Soldiers tell of service in Iraq

By Will Ockendon, Northants Evening Telegraph

Soldiers from the Northampton region who are serving in war-torn Iraq have spoken about their experiences.

Private Martyn Roach, 26, from Wellingborough, and Private Danny Towns, 19, from Kettering, are helping to train members of the Iraqi security forces.

Pte Roach said: "Training the Iraqis has not been too bad and sometimes it is quite fun. We did an exercise where I played the enemy and the Iraqis had to come and capture me and throw me on their wagon.They were so happy to speak to me and know where I was from and hear all about it. They are really friendly."

Pte Towns said: "It's been good doing the training days but I was expecting to be a bit more active, especially in the infantry."Teaching the Iraqis how to do strike operations was good fun."

For the full story click here for the Northants Evening Telegraph

Iraqi Commandos in Basra

150 Iraqi troops are training to become Commandos under the watchful eyes of soldiers from the Poachers. The training being undertaken by the Commando Company is more physically demanding than infantry training and goes further to instill the sense of teamwork essential in any military force.

“We aim to give the Iraqi army a lasting legacy of well qualified training staff with first class facilities that will provide a self-reliant training institution for the future,” said Major Simon Worthy, of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment (The Poachers)

County soldiers 'provide enduring legacy' in Iraq

The work of Northamptonshire's soldiers, who have been in Basra to mentor, train and advise the Iraqi army, will provide an "enduring legacy" in the war-torn country.

Soldiers from 2 Royal Anglian and 9th/12th Lancers have been living and working alongside the Iraqi Security Forces in the province since May, providing training courses and protection to the country's army.

To read the full article on the Northampton Chronicle and Echo website click here.

Poachers praised for role in Iraq

Army boss speaks of pride for soldiers of the 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
As around 100 Bedfordshire soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment near the halfway point of their operational tour in Iraq, Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Simon Browne has spoken of his pride in them.

Full story on Bedford Today