York-based troops heading to Middle East

4:38pm Friday 16th May 2008

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ONLY weeks after returning from Afghanistan, these brave soldiers are jetting off to the Gulf-region to provide communications.

Fifty army signallers based in York are to take part in a six-month operational tour of the Gulf to provide communications.

The soldiers from 2 Signal Regiment will be undertaking a tour in Iraq and Kuwait.

Major Andy Mould, the officer commanding 219 Signal Squadron, said: "We are one of the busiest regiments in the Army, as in today's modern world communications are vital to the main effort of bringing independence and stability in Iraq.

"Senior military headquarters are like large modern companies or businesses. They need telephones, computers and video-conferencing, as well as secure communications and it is our role to provide these.

"The main difference is that we have to provide this in extreme weather conditions of dust and heat and where the environment is potentially hostile."

The soldiers, all members of 219 Squadron, will be split into two groups - one working with the Signal Squadron in Baghdad and the other providing support to rear-based units. They are expected to return in time to spend Christmas with their families and friends. They will be replaced by the Regiment's 214 squadron.

The news comes as identical twins serving as pilots in the United States Air Force experienced their first ever chance to fly together from RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire.

Major Bryce Silver, 35, is currently serving at 100 Squadron on a three-year exchange scheme which has enabled him to fly alongside and against every aircraft in the Royal Air Force.

He said: "It has been really amazing, I have been able to do so much - from going to Slovakia to fighting against the Typhoon."

In fact, Bryce has enjoyed the experience so much he wanted his identical twin, Ryan to share it with him.

This week, he was able to do just that, with Ryan - who is a Major with the Reserve USAF, joining him in the back seat of the Hawk jet aircraft operated by 100 Squadron.

The two men joined the Air Force a year apart and have enjoyed a friendly rivalry throughout their careers.

Bryce said: "We have always been competitive, but it's healthy."

Ryan said: "The way we fly and our mannerisms are very similar. I benefited from that because I joined a year after Bryce, and if I was struggling with something he was able to explain it to me better than anyone else."

Bryce and Ryan have flown at the same time in the past, but never in the same aircraft, so for Bryce to be table to take Ryan with him on some routine sorties was particularly special. Bryce said: "We have been planning it for months and it's been fantastic - an opportunity we never thought we would have.

I wanted to be able to show Ryan the professionalism of the RAF." Ryan said: "The experience has been phenomenal. Everyone is so professional - I can't say enough about the RAF."

Ryan will soon be going back to his regular job in Texas, where he also works part-time on commercial airlines. Bryce is remaining in North Yorkshire until December this year with his wife, Stacey, and their children, aged five and three. "We have been completely immersed in British culture and love being here."