Back in the UK Ross goes to meet up with some of the soldiers injured in Afghanistan. Hedley Court is the main rehabilitation centre for the Armed Forces.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-1.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
The biggest threat to life in Afghanistan is IEDs (improvised explosive devices) which are capable of seriously injuring or killing soldiers.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-2.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Private Derek Derenalagi explains to Ross how he lost both his legs a year ago in Afghanistan when his vehicle parked over an anti-tank mine. The explosion of the anti-tank mine threw Private Derenalagi 20 to 30 metres from the vehicle.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-3.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Today Derek is being fitted with his new set of limbs for running so he can play his favourite sport - rugby.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-4.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross meets Colonel David Richmond the highest ranking officer to be injured in combat and also Commander of 5 Scots, the regiment Ross spent time with in Afghanistan. Colonel Richmond was shot in the leg.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-5.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Back in Afghanistan - Ross stops off in the Kabul. Overlooking the city which sits at 6000 ft above sea level and has a population of 3.5 million, this shrank to 100,000 when the Taliban occupied it. However, the Taliban have not completely gone and they remain in pockets around the edges of the city.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-6.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Kabul is policed by coalition forces: Germans, Bulgarians, USA and British troops.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-7.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross meets the British Ambassador in Kabul who explains how the country is coming out of 30 years of war and lives with the threat of the terrorism and disruption to law and order.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-8.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross and British Ambassador meet at Olympic Swimming Pool Hill in Northern Kabul which was built by the Russians in 1970's and was since used by the Taliban as a place of execution.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-9.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross asks if there will be peace in Afghanistan and the Ambassador responds that yes, he thinks there will be peace. He explains that there are local Taliban leaders who are fed up with the fighting, fed up with being separated from their families, and who are looking for a settlement. The Ambassador thinks that in 5 to 10 years direct combat will be reduced or even better eliminated.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-10.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross heads to Kajaki the most northern British base in the Helmand province. The last time Ross was in Kajaki was in 2007 with the Royal Anglian Regiment. This time Ross is joining Victor Company 45 Commando Royal Marines. The Royal Marines role is to defend and protect the hydro electro dam.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-11.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross chats with the Marines about IEDs and amputation is one of the Royal Marines greatest concerns.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-12.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross heads out with the Marines on an operation, heading south to a Taliban stronghold called Big Top.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-13.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
The fire support group (FSG) head out and provide fire cover to the troops on the ground - they're generally the first in and the last out. At a certain point the Marines dismount and mine sweep the ground ahead - this is called balmering.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-14.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Progress is slow and gives the Taliban lots of time to prepare an attack.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-15.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Progress is slow and gives the Taliban lots of time to prepare an attack.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-16.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross stays within the lines defined by Victor Company. Stepping outside of them could put Ross at risk of stepping on an IED.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-17.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross and the cameraman bolt back to the vehicle - the soldiers think they've found an IED and then straight away they get contacted by the enemy who are firing.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-18.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
The fire support group find high ground overlooking the enemy but as the ground troops arrive the enemy pull a fast one. Two enemy who are not holding weapons and therefore cannot be engaged are seen standing on the roof of a compound.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-19.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross and the troops wait in position for 4 hours. There is no contact from the Taliban and so the troops pack up.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-20.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
However just as the troops and FSG are leaving and having now lost their advantage of high ground the enemy engage them in a contact. Smoke is called in to cover the FSG extraction. It's only when they get back to base that they realise how close the Taliban fire came.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-21.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
The troops head out for another mission the following day, joining the FSG will be the Afghan National Army with the Royal Marine mentoring team. Ross and the ground troops head out over very exposed terrain to engage the enemy.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-22.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
The town ahead is an enemy stronghold.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-23.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross stays low as 900metre away on a nearby ridge the FSG engage the enemy and are firing back.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-24.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross stays low as 900metre away on a nearby ridge the FSG engage the enemy and are firing back.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-25.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross stays low as 900metre away on a nearby ridge the FSG engage the enemy and are firing back.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-26.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
There is news of a casualty and the medics can be seen taking the casualty to a make shift landing zone where a Chinook will collect the soldier.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-27.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Fast air is called in and drops three 2000 pound bombs.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-28.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
More missiles are fired from the mobile launch rocket system from FOB Edinburgh.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-30.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
More missiles are fired from the mobile launch rocket system from FOB Edinburgh.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-29.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
More missiles are fired from the mobile launch rocket system from FOB Edinburgh.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-32.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross explains that the Chinook is about to land to collect the casualty and all the troops need to suppress any enemy fire directed towards the Chinook.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-33.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross explains that the Chinook is about to land to collect the casualty and all the troops need to suppress any enemy fire directed towards the Chinook.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-34.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross and the soldiers leave their position on the hill and meet up with Corporal Matthew D’Arcy at the base of Pyramid Hill.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-35.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Corporal D’Arcy tells Ross the casualty who was airlifted back to base passed away before he made it back to camp. Ross is shocked by this news.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-36.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross and the Marines arrive back at base to learn that the Marine who made the ultimate sacrifice is Marine Travis Mackin<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-37.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
A service is held to celebrate the life and to give thanks for Marine Travis Mackin. The soldiers pay their respects to Travis Mackin, a friend and a colleague they were honoured and privileged to have known.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-38.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross reflects on the 2 years he has been making programmes with the British troops on the frontline and of the ultimate sacrifice that a soldier makes by going into combat. The war is far from over. Ross wonders how much longer troops will be in Afghanistan - estimates range from 10 to 15 years and he feels service personnel should be paid accordingly for risking their lives. Ross suggests that more troops are required on the ground and that the rules of engagement need to be readdressed in order for Afghan people to regain control of their country and be able to live in peace.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-39.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross shares how he has been privileged to witness the courage, tenacity and professionalism of the British soldier and urges Britain to continue supporting them and their loved ones who have to bear so much of the burden.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"},{"captionHeading":"","caption":"
Ross shares how he has been privileged to witness the courage, tenacity and professionalism of the British soldier and urges Britain to continue supporting them and their loved ones who have to bear so much of the burden.<\/p>","url":"2009/3/12/Ross-Kemp-Return-To-Afghanistan-Ep-5-Gallery-40.jpg","width":570,"height":364,"alt":"Ross Kemp Return To Afghanistan Ep 5 Gallery"}];