Shropshire Star

Surprise for Shropshire RAF firefighter in Afghanistan as he chats to PM

An RAF firefighter based in Afghanistan found himself discussing his working day with Prime Minister David Cameron.

Published

The PM was in Camp Bastion last week as part of his visit to Afghanistan.

And among the servicemen he met was Corporal Graham Fowels, from Whitchurch.

Corporal Fowels said the Prime Minister was particularly interested in how they worked in the extreme heat.

The 30-year-old has been an RAF firefighter for 10 years and is on his second tour of Afghanistan.

Corporal Fowels said: "I was quite surprised when he stopped, turned around and started chatting to us.

"It puts a personal edge on the thank you in him being here, face-to-face, rather than just getting someone else to tell you he says thanks."

Mr Cameron visited the camp as part of a visit to Kabul to meet Afghanistan's newly inaugurated President Ashraf Ghani.

The Prime Minster was visiting the camp for perhaps the final time before before all UK troops leave the country, ending a UK engagement that has lasted since 2001.

In an address given outside the Royal Air Force's 903 Expeditionary Air Wing Headquarters, Mr Cameron said that it should be remembered that all those who are serving or have served in Afghanistan had made the UK and the rest of the world a safer place.

Mr Cameron added: "I think you should be incredibly proud of the work you have done. Afghanistan has a chance of a peaceful and prosperous and secure country and that is because of the incredible work you have done.

"You need to know as you prepare to go home that your country is incredibly proud of you, incredibly grateful for everything you have done and knows what a debt of gratitude we owe you for keeping all of us safe."

He went on to give examples of bravery by serviceman, including Chinook pilot Flight Lieutenant Ian Fortune, who managed to land safely having been shot in the head and then – to the amazement of the Prime Minister – returned to work just two days later.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.