Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, Wednesday, May 6, 2009

I slept okay considering there was a very noisy heater and the fact that I was sure I was hearing things – imagination running riot at the slightest noise. Must be problems associated with sleeping in a strange place.

I had a quick trip to FOB Jane – apparently named after the CO’s wife – before returning to the FOB in Imber village to meet up with another Scarborough lad.

I followed a foot patrol through the village which is led by the Scarborough soldier. The Afghan roles are convincingly played by Gurkhas and it was quite funny seeing them really getting into their roles.

The atmosphere was surprisingly tense – because you could imagine it all kicking off at any second and there are lots of spent cartridges lying on the ground. But it all passed off trouble-free with the patrol returning to base unscathed.

We go back up to FOB Jane to see if anyone has woken up. It was very quiet earlier on – everyone returned during the early hours – with only a few keeping guard.

I had my first ration pack – which was chicken and pasta and it is not too bad – and it is reminiscent of my time in Helmand. I could imagine how bad it would be to have these constantly, day after day. Apparently there will be new ration packs trialled in Afghanistan so hopefully they will be improved.

There will be a big operation to capture a village tomorrow and the plans are being drawn up at several briefings which keeps the officers busy.

I chat with a few of the Scarborough lads before meeting up with Padre Fran Myatt. He was at Shorabak when I was in Afghanistan and it is good to see him again. We chat about a few things and I get a brew.

I finally manage to interview the new commanding officer – Lt Col David Colthup. He has been in the post since December and took over from Lt Col Simon Downey who I interviewed on the roof of the hotel in Musa Qala.

He later attends a shura, or meeting with local residents, in Imber village with the Gurkhas who are on fine form.

Back in time for a meal in Knook – lasagne. Early start tomorrow at 3am. We should see how it goes but an early night for me.