ONLY 18 months after they were formed, the 104 Equipment Support Group (Field Support) Battalion faced a Herculean task, when they were deployed to Afghanistan six months ago to take part in Operation Herrick 11 in Afghanistan.

Known as a hybrid group, because they are a mix of Territorial and Army soldiers, they have impressed their commanding officers with their skill, expertise and bravery in the field of battle and on Wednesday they were honoured for their service at a medals parade at Louisburg Barracks, in Bordon, but they nearly missed their moment of glory.

If they had flown out 24 hours later, their plane, like hundreds of others around the world, would have been grounded by the cloud of ash from Iceland's volcanic eruption.

For full story, see this week's Bordon Herald.