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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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