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Wakefield Express April 6th 2007
INTRIGUED members of the Royal
Artillery Association in Alverthorpe
have been given a detailed insight into
the lives and duties of soldiers in
Basra.
Serving soldiers from 5th Regiment
Royal Artillery, the ‘Yorkshire
Gunners’, who recently returned from a
tour of duty in Iraq, visited the RAA
members at Alverthorpe WMC.
Sergeant Mark Hepburn, 36, who is
based at Marne Barracks, Catterick,
gave a power-point presentation to the
RAA Wakefield branch and gripped
the audience with first-hand tales
about the living conditions and
facilities for soldiers in Iraq.
He also showed pictures of the
equipment and ammunition which is
being used, and explained the job the
soldiers are doing.
Sgt Hepburn, who returned from
Basra several weeks ago, said: “The
response I got from the RAA members
was great. They were all fascinated by
the presentation and keen to know all
about life for soldiers in Iraq.
“The members of the RAA are all
old soldiers and most of them have a
lifelong interest in the army. They
were keen to see how things such as
equipment and living conditions had
changed since their serving days.”
Thirty members attended the
presentation evening on March 29,
including ex-warrant officers, senior
NCOs and soldiers from other ranks.
Members enjoyed a supper and
drinks after the presentation.
Ken Mann, secretary of the RAA
Wakefield branch, said: “It was a
really enjoyable evening.
“Many members brought their wives
and partners along with them and fun
was had by all. We try to keep in close
contact with the soldiers and they have
been down to speak with us before.
“We are always eager to know how
they are getting along and they are
always happy to keep us posted.”
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