A Royal thank you for Army helicopter crews
Royalty flew in to Wattisham Airfield on Monday to reward troops who have returned home from Afghanistan.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were at the airfield to present operational service medals to more than 100 soldiers from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps (AAC).
Following the royal salute the Prince, colonel in chief of the corps, and his wife presented medals to the recipients on parade, taking time to talk to each soldier individually, while the Band of the Adjutant General's Corps played.
Then, the troops gathered round for a speech by the Prince.
He said: "It is very special to be able to recognise the extraordinary commitment you display when you go off on these operations.
"Your ability to provide these attack helicopters when required is truly remarkable. I know, from talking to those troops who rely on your ability, that it has made an enormous difference to their operations.
"I particularly wanted to say that we thank all of the families for their support and understanding. I know all too well, having had my youngest son serving in Afghanistan, just what it is like being a parent left behind. In my case, it felt even worse because I couldn't tell anyone."
Among those receiving their medals on Monday were members of the Territorial Army.
Corporal Andrew Yorke, 40, of Hepworth, is based at Swaffham TA and was presented his medal by the Duchess. He served in Afghanistan from May-September last year and in his day job helps to run an eBay business.
"She was very pleasant and took a great interest in the fact that we were Territorial Army and the commitment we show," he said.
Following the speech, the Prince and the Duchess took a close look at a newly-upgraded Apache helicopter.
Pilots John and Matt – whose surnames were not disclosed for security reasons – talked to the Prince about what the upgrades would mean to crews in operation.
Matt, 28, a captain, said: "It was a very proud moment to receive my medal and it was an even prouder moment to meet the Prince for the first time.
"This Apache really has undergone some serious upgrades so he was interested to hear about that and the different weaponry we carry."
John, 34, a warrant officer, said: "It is nice to know that the country appreciates what you do."
He said the upgrades – including more advanced infra-red imaging – would reduce collateral damage.
Then, the royal visitors presented long-service awards before returning to mingle with troops and their families.
Lance Corporal Richard Barrett, 36, is in the Territorial Army, based at Gibraltar Barracks, in Bury St Edmunds. He lives in Diss and, with his wife Amanda and son Kieran, spoke to the Prince after the ceremony. In his civilian life, he teaches first aid for St John Ambulance.
He said: "I've been in the TA 10 years and this was my first tour – I was in Afghanistan from January to May.
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The Prince asked me all about my role during the tour.”
4 Regiment AAC held responsibility for flying and maintaining the Apache attack helicopter in Afghanistan from May 2008-May 2009, with pilots and ground crew undertaking tours of three or four months on and off during the year. The regiment has been succeeded in Afghanistan by 3 Regiment AAC, which is also based at Wattisham Airfield.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Thursday 09 February 2012
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