The retired colonel who commanded the British Army unit sent to deal with the Taliban in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province in 2006 will speak at a Royal British Legion meeting next week.

Stuart Tootal DSO OBE spent 20 years as a soldier, serving during the troubles in Northern Ireland, and the Gulf War and the invasion of Iraq in 2003, will share his experience of commanding 3 Para battlegroup – the first UK combat unit sent to Helmand, and which suffered a serious loss of life and many seriously injured troops.

His talk will provide a first-hand account of the fighting in Afghanistan and a gritty portrayal of the nature of modern conflict, as well as capturing the essence of combat, the risks involved and the aftermath.

It promises to be a dramatic, and often moving, insight into the leadership of soldiers and the sharp end of war.

Col Tootal said: “I am delighted to be supporting this event, especially as the RBL has done so much to support all our veterans and those who continue to serve. Strong local branch membership is an important aspect of this support and I hope that the event will highlight that.”

The RBL?Liphook and Headley branches will host the talk on ‘Leadership in Combat,’ next Friday, September 9, at Liphook village hall, from 7.45pm.

It has been laid on to encourage ex-servicemen in the local community to consider joining the Royal British Legion, and help with its wide ranging work in the local community. To attend, e-mail Jamie Jack at [email protected].