Paratroopers' activities on Tristan while awaiting extraction
Report and photos from Kelly Green
Having said goodbye to the paratroopers and military medics who arrived on Tristan earlier this month as part of the emergency medical support operation, we would like to take a moment to thank them for everything they did during their time on the island.
Whilst the two military medics worked tirelessly at Camogli Hospital, providing valuable support to our healthcare team during a challenging period, the other paratroopers also became involved in island life and community activities.
Above and below: The paratroopers helping to replace fencing at The Patches
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They spent time helping the Agriculture Department to replace fencing at The Patches. They also visited St Mary's School where they met the children and shared some of their equipment, giving pupils a chance to see and feel what life in the military is like.
Getting comfortable in a bivi bag tent shelter.
Above and below: Trying out full sets of headgear.
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| Trying a day & night observation & location unit and walkie-talkies. | |
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| There's lots of things to explain, and Miss Marina is checking everything is OK. | |
The Tourism Department also organised a guided walk to The Ponds on the mountain, giving the team an opportunity to experience a little of Tristan's unique landscape. They even got to take part in the traditional Tristan pillow dance, which was a lovely way to share a small part of island culture with them.
The paratroopers taking part in the Pillow Dance in Prince Philip Hall.
A massive thank you to the whole team for their hard work, support and enthusiasm during their time on Tristan. It was a pleasure to meet you all, and we wish you a safe journey home.
Finally, here are a few more photographs of the transfer of personnel and kit from HMS Medway:
Paratroopers watching operations in the harbour.
The new medics look like they were enjoying the rough ride into the harbour.
RIB struggling with choppy seas as it approaches HMS Medway. Photo: Odile Cesari