Byline: By TOM MULLEN
RETURNING from a tough tour of Iraq, these hardy soldiers will pick
up medals for their bravery.
Three Tyneside Territorial Army privates are to attend a ceremony
this weekend to collect Operational Service Medals.
Andy Rooke, and Mark Miller, both of Howdon, near North Shields,
and Peter Syverson, of North Shields, will head to Nostell Priory in
Wakefield, West Yorkshire, to collect the accolades.
The three privates, from 150 Transport Regiment Royal Logistics
Corps, have just returned from a six-month tour of Iraq.
Based close to Basra airport, the lads braved harsh desert terrain
delivering weapons to the infantry, and their base came under regular
attack.
Pte Rooke, 21, said: "It was unbelievable, just like something
you see on a film.
"There were 30 attacks in a night once, with mortars and
nine-foot rockets coming in. I was about 400 metres away from an
explosion at one time. We spent most of the time down on the ground.
"I'm proud to be getting this medal. It just shows
basically I've been there and done it."
The soldiers will join 23 colleagues from Leeds, Hull and Doncaster
to receive their medals from Brigadier David Maddan, the Army officer in
charge of the region.
As part of Operation Telic, the soldiers undertook guarding duties
as well as driving and escorting convoys in the war-torn country.
Pte Mark Miller, 22, said he found the experience so thrilling he
has now signed up to join the regular Army, and will rejoin his squadron
in Afghanistan next year.
"I'm just waiting for the dates," he said.
"It was a fantastic experience. Talking to the locals was
great, it was a learning curve.
"My closest shave came when our convoy was hit by a roadside
bomb. Luckily no one was hurt because we were so well armoured."
Lieut Col Gary Bateman, the regiment's commanding officer,
said: "We are extremely proud of them and hope they enjoy the day.
"It also gives us the chance to thank their families and
employers who have supported them throughout their training and
deployment."
The soldiers from 150 Transport Regiment RLC are the North
East's TA transport specialists based in Tynemouth.
CAPTION(S):
PROUD: Pte Peter Syverson, left and Pte Andy Rooke, right
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