The Germany-based Support Battalion Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps has been awarded the Firmin Sword of Peace for its outstanding contribution to community regeneration in Afghanistan. Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, presented the Sword to the Battalion's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Winstanley, in a formal ceremony at St James's Palace today, Wednesday 19 December 2007.

The Battalion was deployed to Afghanistan between April 2006 �?February 2007 with the Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

From the moment it deployed to Afghanistan, the Support Battalion HQ ARRC set about integrating itself into the Afghan community. Enhancing local infrastructure was seen as a demonstrable way of winning confidence in the community. During the ten-month deployment HQ ARRC undertook numerous local projects which helped to enhance NATO's reputation in Kabul Province.

Lt Col Winstanley said:

"I am delighted and honoured to receive the Firmin Sword of Peace Army Award 2006, on behalf of all the members of my Battalion who did so much to improve the quality of life of those in Kabul province. The receipt of this Award is demonstrable recognition, to all of them, for a job well done.

"The legacy of the limited reconstruction work we undertook, will I hope, encourage others to continue to deliver reconstruction in the more remote areas of Kabul Province and throughout Afghanistan when the conditions allow them to do so."

Commenting on the award, Tony Kelly of Firmin, added:

"As a manufacturer and supplier of ceremonial accoutrements to the Armed Forces of the Crown since 1677, Firmin & Sons values highly its close association with all three services. It added the title of sword cutler to their range of products and services in 1838 and is proud to be the sponsor of the Firmin Sword of Peace. The Support Battalion of the Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps is a very worthy winner for its outstanding contribution to regeneration work in Afghanistan."

Chatham honoured for Tsunami efforts

Meanwhile HMS Chatham has been awarded the Firmin Sword of Peace in recognition of her work helping with the aftermath of the tsunami in Sri Lanka in 2004. The Devonport-based frigate was diverted to the region after the devastating tsunami struck on Boxing Day 2004. The earthquake registered over 9 on the Richter scale off the northwest Indonesian coast. HMS Chatham's mission was to help provide humanitarian assistance to the thousands who were affected by the disaster.

The ship's company had been looking forward to a well-earned New Year break in Dubai after working over Christmas when the call came for them to help. The few days leave now turned into hours as the ship focused on embarking fresh stores and bottled water in readiness for the task ahead. HMS Chatham sailed on the 30 December 2004.

Arriving off the coast of Columbo on 3 January the ship encountered a community in shock. More than 2,500 people were dead with another 1,000 unaccounted for and 60,000 people had been made homeless. The local government was overwhelmed by the disaster and it was clear that the ship's priority should be to restore homes and help repair fishing boats so the locals could begin to get their lives back together.

Working alongside locals, rescue teams from both HMS Chatham and RFA Diligence concentrated on the Kalady District, clearing houses, a church, schools, and orphanages erecting tents and repairing and refloating fishing boats. Some 25 boats were repaired and 17 refloated while the team were there. News then came in that the small village of Kallar some 20 miles away was cut off and in need of help. The team re-located there with priority given to re-establishing a hosptial that had been completely gutted. The empty shell was soon cleared of debris, cleaned and sanitised allowing medics from both ships to hold vital clinics once electricity had been restored.

The ship also helped build a 'bailey' bridge and cleared a school and well at Kallar and were on hand to build a camp at Kalmadu. Twenty engineers from the ship also assisted in a project to repair some 44 diesel generators to restore power in the Maldives.

The citation for the award states:

"The task unit addressed much misery being suffered by the people of the Batticaloa district which could have become life threatening in short order. Hope was restored to these proud but traditionally poor communities and on our departure there were promising signs of normality returning. All members of the unit played their part and without exception found the task both rewarding and humbling."

Chatham's Commanding Officer, Commander Martin Connell, said:

"It was an honour to receive the Firmin Sword of Peace for HMS Chatham. I am delighted that so many of my sailors still serving on HMS Chatham from the time of the Tsunami were able to join me at the presentation, as well as the ship's former Commanding Officer, Captain Steve Chick.

"This award is recognition of the huge humanitarian efforts made by the crew of HMS Chatham and RFA Diligence in the aftermath of such a terrible tragedy in difficult and demanding circumstances. As we prepare to deploy once again, this serves as a timely reminder to all of us that we must be ready to respond to any unforeseen eventuality and tasking. We will display the sword with pride, knowing that we made a difference and created a bond between seafarers and a seafaring community."