Afghanistan's Deadly Legacy: The Toll On Bomb Disposal Heroes

Between 2008 and 2013, 22 bomb disposal experts died in Afghanistan. The death toll is said to be the worst loss of IEDD operators and Royal Engineer search team members since the early 1970s in Northern Ireland.

One such soldier was Captain Daniel Shepherd, who was posthumously awarded the George Medal. Capt Shepherd had defused 13 Taliban improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by hand in 36 hours.

Bomb disposal experts died in Afghanistan due to equipment shortages

The death of bomb disposal experts in Afghanistan has brought to light the dangers and challenges faced by these courageous individuals. Working in extreme conditions, they put their lives at risk to protect others from the deadly threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). With a shortage of specialist equipment and armoured vehicles, these experts often had to carry out highly dangerous tasks manually. This article will explore the sacrifices made by bomb disposal experts, the challenges they faced due to equipment shortages, and the impact of their selfless service.

The Dangers Faced by Bomb Disposal Experts

Bomb disposal experts in Afghanistan faced immense dangers as they worked to neutralise IEDs, the main cause of British troop casualties in the country. These homemade bombs, planted by the Taliban, were difficult to detect and highly unstable. The experts often had to brave hostile environments, enduring extreme heat and the constant threat of insurgent attacks. Their work required skill, courage, and, at times, pure luck to survive.

Impact of Equipment Shortages

A lack of specialised equipment and armoured vehicles hampered the efforts of bomb disposal experts. A highly critical internal review by the British Army revealed that shortages forced experts to carry heavy equipment over long distances in gruelling summer heat, leading to physical exhaustion. This fatigue was a significant factor in the deaths of 22 bomb disposal experts between 2008 and 2013, the worst loss of improvised explosive device disposal operators since the early 1970s in Northern Ireland.

The shortage of remote-control bomb disposal robots meant that experts had to perform dangerous "hands-on" work, exposing them to greater risk. The lack of equipment also hindered their ability to adapt to the Taliban's evolving bomb-making tactics, resulting in tragic consequences.

Sacrifices and Selfless Service

The sacrifices made by bomb disposal experts cannot be overstated. They willingly put themselves in harm's way to protect others, displaying extraordinary courage and dedication. Captain Daniel Shepherd, a 28-year-old bomb disposal expert, was posthumously awarded the George Medal for his exceptional service. Prior to his death, he had defused 13 Taliban IEDs by hand in just 36 hours, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his duty.

Staff Sergeant George Linley, a 29-year-old bomb disposal expert, was described as a "meticulous professional" by his commanding officer. Linley's bravery and selflessness saved countless lives, both Afghan and British, in dozens of operations across Helmand Province. His actions exemplified the selfless service embodied by these experts, who knew the risks but persevered in their mission to protect others.

The deaths of bomb disposal experts in Afghanistan due to equipment shortages highlight the challenges and sacrifices faced by these courageous individuals. Their work was instrumental in saving countless lives and protecting local Afghans from the deadly threat of IEDs. Despite the dangers and shortcomings, these experts persevered with unwavering dedication. Their service and sacrifices must be honoured and remembered, as they played a crucial role in the fight against insurgency and the protection of innocent lives.

Capt Daniel Shepherd was awarded the George Medal posthumously

Captain Daniel Shepherd was awarded the George Medal posthumously for his bravery in Afghanistan. Capt Shepherd was a member of the British Army's 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps, serving with the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. He was killed in action in July 2009 while trying to defuse a roadside improvised explosive device in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Capt Shepherd's actions in Afghanistan demonstrated exceptional courage and expertise in bomb disposal. In one notable incident, he cleared 13 Taliban bombs by hand within 36 hours, operating without protective equipment or remote-controlled vehicles in extreme heat. This courageous act earned him the George Medal, presented to his widow, Kerry Shepherd, by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

The George Medal is a gallantry award for military conduct not in the presence of the enemy. Capt Shepherd's citation described him as "an inspiration to his team," whose actions "directly and demonstrably saved the lives of innumerable Afghans, Coalition and British forces."

