Soldiers return to heroes’ welcome

PROUD to serve . . . (from left) Corporal Martin Porter with North-West colleagues Signaller Michael Welch, Warrant Officer Class Two Kevin Westall and Sergeant Sue Heaps

A PROUD Oldham soldier has led his brave team home after six months in Afghanistan.

Corporal Martin Porter (40), from Chadderton, was deployed along with 15 members of the North-West Territorial Army signal regiment to the troubled territory.

The group, from 33 Signal Regiment, based in Huyton, Aintree, Fallowfield and Runcorn, assisted 200 colleagues from 16 Signal Regiment.

The TA soldiers helped provide the communications necessary to assist coalition operations against the Taliban.

From Helmand Province to Kabul, the Regiment conducted a wide variety of roles including expanding the communications infrastructure at several key locations — and providing elements of force protection.

Cpl Porter, a former full-time soldier who now works as a mechanic for the Manchester-based 42 Squadron, was in charge of an armoured vehicle.

He said: “Adrenaline levels were high throughout.

“As the commander, I was the eyes and ears of the vehicle. I kept a look-out for anything going on.

“It was a very successful tour but difficult at times.”

The team returned to 16 Signal Regiment’s base in Germany to be greeted by and parade in front of proud family members, friends and colleagues.

The troops were presented with operational service medals by Major General James Bucknall CBE.

He said: “All the reports I have received are of a tour conducted with top to bottom professionalism, with the highest standards maintained at all times.

“The deployment was very challenging, but that challenge was met without exception, so you can hold your heads high, knowing that your medals are well-earned.”