Lonely soldier would like to hear from you (From Gazette Series)

Lonely soldier would like to hear from you

8:27am Sunday 13th January 2008 in News By Liza-Jane Gillespie

A SOLDIER from Sharpness is looking for love - despite currently serving in Afghanistan fighting for Queen and country.

Rifleman Stuart Clements, 26, is a Territorial Army soldier serving in Salonika Company of the seventh Battalion, The Rifles.

The former Rednock School pupil started his first six-month tour of duty last October and is now in the war-torn Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

Speaking about his time already in the country, he said: "It's been hot but the food is good."

However, one thing the Rifleman has said he is missing from the UK is female company - and would like to hear from any single woman from his hometown who would like to write to him while he is in Afghanistan.

While out in Afghanistan, Rfn Clements has been specially trained as a driver and takes part in vehicle patrols acting as a deterrent to the Taliban forces, but duties have also included a stint on guard which involves spending a week living in a three-storey concrete building.

"It's pretty boring, but it gives you a chance to rest," said Rfn Clements.

Fighting alongside Rfn Clements is Rfn Tom Cale, 20, from Dursley.

Rfn Cale is also a former Rednock pupil and has been in the TA for two years.

As well as completing his basic training, Rfn Cale has undertaken major training exercises in Texas and Macedonia and is specially trained for the tour as a team medic.

In Afghanistan Rfn Cale is working as part of the Immediate Response Team based at Camp Bastion in central Helmand. Along with other members of his section, he is deployed by helicopter to provide protection and assistance to medical teams as they respond to incidents in the region.

He said: "It's interesting and so far I'm enjoying it."

Rfn Clements and Cales' six-month tour should finish in April.

Anyone interested in writing to Stuart Clements should write to Rfn Clements, Salonika Company, 7 Rifles, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, BFPO 792.