Capt Shepherd joined the Army in 1998 after completing an Electrical Engineering degree at Shrivenham. He was commissioned from Sandhurst into the Royal Logistics Corps in 2003 and had a distinguished career, serving in Iraq in 2004 and later in Afghanistan. He was known for his calm and courageous demeanor, with his commanding officer, Major Eldon Millar, describing him as "unbelievably courageous" and "utterly unflappable."

The death of Capt Shepherd was deeply felt by his family, friends, and colleagues. He is survived by his wife, Kerry, his parents, David and Judith, his brother Paul, and other relatives. His funeral was held at Lincoln Cathedral, with around 900 people in attendance to pay their respects.

Staff Sergeant George Linley was described as a meticulous professional

Staff Sergeant George Linley was a meticulous professional. This was evident in his work as a bomb disposal expert in Afghanistan, where he was tasked with clearing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from high-threat areas. Linley's commanding officers described him as a true hero who faced the IED threat daily with courage and composure.

Linley's meticulous nature was noted by his colleagues in the 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps. Major David Croall, Officer Commanding Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, described Linley as "utterly dedicated to his perilous job and simply radiated quiet professionalism." Linley's meticulous approach to his work was also recognized by Major Karl Frankland, who served with him in the 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment. Frankland recalled that Linley was "methodical, passionate and steadfastly determined, not just as an operator but in everything he did."

Linley's meticulous professionalism extended beyond his work as a bomb disposal expert. He was also dedicated to his team and was described as a true friend by Staff Sergeant Ian Johnston. Linley was known for his willingness to help others, often going out of his way to assist a comrade. He was a source of inspiration and mentorship for those around him, always ready to offer his wisdom and experience.

Linley's meticulous nature was not limited to his professional life but was also evident in his personal relationships. He was a devoted partner, son, and brother. His family spoke of their immense pride in his achievements and their grief at his loss. Linley's mother, Anne, recalled meeting the Queen, who acknowledged her son's bravery and achievements.

Staff Sergeant George Linley's meticulous professionalism left a lasting impact on those who knew him, both in his military career and personal life. His dedication to his work and his courage in the face of danger embody the highest standards of military service.

Insurgents and Taliban snipers pose a threat to bomb disposal experts

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have been responsible for 80% of British deaths in the Afghan province of Helmand. Bomb disposal experts are often called in to defuse these devices, and they face a constant threat from insurgents and Taliban snipers.

The work of a bomb disposal expert is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. They are often required to approach IEDs alone, leaving their support crew at a safe distance. The process of defusing an IED can be slow and nuanced, and experts must carefully locate and isolate the device before beginning their work.

In Afghanistan, bomb disposal experts face additional challenges due to the hot and cumbersome climate. The thickly padded armour that provides protection from sniper fire can weigh up to three stones (19kg) and is often too hot and uncomfortable to wear. As a result, some experts choose to wear standard body armour, which leaves them more vulnerable to sniper attacks.

The high risk and stressful nature of the job means that bomb disposal operators are typically asked to do only one six-month deployment to the region. Their first tour is usually their last, and many choose to leave the profession after their first deployment.

Despite the dangers, bomb disposal experts play a crucial role in protecting local Afghans and British troops from the deadly threat of IEDs. They work tirelessly to rid the country of these explosive devices, often putting themselves in harm's way to ensure the safety of others.

The death toll of British troops in Afghanistan rose to 309

The British Army bomb disposal expert who was killed in Afghanistan was from the 101 Engineer Regiment. The soldier was killed during a firefight with Taliban insurgents in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

The soldier's next of kin were informed of the death, which took the total number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 309.

The soldier was serving as part of the counter-improvised explosive device task force. Lt Col James Carr-Smith, a spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said:

> The soldier was part of an [explosive ordnance disposal] team that was extracting from an incident when he was killed by small arms fire. He died seeking to rid Helmand of IEDs such that local Afghans could move freely throughout the province. He will be greatly missed and his actions will not be forgotten. We will remember him.

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