My 2009-13 Service with the British Army
by Anthony C Heaford --- Army serial number 30088729 --- 14 May 2025 (cadet photos added at end)
My 2009-to-2011 British army service was with 207 Field Hospital Reserves in Manchester. I deployed to Afghanistan on Operation Herrick 16 (April to September 2012) with 4-Battalion REME. My main role was a vehicle mechanic in Camp Bastion's light vehicles workshop but I also did many airfield guard duties and five top-cover vehicle patrols. Details below and on my Afghan Reports page.
1983-to-2012: My British army career, from 1980s' cadet to top-cover in 2012 Helmand.
January 27 2009: Attested into the British army at 207 Field Hospital HQ.
Summer 2012 Afghanistan: Op Herrick 16 with 4-Battalion REME, light vehicles platoon.
August 2010: Army assessment by 207 Field Hospital, Stretford, Manchester.
July 2012: Army periodic appraisal by 4 Battalion REME in Camp Bastion, Helmand, Afghanistan.
Winter 2016: My medals, melted in protest at my government's lies & the wasted blood & treasure.
My five top-cover patrols with the Recovery Mechanics in 2012 Helmand
Operation Mubarez, June 21, 2012: 04:30hrs Depart Camp Bastion, return 18:00 via Forward Operating Base Shawqat in Nadi-Ali.
Operation Mubarez, July 6, 2012: 08:00hrs depart Camp Bastion, return 20:00 via Lashka Gah & Patrol Base Pimon in Nadi-Ali.
Operation Mubarez, July 13, 2012: 05:00hrs depart Camp Bastion, 15:00 return via Forward Operating Base Oullette in the Upper Gereshk Valley.
Operation Mubarez, June 27/28, 2012: 23:30hrs depart Camp Bastion, return 08:00 via Patrol Base Attal near Lashka Gah.
Operation Mubarez, August 23/24, 2012: 21:00hrs depart Camp Bastion, return 03:00 via Patrol Base Hazrat near Gereshk.
1986 LRGS Army Cadet Summer Camp in Sennelager Germany
1985 LRGS Army Cadet Camp in Colchester