The Royal British Legion today led commemorations to mark 10 years since UK forces ended combat operations in Helmand and handed over Camp Bastion to Afghanistan authorities.
Serving personnel and veterans who served in Afghanistan were joined by bereaved families and civilian contractors who supported British Forces for a service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, part of the RBL.
The service at the Armed Forces Memorial was followed by a piper leading the way to the Bastion Memorial where guests were invited to lay personal tributes. Among those attending was Alistair Carns OBE MC MP, Minister for Veterans and People, and himself a veteran of Afghanistan, who laid a wreath.
“Many families lost loved ones during Operation Herrick, and as we mark 10 years since the end of combat operations in Afghanistan, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the RBL stands ready to support those in our community impacted by this conflict. In a year when we’re marking significant 80th Second World War anniversaries, it’s important we also take time to remember the service and sacrifices of more recent conflict and the younger generation of the Armed Forces community, including those who fought in Afghanistan.”
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion organised ‘Remembering Afghanistan – 10 Years On’ as a commemorative event at the Arboretum, to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the UK forces who served on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan, and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.
The UK had a military presence in Afghanistan from October 2001, when troops were deployed as part of NATO’s response to the 9/11 attacks, and then as part of the International Security Assistance Force which initially provided security and reconstruction teams. In 2006, British forces were sent to Southern Afghanistan to tackle a growing insurgency and experienced their heaviest fighting in Helmand.
By 2010, numbers of UK personnel peaked with 10,000 deployed across Afghanistan. Later that year, discussions began over withdrawing NATO forces and in 2014 Britain formally ended combat operations in country, with some 150,000 British Armed Forces personnel having served there.
The service comes as the Royal British Legion launches its Poppy Appeal which this year explores the mental scars that can be left for some from their experiences in military service. It aims to highlight how people’s generous donations to the RBL’s Appeal helps the charity to support those who need it, including veterans of the Afghanistan war, their families and bereaved families.
From risking their lives in warzones to the struggle of upheaval for family members and children and being away from loved ones, the mental health needs of the Armed Forces community are complex. Funds raised during the Poppy Appeal will help the RBL to continue its vital work supporting this community in life after service.