news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/default.stm

It's been confirmed that Prince Harry has been fighting the Taleban on the front line in Helmand Province for the last 10 weeks.

Now that the news has been made public, the troops may be in more danger - but congratulations to him for putting his money where his mouth is and going there.

There's probably a squad of SAS sweeping the area before he goes anywhere. He's no more to be congratulated than any other squadie doing their bit. I have family with BF in Afghanistan and Iraq - I just hope they make it back in one piece.

scunnert wrote:
He's no more to be congratulated than any other squadie doing their bit. I have family with BF in Afghanistan and Iraq - I just hope they make it back in one piece.

Absolutely. I wouldn't want my son there.

I've just watched some reporter on ITV news practically wetting himself over this story, laying it on thick about if Prince Harry later took the position of commander-in-chief he would now know what he was talking about.

I have no agenda either way with the Royals, but I'm pretty damn sure Prince Harry is afforded one hell of a lot more protection than the rest of the squaddies out there. He may well not welcome that, but it's not down to him, is it?

He wants to do his bit, fair enough - good on him. But can we be saved the sight of the media having orgasms over it all and asking all but the Downing Street cat their opinion of it?

Well done. Prince Harry went out there in Decemember,Which was known by the British media But they agreed to keep it quiet.which they did. He wasn`t due back home until April,until of course The Americans let the cat out of the bag.Which was a shame really As he was doing an excellent job..He was working in the traffic control area .Sending out planes to where they were needed. According to his commanding Officer He did an exemplary Job.& he will be sincerely missed now he has been brought back home.The Lad did what he wanted to do and really enjoyed being with his men.

Dear me Lairdy are you sure you couldn't have gushed a bit more? He's a daft boy and his men were no doubt a bunch of hairy arsed squaddies told to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. Half of tonight's news was given over to the repulsively servile Nicholas Witchell telling us how wonderful Harry was

Hi Lev. I can kind of understand what you're saying. The people I feel for are ordinary Forces out there putting their lives on the line too. They all do a very tough job, sent there by their political masters to start an illegal war. I don't like the idea of Harry being held up as more of a hero than anyone else. No harm to him but I would bet he is very much protected whether he wants that or not. Its a strange animal the media eh?

Agreed the media went over the score Levenax.But the point is "he was there" and daft wee boys don`t get to do the job he was doing.You should try it sometime And what is wrong with hairy arsed squaddies? Have you got a down on them as well as the royals?

Clare...It is not an illegal war

The Laird wrote:


Clare...It is not an illegal war

Oh? How do you come to that conclusion?

We don't like the way the Taliban were running things so we want them out, is that it?

So when another countries govt doesn't play ball with the US, UK etc we just oust them from power is that it?

Wars are created for one reason and one reason alone.

To make money!

Just remember who armed the Taliban when the Ruskies were in occupation all them years ago........

If you read my post its a general comment and wasn't specifically about Afghanistan. The illegal war I'm referring to is the one in Iraq : )

out there

Since the thread is about Harry in Afghanistan and you make no mention of Iraq What is one to assume?

Oh? How do you come to that conclusion?


Simply because it is UN sanctioned and it is a NATO operation.

The Laird wrote:
Agreed the media went over the score Levenax.But the point is "he was there" and daft wee boys don`t get to do the job he was doing.You should try it sometime And what is wrong with hairy arsed squaddies? Have you got a down on them as well as the royals?

Don't get me wrong Lairdy, I've got the greatest respect for HAS, they do a job that most of us couldn't face and get damn all thanks for it. Harry is a boy and he got into Sandhurst and became an officer because that's what his type do not because he's a better soldier than his men. He's a complete rookie so why is he in charge of men at all? It'll be the squaddies who keep him out of trouble not the other way round. I think anybody who wants to be an officer should have to do two years as a private and show that he's got the aptitude before being considered for promotion. Starting out as a 2nd Lt seems bizarre.

I agree with most of what you say Levenax.He is not the only young man to be in command of troops.There are many others scattered throughout the services.What do we do?Wait untill they are in their 40s and obtained the rank of major or equivilent before giving them command?No,I dont think so.
Of course he is no better soldier than his men,but is probably a better leader(remains to be seen of course).If he has a good "troopie"he will be OK.

One thing that did catch my attention was his view on medals worn by his fellow royals.

As an ex HAS i welcome your respectAlthough a few beers would be much more welcome

I didn't get home until seven last night so I watched Jon Snow on Channel 4 News. While I think he is a brilliant journalist, I was surprised by his rant suggesting the news blackout by the press on Harry's deployment was a 'Neo-totalitarian State' media cover up. As you know, my son is serving with the Household Cavalry in Afghanistan and for some time I have known that Harry was out there doing his job. For me, there was always the fear that at some point it would become Taliban knowledge, increasing the danger not only for Harry but also for the lads around him.

In my opinion, the British media weren't gagged - they made a deal and for once, they acted responsibly.

I am pleased that Harry has served with his regiment and is now on his way home, safe and sound. Helmand Province is dangerous enough for our lads without the addition of a Royal target.