Ross Kemp in Afghanistan
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| Ross Kemp in Afghanistan | |
|---|---|
 Title scene. |
|
| Directed by | John Conroy |
| Starring | Ross Kemp |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 5 |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Matt Bennett |
| Running time | 50 minutes |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | Sky One |
| Original run | 21st January 2008 – 18th Februrary 2008 |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | Ross Kemp on Gangs |
Ross Kemp in Afghanistan is a five part documentary series by BAFTA award-winning actor Ross Kemp. On 21 January 2008, Sky One broad casted the first episode of this series, which entails Kemp following the 1st Battalion of the British Army's Royal Anglian Regiment during their deployment to Afghanistan's Helmand Province, for 4 weeks between March to August 2007 [1].
In preparation for the assignment, Kemp had to participate in military training for personal defence, including use of the SA80 assault rifle. Kemp has a personal interest in the East Anglians, as he is from their recruiting area, and his father served with their predecessor regiment, the Royal Norfolk Regiment, in Cyprus.
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[edit] The Regiment
From March - August 2007 as part of 12th Mechanised Brigade, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, known as the ‘Vikings’ was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick 6.
[edit] Casualties sustained during filming
The battalion suffered 9 casualties during its tour, 5 hostile and 4 accident [2] :
Pte. Robert Foster
Pte. Chris Gray
Pte. Aaron McClure
Pte. Tony Rawson
Pte. John Thrumble
LCpl. Alex Hawkins
LCpl. George Russell Davey
Cpl. Darren Bonner
Capt. David Hicks
The series was dedicated to the 9 members of the Royal Anglian Regiment who lost their lives during that deployment and to all members of the Royal Anglian Regiment currently serving their country.
[edit] Episode listing
| # | Title | Original air date | Production code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | January 21, 2008 [3] | ||
| Kemp joins up with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Anglian regiment for basic training and familiarisation with weapon systems such as the SA80, military tactics, and what to expect while in country. The episode focuses on the Taliban and also some of the soldiers from the Royal Anglian regiment who will be deployed to Afghanistan. | |||
| 02 | January 28, 2008 [3] | ||
| With training complete, Kemp deploys to Afghanistan to catch up with the Royal Anglians. Whilst in transit the convoy Kemp is travelling in hits a mine claiming a casualty. Whilst on patrol outside for Forward Operating Base Robinson a contact is initiated with the Taliban targeting Kemp and his crew (as they were wearing conspicuous protective clothing). In this contact an RPG flies overhead narrowly missing Kemp. | |||
| 03 | February 04, 2008 [3] | ||
| The B Company get a brief rest before they are assigned to a new mission, while Kemp experiences first hand the difficulties of life in the country. In one scene Kemp’s front tooth is knocked out. The episode finishes showing graphic video footage of a young soldier being wounded, subsequently killed and medi-evacuated under heavy fire. Kemp returns home and talks to the soldier's mother. | |||
| 04 | February 11, 2008 [3] | ||
| Kemp returns to Afghanistan after having his tooth repaired and meeting with the mother who has lost her son to the conflict. Upon returning Kemp learns that a friendly fire incident between the Royal Anglians and the US Air Force has cost the lives of three Royal Anglians. The episode goes into detail of the accident showing actual footage from the incident and highlighting that such loss is an unfortunate, accepted and expected part of modern warfare. | |||
| 05 | February 18, 2008 [3] | ||
| Kemp goes on one final mission with the men of the 1st Royal Anglian. Kemp also talks to the families of the soldiers still in Afghanistan after 6 months deployment. | |||
[edit] DVD release
This series was release on DVD on April 07, 2008, under the title Ross Kemp In Afghanistan and with a certificate 15. [4]
