durai (left) and Hldrs Bundy and Mackie take a break from Mastiff Vehicle drills (right).


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Commonwealth Day

This month saw 38 soldiers of the Battalion from 15 different countries, who are currently deployed to Afghanistan, join Service colleagues to mark Commonwealth Day on 10th March. Personnel from Commonwealth member states serving with the UK Armed Forces continue to play important roles in Afghanistan. Sgt Ettano Joseph is a Combat Medical Sergeant serving with 4 SCOTS. Originally from St Vincent, he joined the British Army in 2003 after his best friend suggested it to him. He said: “It was a good opportunity for me to get away to see something different and try something different. My first posting was good. I got used to working with different people; the British culture. I didn’t like the food, but I’m quite easy going, I think most of us are.” LCpl Jeffery Louison is a Mastiff 3 Commander with D Company 4 SCOTS in Afghanistan. He is originally from Grenada and joined the British Army in 2010. He said: “At first I was the only one from Grenada in 4 SCOTS, but I met guys from St Lucia and St Vincent, which is pretty much the same so we all got along. As 4 SCOTS and some of 5 SCOTS have merged together I’ve met one of my school mates from back home. I’ve got mates back home who are not working or have part time jobs. So it was a really good decision for me to come over.” Commonwealth Day aims to promote understanding on global issues and international co-operation. As well as the Commonwealth soldiers in the Battalion, there are soldiers from South Africa in the REME, as well as medics from Malawi and Ghana working in Afghanistan. The 38 soldiers from the Battalion who joined the media for a photograph are from 15 different countries. They are Fiji, South Africa, Gambia, St Vincent, St Lucia, India, Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, New Zealand, Grenada, Belize, Tanzania, Cameroon and Zambia.


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General Graham bows out after last visit to 4 SCOTS Lieutenant General Andrew Graham CB, CBE has retired from his honorary appointment as Colonel of the Regiment of the Royal Regiment of Scotland passing the titular baton to Major General James Cowan, a serving officer who commands the 3rd (United Kingdom) Division.

The Colonel of the Regiment is the organisation’s senior officer, appointed by Her Majesty The Queen, with responsibility for its overall well-being of that of its people. General Graham’s last official act after seven years holding the position was to visit the Rear Operations Group (ROG) of 4 SCOTS in Fallingbostel in Germany to see how they are supporting their colleagues from the Heavy Protected Mobility Infantry Battalion currently deployed to Helmand Province on Operation HERRICK 19 and on Exercise in Jordan. During his visit to Fallingbostel, General Graham was able to speak to wives and partners of 4 SCOTS soldiers about the welfare arrangements that are in place to support them while their loved ones are deployed.

General Graham visited the Motor Transport section responsible for keeping the Battalion on the road at an

exceptionally busy time and met boxers from the Battalion training hard ahead of a busy programme of fixtures. The high point of his trip was a short ceremony in the Sergeant’s Mess during which General Graham presented Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to Warrant Officer 2 (WO2) Smith and Sgt MacDonald. General Graham is late of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s) and was appointed as Colonel of that Regiment in 2000. He retired from the Army in October 2011. He continues in the role of Colonel Commandant of the Infantry to which he was

appointed in September 2013. He is also President of the Army Cadet Force Association and Chairman of Trustees of Combat Stress.

General Graham enjoyed a coffee in Hectors with the wives and partners.

WO2 Smith and Sgt MacDonald received their LS&GC medals.


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In a letter to the Regiment General Graham said: “I am very proud to have been a part of the Regiment as it approaches its eighth birthday. This is

an organisation which is justifiably confident in its ability, character and quality and in the ability, character and quality of its people. “I know that everyone will support General James [Cowan], the Regimental Headquarters team, the Council and, above all, the serving men who do what Scottish Infantry Regiments of the Line have done for almost four centuries in service of monarch and country, that is to say to soldier with style, great courage, complete attention to the needs of the Jocks, and unmatched commitment, determination and pride in their Regiment.”

General Graham is shown the Highlanders’ Memorial Stone.


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HECTOR’S On Sunday 23rd February, the St Barbara’s Bks restaurant hosted a Sunday lunch. The Blue Hackle Club was going to be used, with the bar open and entertainment for

the children.

However, due to the vast numbers that booked to come, the feeding was switched to the cookhouse. Following the food, the bar was reopened and a magician continued to perform tricks; to the excitement of all the children. The chefs have to be congratulated for the excellent food that was produced and served. It was a great day and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The next Sunday lunch for be for Mother’s Day at the end of March.

4 SCOTS has also seen the final visit to the Battalion of General Graham before he handed over his role as Colonel of the Regiment to General Cowan. General Graham got to meet various members of 4 SCOTS and was also hosted for the evening in the Blue Hackle Club. The General showed that he still liked to party, with the bar being kept open into the wee small hours. He was also present at the wives coffee morning, where he chatted to loads of wives and even heard war stories from Mrs Sandra Differ; who had spent 4 months in Afghanistan working for the EFI. To finish off his visit, General Graham was presented a Poppy (handmade) from Mrs Anna Mckay, complete with Royal Regiment of Scotland button and Tartan ribbon. During

The Sunday Lunch was very popular with excellent food from the chefs.

Everyone loves a good Magician.

General Graham was well hosted in the Blue Hackle Club.


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lunch in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess he was also presented with a Banner to commemorate his visit to 4 SCOTS. The Blue Hackle Club has been open to the whole Battalion left in Fallingbostel to watch sporting events such as the rugby, football and boxing. The club will be open again for the boxing grudge fight between Foch and Groves.

Skiing and walking in the Harz Mountains made for a great ‘activity weekend’.

Members of the wives club have also been treated to an activity weekend this month, which started with skiing lessons in the Snowdome. The remainder of the weekend took place in the Harz Mountains, where they did some walking, had a go on the toboggan and ended with a relaxing day at the pool. The wives that went are already planning their next trip.

Unit Welfare Officer: Captain Billy McLaren


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Celebrity Support for 4 SCOTS This month’s celebrity support for the Highlanders comes in the form of Ron Weasley’s stunt

double; singer song-writer Ed Sheeran. Ed flew into Camp Bastion for a 3 day visit and to

perform as the headline act in 2 concerts for troops. During his days in Afghanistan, Ed would visit the various units in Camp Bastion to see what we get up to, play a few impromptu songs and make sure the soldiers who want photographs get them. As you can see from the pictures below, he seemed to enjoy spending time among blue hackles.


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If you know a Celebrity or just see someone famous in the street, then tell them about our fundraising during H19 and get a photograph of them showing their support. Send your ‘Celebrity Supporter’ pictures to [email protected] and let’s see who appears on the pages of next month’s Blue Hackle.

mailto:[email protected]


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Other Photographs This Month


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the blue hackle, edition 8

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