A HORLEY soldier, who has one of the most dangerous jobs in Afghanistan, has uncovered 30 explosive devices in just five months of being stationed in the war torn country.
Private Robert Bamberger, 20, known to his friends as ‘Bambi,’ is currently serving in Helmand Province with B company, the 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment.
He is the first line of defence against the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS) often having to confirm their whereabouts, conduct searches and select the safest route for people to travel.
Robert is the lead man in B company and works out of a small checkpoint situated close to Helmand River – Midan Bazi – providing security for the local population and surrounding villages.
He said: “We often patrol twice a day. I am usually the lead man, one of the most dangerous jobs in Afghanistan. I am the first line of defence against the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).”
During their time in Nahr-e Saraj, B company has uncovered 30 IEDs, the majority of which they removed from the ground, making the area safer for the local people, who face the indiscriminate threat of IEDs on a daily basis.
Private Bamberger underwent an extensive period of training prior to deploying to Helmand.
He said: “Before we deployed we were trained to deal with all manner of challenging situations we would face whilst in Afghanistan.
“It has been an exciting tour, but I’m looking forward to getting home now to see my friends and family.”
The former pupil of Oakwood School joined the Army in 2009, and chose to join his local regiment.
On returning to his barracks in Paderborn, Germany, he is hoping to attend the Fire Team Commanders’ Course.
Earlier in the year the Observer reported how Ifield soldier Jay Baldwin, 26, lost both his legs to an IED bomb blast in Afghanistan.