War forces soldiers to stay home

4:10pm Thursday 28th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

The war in Georgia has forced hundreds of London soldiers to rearrange their plans for a massive summer exercise.

Planned for just weeks after the conflict, Operation Georgian Express was an operation between the British and Georgian armies.

The operation was cancelled after Russian tanks rolled across the northern border to take control of the separatist region of South Ossetia earlier this month.

Tensions flared after Georgian troops bombarded the town of Ossetia to quell an uprising.

During the bombing 10 Russian peacekeepers were killed drawing Russia out of its post Cold War silence and into the fray.

Georgian Express how now been cancelled and the Territorial Army’s London Regiment will instead be training in the Brecon Beacons, Wales.

Meanwhile the London Soldier Roadshow 2008 is coming to Thornton Heath Festival with a bang.

On Sunday, September 7, visitors will be able to look over the wide range of opportunities available to new recruits and up for grabs is a tandem skydive with the world famous Red Devils.

The event at Thornton Heath Festival will contain displays and information on every aspect of army life, including the 140 different available trades. Soldiers, nurses, armoured engineers, chefs and infantry troops will be on hand to talk about life in the army and their experiences.

Croydon’s very own squadron, the Royal Yeomanry, Kent Sharpshooters, will be on hand to guide visitors around the many stalls. Events include interactive career stands giving a taste of different army roles and life on operations.