Shropshire soldiers return to Afghanistan

Shropshire soldiers deployed to Afghanistan have declared that they are anxious to get on the front line.

More than 120 soldiers from A Company left their base at Clive Barracks, Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, in support of Operation Herrick 13.

And for some of the soldiers being deployed this will be their second or third tour of Afghanistan while for others it will be their first.

Ranger Ciaran Curran, 25, who will be on his first tour of Afghanistan, said: "I don't fear the fighting. The biggest threat will be the improvised explosive devices.

"The training has been very good, but now I am just anxious to get out there.

"It will take a bit of time to settle in, but then things will hopefully get easier.

"As a first timer you look to the guys that have been to the country before."

Twins Peter and Darren Mawhinney, 20, are going out for the second time and said they were glad to be able to support each other.

Ranger Peter Mawhinney said: "It is great that we are going out there together to offer each support and share the experience.

"I think it is easier going out there for the second time around because we know what to expect. The best thing is being able to help people, while one of the most difficult things is adjusting to the climate."

Lance Corporal David Floyd, 28, is deploying for the second time.

His wife, Shirley-Anne, 35, said: "I am shocked that I am saying this but I think it will be harder for me this time around. At least last time I didn't know what to expect, but this time I know what he faces when gets out there."

A Company is part of the main body of the 900 soldiers who make up the Royal Irish Battle Group, the lead battle group of the elite 16 Air Assault Infantry Battalion.

Ranger goes back to Afghanistan with his father and brother

A Shropshire soldier who was yesterday deployed to Afghanistan with his father and brother could return to the scene where he was almost killed by a bomb two years ago.

Ranger John Herbert, 24, will be joined by his brother Luke, 18, and father, Captain Jeff Herbert, 44, as part of a group of more than 120 soldiers who left their base at Clive Barracks, Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, to join Operation Herrick 13.

He has also been joined by his brother-in-law Ranger Kris Hanlon.

Ranger John Herbert said: "In 2008 we were retrieving a vehicle from a ditch and a bomb set off which I was very close to. The explosion threw me a fair distance and my colleagues thought I was dead because my neck was hanging off.

"Luckily I came to but it did cause me to have a brain haemorrhage and lose part of my eye socket.

"That experience will cause me to be more cautious this time around, but I am still looking forward to returning.

He added: "It is hard leaving my mum and wife who I know will be worrying about us."

By James Pugh