Dear All,

just a short note to keep you abreast of all things Coldstream in Kabul. You will be pleased to know we do not have long to go now and its fair to say things have gone well. The boys are in "Good Order" and continue performing above expectations in very difficult and confusing times in the capital. To a man they are looking forward to that pint on their return to UK shores and even more seeing their family and friends.

On the "Hearts and Minds" front we have handed out all your fantastic gifts and donations and it is due to the work you have done that we have an excellent relationship with the local elders and their people. Please do not underestimate the way in which you have contributed to our safety here in Kabul. You have helped to win favour with those who would wish to de-stabilise the situation throughout Afghanistan.

Alongside the distribution of your donations we have completed the following:

a. Constructed a pedestrian footbridge over a busy dual carriageway. (25 Children were killed crossing the road last year on the road alone)

b. Inserted and Repaired Wells in our Area so assisting with sanitation which is V poor.

c. Graded major roads and tracks around our Area (selfishly helps us to patrol the AOR but i'm sure you get the message?) 

d. Given Medical treatment to over 8000 Afghan Nationals through a series of Ops.

But more importantly than this the Company has dominated ground, carried out aggresive patrolling and controlled the area so well that all the other nations have been exposed to Bombings, Shootings and Suicide Bombers but we have not.

This comes down to plain and simple good old fashioned "Guards Discipline" in all our dealings with the enemy or with the local people. The other nations come to us for advice, direction and training just as it should be.

Well sorry to have droned on, it just falls to me to say a heartfelt thanks to all of you for all your efforts in the support of Number One Company Coldstream Guards and also the wider Coldstream family all over Afghan. The sooner we are all back together the better (I am sick of hearing from the chippies in camp our Sergeants Mess members called Sarge and all the other things that get blood boiling!!!!).

Please pass on my appreciation to the Branch members and all those who have sent best wishes to the laddoes, were ever they are serving it makes a difference.

Buttons in Two's

Pete Dale