Giving protection on the frontline

Ava Platoon provide reconnaissance and protect the convoys that make deliveries to forward operating bases.

They routinely come under fire, are ambushed and face a constant threat from mines, improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers.

They often spend days on the road, venturing far into enemy territory.

Ava is a Mercian battle honour from the 1800 Burmese War.

Ava’s vehicles carry little but ammunitionl.

Convoys can be 72 vehicles and five-kilometres long. Five or six of these vehicles are Ava’s.

Any vehicle disabled by a direct hit or that breaks down and cannot be towed or repaired quickly is destroyed so it does not fall into enemy hands.

Among the 32-man Ava Platoon who, like special forces, are away from the main battalion, is Private Andrew Hearson (34).

The Northern Ireland and three-time Afghan veteran from Calverton drives a heavily-armoured vehicle.

He recently had to abandon one badly damaged vehicle and run under heavy fire to another.

Private Hearson admits to being in his element in Afghanistan.

“This is my kind of soldiering,” he said.

“We can leave for a patrol that on paper should last 11/2 hours but we know it’s likely to be 12 or even 25 hours before we return.

“We are literally fighting for every yard on the way to the forward operating bases.

“The lads are always pleased to see us because we are bringing their mail and everything they need to survive, fight and live a little bit more comfortably.

“It is a tough job. From the moment you drive through the gate you are constantly scanning for threats and after we are contacted for the first time it just keeps getting passed up the line that we are on the way. It is awesome.”