Harrier Losses in Afghanistan - The Shade of Blair Mayne

I heard 51 Squadron was already out on patrol when the attack happened so no doubt they got the news and shot back to help. How many troops in Bastion? 20,000? I'm picking that security isn't just the RAF Regiments responsibility, one squadron of RAF Gunners wouldn't be able to do the job alone, you would have US Marines and other nations/units doing the job as well.

 

similar thing here, back in June

[YOUTUBE]JeTVbaMSGH0[/YOUTUBE]

 

Hi,

Update

See Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Military Operations | RAF Force Protection Wing defends Camp Bastion during Taliban attack

"The RAF Regiment Gunners' aim was to reclaim control of the airfield. Supported by a number of different direct fire weapons, and co-ordinating the assault with members of 2/10 Battalion US Marine Corps, they moved methodically across the airfield engaging in various fire fights as they dealt with pockets of resistance over a period of some four hours.

Flight Lieutenant Andy Beney was the Force Protection Wing's battle captain located in the Operations Room during the incident.

Sergeant Roy 'Doc' Geddes was tactical commander of an RAF Regiment Flight consisting of 30 gunners on the airfield during the attack. He was himself injured during the assault, sustaining fragmentation injuries from a rocket-propelled grenade:

"I was the Quick Reaction Force commander when we responded to the attack," he said.

"As I moved onto the airfield I could already see some Harriers on fire. We were soon engaged with the enemy who used small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades; however, my gunners were quick to react and returned fire, suppressing the enemy position."

After the initial fire fight, 51 Squadron regrouped. Commanded by Squadron Leader Kev McMurdo they then systematically moved through the airfield ensuring that they cleared all the surrounding buildings and hangars.

Assaulting one insurgent position and clearing the Harrier parking area, any remaining insurgents were dealt with quickly and effectively.

Co-ordinated by the Force Protection Wing's Tactical Air Control Party, UK Apache helicopters provided overwatch to the gunners on the ground, suppressing a number of insurgent positions.

The successful operation had secured the airfield by the early hours of the morning, quickly allowing normal operations to resume."


Regards, Mick D.

 

any news on the casualties?

I heard the chap with the head wound was being flown home


My uncle's former unit (15 Sqn)

 

Owen,

I saw that report on BBC World Service and it really brings home the dangers faced every day by those serving.

Regards
Tom

 

And end up with something like this?



If you look closely you did miss Afghanistan, so no, problem not solved