Photo. Afghanistan frontline 2009.

Yup. They all had the tour tache. Now thankfully remonved!!

Looks like he’s involved with the cr*p tash competition as well 😉

Lee Oakley. AKA Oaks.

Mighty Oaks from little acorns grow!!
(He won’t forgive me for this!!)

Probably not. It’s amazing what squaddies burchase off their own back. It may not be issue uniform but on operations Dress Regs tend to go out of the window very quickly. You use whatever is practical. The army drums into you very early on that any fool can be uncomfortable but why if you don’t have to?

Ivan, your comment regarding the C-117 flying in sent shivers down my spine too, your pictures are a tribute to the 4 poor lads that died today, I’m glad that your nephew is away from it all at the moment, he has my greatest respect.
Just one question, are the cut off Slazenger batting gloves standard army issue!!!!

I really like the first photo but the one with the poppies is very good photo journalism – the poppies symbolising the problems in Afghanistan with that obvious link back to history.

I totally agree. I think that photo shoould be the top of a poster and Barnowl’s poem underneath, would appeal to a lot of people I think. I know it would appeal to my youngest.

Glad to hear that he’s OK, hopefully he’ll remain that way for the rest of his tour and comes home safely.

Was at youngest’s cricket match this evening and watched a C117 go over, presumably on finals to Birmingham. Shivers down the spine, knowing that my nephew is safe (and currently enjoying his R+R in Turkey and Ibiza!!) but that families somewhere will be making the trek to Selly Oak to see the occupants of that aircraft. 🙁
Thanks for the feedback on “little” Lee’s photos.

Ditto respect, and yes……the first shot is IMO an award level picture (Clone out the bag in the bottom right…it slightly distracts, I’ll do it for you if you haven’t got the S/w)

No, leave the ‘bag’ there as it is a “Bergen” judging by the straps. A standard piece of equipment to the fighting British Squaddie. I’ve still got one in the loft.

Much respect for our troops over in Afghanistan, great pictures to.

Has the area been taken from taliban/local residents or its a no man’s land?

Thank You for Sharing those. I have total respect for all those who serve our country. I think we should treat our army like the American’s do- Heros. Pitty the Stupid Goverment thinks otherwise and would rather spend a Few Billion giving the Old CEO’s Of Banks a Nice Pension pot.

Top pics and top guys – all of them!

Yes top pic’s.:) my friend as just gone behind the wire! Anna

Great pictures, and you are right to be proud of him because he does us all proud.

I’m sure our thanks go out to him and all his colleagues.

Moggy

As an American, the pics are great, the men are great…..I really cant add anything else, to me its just that simple.

Be proud of those who guard the wall,
Looking outward, standing tall,
and know that they risk their head,
so you can sleep safely in your bed.

Be proud of those that soar in the skies,
Armed with weapons or vital supplies,
Measuring each day by duty done,
their aircraft shining in the sun.

Be proud of those who sail the seas,
Bringing despots to their knees,
and know that they’d gladly give,
their lives so that you may live.

Be proud of all our girls and boys,
Serving on, whilst we play with toys,
and know that whilst we live our life,
we owe our lives to their strife.

I really like the first photo but the one with the poppies is very good photo journalism – the poppies symbolising the problems in Afghanistan with that obvious link back to history.

They’re beautiful.A soldier in a field of poppies …. what a poignant subject.I was with my 20 year old student daughter at the weekend and we happened to be near a typical war memorial in a small Sussex town.She told me quite spontaneously how much respect and gratitude she has for people who take up arms on behalf of their country.I was really touched .