I WRITE to ask you to convey my thanks and those of All Ranks of 159 (Colenso) Battery Royal Artillery to the people of Bolton, Bury and Westhoughton who have donated items to be placed into gift boxes sent to us during our six month deployment to Afghanistan. These gift boxes, the majority of which were gratefully received over the Christmas period, were organised by the Bolton Branch of the Royal Artillery Association under their Chairman (Ex-Sgt) Mr Jack Dixon. Some of my officers and soldiers have endured weeks in austere conditions; receiving small luxuries and essentials is a great boost to one’s morale. All of us are humbled by the kindness we have been shown and the hard work that goes into packing and distributing them.

Major P Beaumont RA Battery Commander 159 (Colenso) Battery Royal Artillery The Queen’s Royal Hussars Battle Group Lashkar Gah