Dalton man in Taliban battle role

May 13 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

He said: “This will be a challenging and at times difficult six months for everyone.

“From my perspective the degradation to the equipment due to the temperatures we will endure over the summer months and the frequency of equipment use will prove problematic.

“But I know the REME engineers will work tirelessly to ensure vehicles and equipment are serviceable and the new equipment brought into service will be invaluable”.

It has not, however, been all work since he arrived in March.

Major Hanson was asked to host the Prime Minister on his recent visit to troops in Afghanistan.

He said: “Meeting the Prime Minister showed how important this mission is for the Government and the security and safety it brings to the UK.”

Major Hanson is due to complete his tour of duty in October 2009. He will return to his family in Lisburn, Northern Ireland to enjoy some well-earned rest before starting the Intermediate Command and Staff College Course for Majors in January 2010, having been only one of three officers to come up through the ranks selected for the course. “This is a rewarding role for me. It is the culmination of 24 years of service and experience put into action to support troops in their mission to undermine the Taliban insurgency and improve the day to day lives of the Afghan people.”

19 Light Brigade took over command of Task Force Helmand in Helmand Province from 3 Commando Brigade, on April 10. Over 8,000 soldiers are deployed to five main districts in Helmand Province with the aim of undermining the Taliban insurgency, developing better standards of Governance and improving the lives of the Afghan people.