MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF 2ND BATTALION THE YORKSHIRE REGIMENT (GREEN HOWARDS) - LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID COLTHUP.
4th November 2009

The 2nd Battalion has now been operational in Helmand Province for 6 weeks as the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Battle Group, the same role it fulfilled during the last deployment to Afghanistan in 2007-08. In many respects the Battle Group has taken up where it left off in March 2008, though there have been many personnel changes in the intervening months. The Green Howard reputation for operational excellence remains as strong as ever with all members of the Battle Group performing to a high standard in what at times can be very challenging situations. Where ever they may be deployed, from Musa Quala in the north of our area of operations, through to Nad e Ali in the south, I receive a consistent theme from the other battle group commanders with who our soldiers are operating; that they are achieving a great deal, in a highly professional manner and with typical grit, determination and a strong sense of humour. I am extremely proud of all they have achieved in a short time and could not have asked for more. For those of you who read this who have a relative here in Afghanistan you too should be proud of their achievements.

However, I am always conscious that we are just one part of the wider Regimental Family. Much of what we do would be more difficult without the steadfast support we receive, whether that comes from RHQ The Yorkshire Regiment, from AHQ in Richmond, the Green Howards Association or the many other people who assist in the background. We have been extremely fortunate to receive your messages of support, welfare parcels and in many cases very generous donations of money raised to support the soldiers on operations. All are being put to good use. I would like to express the gratitude of us all in the Battle Group for your continued support; though we are far from home and operating in difficult conditions to know that there is a rock solid base of support is hugely comforting, very welcome and most gratefully received. Thank you.

E D Colthup
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding Officer
2 YORKS
OMLT Battlegroup

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