Church arises from the Helmand dust

A church has arisen from the Helmand dust thanks to troops from the Nottinghamshire regiment.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) designed, built and decorate a ‘Swiss style’ log cabin chapel which has won admirers from other British bases across Helmand.

The new chapel, at 2 Mercian's headquarters at Forward Operating Base Ouellette, in the north of the Nahr-e Saraj district, has been dubbed the Chapel of St Martin of Tours.

St Martin was a young Christian Roman soldier who, while out riding, came across a poor beggar. Remembering the words of Jesus, ‘I was naked and you clothed me’ he cut up his cloak and gave half to the man.

St Martin’s day is celebrated on November 11, or Armistice Day.

The padre, Father David Smith said: “Whether religious or not it is important for soldiers to have a place which provides peace, quiet and privacy to collect their thoughts.

“The services used to take place outdoors or in the cookhouse."