AFTER returning home from the dust and heat of Afghanistan, soldiers at the Carver Barracks in Wimbish were honoured in front of their families and friends. More than 90 men and women of the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group were presented wit

AFTER returning home from the dust and heat of Afghanistan, soldiers at the Carver Barracks in Wimbish were honoured in front of their families and friends.

More than 90 men and women of the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group were presented with their campaign medals today (Thursday).

The soldiers were predominantly from 58 Field Squadron, part of 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD), and 11 EOD Regiment RLC. The medals were presented by Director General Land Warfare, Major General Andrew Kennett CBE.

Officer Commanding the Joint Force Ordnance Disposal Group, Major Eldon Millar, said: "The last six months has been a challenging and rewarding tour. Officers and soldiers have demonstrated professional skill and courage of the very highest order and I pay tribute to them all.

"Every soldier has shown determination and fortitude and has faced the challenges head on.

"A very important contributing factor to the success of the tour is the close knit relationships that have been formed between 58 Field Squadron (EOD) and 11 Regt RLC (EOD). Equally important has been the tremendous support we have received from our families and friends."

The Royal Engineer and Royal Logistic Corps Bomb Disposal and Search Specialists worked to find and dispose of all explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices within Helmand Province.

The three main teams were: Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD), Conventional Munitions Disposal (CMD) and High Risk Search.

In their six month deployment the group dealt with over 1400 reported incidents, ranging from the disposal of Taliban weapon caches to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

With involvement in operation Panther's Claw the Group were heavily committed throughout their deployment. In addition to their operational commitments the group trained ISAF troops and the local population in explosive hazard awareness.

Major Millar said: "Tragically, the tour saw the loss of Captain Dan Shepherd from 11 EOD Regt RLC and Sapper Jordan Rossi from 38 Engineer Regiment. They will not be forgotten and they remain in our thoughts.