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Festive messages from front line
SOLDIERS fighting on the front line have sent seasonal messages back to their family in South Tyneside.
Rifleman David Atkinson, of The 3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 Rifles), has recently arrived in Afghanistan to join his battalion at their position in Sangin, in Helmand Province, at the start of his six-month operational tour.
The 18-year-old, from South Shields, will spend four months on the ground in Sangin.
He is one of around 1,200 troops in the 3 Rifles Battle Group, responsible for the security of Sangin Valley.
While there, Rfn Atkinson will spend much of his time out on patrol, where the biggest threat is from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) – a threat the group has spent many months training for.
The forward operating bases and patrol bases the soldiers live in range from the more established camps to basic accommodation with only limited communications home.
Before he boarded the plane, Rfn Atkinson was keen to leave a Christmas message for his family and friends.
He said: "To mum, dad and sister, hope you have a brilliant Christmas. Sorry I'm not there with you. Just have to put it off 'til I'm back."
Fellow Rifleman Kevin Jobling, of Hebburn, is serving in Helmand province on Operation Herrick 11 – a six-month tour which ends in April with a two-week rest and recuperation (R&R) break at home.
The 26-year-old said: "Happy Christmas dad and the family. Hope you are all OK. I will see you in 89 days when I am back on R&R. Hope you have got my present. Love you all and see you soon. xx"
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Weather for Jarrow
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
