Published at 11:47, Thursday, 01 November 2012

A YOUNG Seascale soldier serving in Afghanistan has spoken of life on the front line – and how he misses his dog, Cumberland sausage and fresh strawberries!

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Kingsman Ben Abbott is part of the 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster Regiment, but is currently serving with the Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Search task force.

It is the 20-year-old’s first tour in Afghanistan. He travels over the area of operations helping detonate and remove explosives.

The majority of the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment has only recently left for Afghanistan, but because of the specialist nature of Ben’s role he has been overseas for two months already.

He said: “Before coming out here I felt a mixture of excitement to be going to a new country to do my job, and extremely nervous as to what I would see and do.

“When I arrived it was coming to the end of the summer and it was very hot, but it was bearable because we had air-conditioned tents.”

Ben said he longs for some items not available in Afghanistan.

“I miss Cumberland sausage, Kendal mint cake, fresh strawberries and Cadburys or Galaxy chocolate,” he added.

Ben, who has four brothers, said it is tough being so far from home, and relies upon the good morale among his colleagues to keep him going.

“I am missing a few things from Cumbria like the grass and animals in the fields, the cool breeze from the sea,” he explained.

“Of course I miss my family and friends, but I also miss my dog, my room and a decent bath.

“Letter and parcels from home are always wanted and greatly appreciated. You can hold [a letter] in your hand, knowing the person who wrote it was holding it possibly in the same manner and you can reread it anytime. Better than Facebook.”

Ben added: “As always while doing a job, you are terrified as to what your next job is and whether you will get everything you need to do done right, but as I said we all support and look after one another.”

Ben will return to Cumbria in about a month, for two weeks rest and recuperation, before returning to Afghanistan for the remainder of his tour, including Christmas and New Year.

The Whitehaven News would like to feature other stories of local soldiers serving on the front line in the run up to Christmas or over the festive period. Contact us on 01946 595136 or email news.wn@whitehaven-news.co.uk

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk