Welsh soldiers worldwide think of their families with fondness
WELSH soldiers working across the world this Christmas have sent messages back to their loved ones.
While many families will celebrate being together on Christmas Day, hundreds of soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh will be spending it in Estonia.
For them their day will consist of a physical training session, a religious service and a Christmas lunch with Nato partners and Estonian guests.
Thanks to staff in the Estonian Ministry of Defence, soldiers have two Christmas trees in the battlegroup to remind them of home.
It comes as part of their work leading the international “Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup”, which aims to renew the UK’s commitment to Nato allies in Europe.
Fusilier David Hagart, 18, from Abergavenny, said: “Being in Estonia is my first deployment whilst serving in the army, it is a new experience and my first Christmas away from my home and family.
“I miss them loads, and I look forward to seeing them in February when I get back.”
Fusilier Ryan Jenkins, 26, serving in The Royal Welsh, said: “Although it has been hard work over here in Estonia, especially when working out how to cope with a new environment, it has been an enjoyable challenge.
“Whilst it is never nice being away from my family (especially at Christmas), there are a good bunch of people here and I’m making the most of being in a new country.”
Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Owain Luke added: “While Christmas is normally a time to spend with family, the soldiers of the eFP Battlegroup understand that they have a crucial role to play in helping to defend Estonia.
“I am very proud of how well they have performed so far and we will make a special effort to ensure that as many as possible of the usual Christmas traditions are enjoyed over the next few days.
“The Estonians have already helped here, with the staff in the Ministry of Defence buying two Christmas trees for the Battlegroup, for which we are immensely grateful.”
In total UK troops are currently involved in more than 30 operations in Iraq and the wider Middle East, as well as working from RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.
In the Caribbean, RFA Mounts Bay joins other Royal Navy vessels also deployed over the festive period.
Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for our armed forces personnel working on important operations around the globe, when separation from their families, loved ones and friends is felt most acutely.
“Wales’ military footprint can be seen all over the world, and for them duty never stops.
“I want to extend my very best wishes to you all this Christmas and New Year and say that we in Wales are ever-thankful for the sacrifices you make – not just during the festive season, but every day of the year.”