On 22 September 2008 eighty one soldiers from B Company (B Coy), 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (1 YORKS) took over operational responsibility in Kosovo from 3rd Battalion The Rifles after 6 months of intense pre-deployment training. Interestingly, their challenge was probably more similar to that faced in Iraq, with the closing down of a campaign, rather than that currently faced by those on operations in Afghanistan.

Based out of ‘Slim Lines’, Pristina, the Coy found themselves very busy from the word go.  Operationally, they had the task of providing situational awareness to the highest levels of KFOR (the NATO force in Kosovo).  The Coy soon found itself operating across the length and breadth of Kosovo, from the busiest towns and cities to some extremely remote rural areas.  As the only unit in KFOR with the remit to operate anywhere in Kosovo, the Yorkshiremen often found themselves liaising and working alongside a vast number of other nationalities from Swedish and French to Ukrainian troops.

During the tour, there were a number of key events in the Kosovo calendar for which the Coy had to be ready; the first anniversary of Kosovo’s independence in February, the anniversary of the March 2008 riots in N. Mitrovica and the handover from the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to the EU Rule of Law (EULEX).  The Coy was working to its full capacity behind the scenes to ensure these events went off without incident.

A range of different opportunities presented themselves to the Coy in Kosovo, primarily due to the stable environment across the majority of the country.  On top of their operational commitments, B Coy made the most of their time in Kosovo with a number of trips and activities organised to give the troops a break from their operational duties.  The majority of the Company managed to get away on a Battlefield tour to the WWI ‘Forgotten Salonika Front’ near Lake Doiran, Macedonia.  A number of troops also managed to get away for a day skiing in the mountains of Southern Kosovo.  B Coy soldiers were very successful in a number of Physical Training challenges held by various KFOR contingents, including the 26 mile DANBAT (KFOR Danish Battalion) march and a ‘Help for Heroes challenge’, a very demanding 10km hill run. 

As ever, visits came thick and fast.  The Company Sergeant Major lost count of how many times they hosted and looked after guests during the six months. The highlight for them all was a short visit by HRH the Princess Royal to all UK troops that were stationed in Kosovo.  

Christmas is a hard time to be away from home but having a White Christmas for a change did provide some amusement.  Their Christmas day was characterised by the usual ‘fun run’, carol service, an excellent Christmas dinner and a present for each member of the Coy, donated by thoughtful organisations and companies back home.

It was after Christmas that the hardest challenge developed.  As the end of tour approached, the Coy learned that they would be the last UK Coy to operate in Kosovo on Op OCULUS. At this stage, they felt a close affinity to those serving in Iraq and they encountered a lot of similar issues.  It meant a lot of hard work for the troops in ensuring that all the loose ends were tied up in terms of equipment and ongoing operations. Everyone was busy and they conducted operations right up to 2359 on their cease operations date.  The lowering of the Union Flag, which had flown over their accommodation for the last 10 years since the intervention in 1999, was quite an emotional moment;  One that many of them will never forget.

Their return to Münster, Germany at the end of March 2009 was a relief for the whole Company after an extremely busy 12 months.  The last year had also included a Unit move from Catterick to Germany immediately after their Pre Deployment Training and three weeks before the Company began its deployment to Kosovo.  That was interesting to say the least. 

All of B Coy are looking forward to being reunited with the rest of the Battalion once they return from Iraq – after some well earned post operational tour leave first.   As ever, the future is going to be busy; their focus will shift towards preparing for their next operational deployment which could be in the very near future.

Written by Major Aron Townend, OC B Coy, 1 YORKS