HEROIC soldiers who helped frightened families flee a war torn city after it was taken over by the Taliban have been presented with medals in recognition of their efforts.
Troops from the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, based at Merville Barracks, Colchester, were deployed to Kabul in Afghanistan last August as part of Operation Pitting.
The main objective of the mission was to evacuate British people, entitled Afghans and civilians from partner nations to a place of safety.
During their two-week deployment, roughly 750 brave frontliners, including some who ended their summer leave early, provided security and logistic support.
While in Kabul, they helped distribute 250,000 litres of bottled war, 25,000 bottles of baby formula and 9,000 nappies to the crowds of people desperate to be evacuated.
Troops on their first deployment have now been awarded the Afghanistan Operational Service Medal with an Operating Pitting clasp.
Those who had previously served in the country and already received the OSM, however, were given the commemorative clasp.
Private Barry Wallace, of Colchester's 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, said: “The way I see the medal is it represents over 15,000 people we rescued from Afghanistan.
“To receive it shows we all did an important job to very high standard, and I am hugely proud of that.
“The conditions were incredibly hard it was really hot and we were working with people who were in a really desperate situation.”
Private Sophie Robertson, 26, was embarking on the 400-mile trip to Cupar in Scotland for summer leave when she found out she was deploying.
She said: “I was part of a team of female soldiers searching women and children, because the cultural sensitivities in Afghanistan meant that men couldn't do that job.
“We were incredibly busy, and it was heart-breaking work – people were pleading with us to help relatives they were having to leave behind.
“When I first got back, I struggled with that but now I look back and see that it was a big achievement to have got so many people out.
“It means a lot to receive a medal and I’m really happy that what we did is being recognized.”
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