Father absent but it’s no major problem

Major Edward Colver, 35, from Dungworth, Sheffield, is commanding troops from 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment in Helmand province.

He deployed last month and his wife Lisa gave birth to a daughter, Philippa, on February 29. He said: “It feels awful being away for the birth but I have an important job to do out here and know that my wife will be okay with the support of friends and family.”

He said they were determined to carry on their mission despite the loss of five men in the deadliest attack on UK troops in Afghanistan early this month.

Maj Colver said that while the regiment would never forget the loss they would not let it stop them doing their duty.

He said: “It has been tough for the company to deal with the tragedy and they will be sorely missed by us all. We are getting on with our mission and doing well. But our thoughts and prayers are with the heroes’ families at this difficult time.”

Also serving in the country are a newlywed couple enjoying a novel start to married life with a honeymoon in Helmand.

Squadron Leader Rachel and Lieutenant Commander Gareth Mawdsley, of Bath, were only able to spend a few nights together last year before pre-deployment training began. They marked their six-month anniversary in a steak house on the desert base.

An Army explosives specialist who spent eight hours in a pitch-black tunnel defusing a massive Taliban bomb has been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

The space was so tight that Captain James Fidell, 28, of York, serving with 11 EOD Regiment, the Royal Logistic Corps, could not wear protective equipment as he deactivated the device by hand in sweltering heat last August.

His citation states: “Fidell demonstrated exceptional gallantry, bravery, supreme professionalism and unwavering composure in the most dangerous of circumstances.”