DURING the operation to recapture the Taliban stronghold of Musa Qala, in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, infantry troops on the ground were supported by members of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery.

And Army chiefs hailed their part in the plan a success – because they did not have to fire too many shells and buildings in the town were hardly damaged.

Major Paddy Sherrard, the battery commander of 88 Arracan Battery, said the whole operation took a number of weeks to plan. “We recovered some good intelligence,” he added.

“Musa Qala has always been on the cards. We always planned to retake it. A number of people made it known they wanted to leave the Taliban and join the Government, and made it possible.”

He said there was a Manoeuvre Operations Group, a combination of infantry, cavalry, logistics and artillery, positioned to the east of the town in temporary gun positions.

“The mission was a success for us is not to fire anything but as professional gunners we want to fire lots of rounds,” he said.

As well as the explosive rounds the artillery also provide smoke rounds and those which provide illumination.

Maj Sherrard said: “Those provide a deterrent effect.They know we can see the enemy and hopefully they will disappear.”

Members of the 4th Battalion Royal Artillery are also working alongside the Ghurkas in Helmand province.

Maj Andrew Pitt said they had also successfully completed missions in the Upper Gereshk Valley, Uruzghan province and Kandahar province.

From The Scarborough Evening News on Monday, January 7, 2008.