Scots Soldier Transforms Afghan Camp

A SCOTS soldier has been given a top Army award for helping transform his camp in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province.

Corporal John Clamp, 51, is a qualified carpenter and used his skills to make life more bearable by building shelters and creating a new briefing room.

John, from Hawick, Roxburghshire, did all the work in his spare time using recycled materials.

Now the corporal from The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS) has been awarded the Commander’s Coin for outstanding achievement.

John, who has been in Helmand since September, said: “I’m extremely honoured to receive the award.

“It’s nice to be recognised but I just enjoy adding value to the job.”

He was presented with the Coin by Brigadier Bob Bruce, the Commander of Task Force Helmand and a former 1 SCOTS Commanding Officer.

John works in the battalion’s quartermaster’s department and his main role is to supervise the delivery of stores and equipment, including mail, which is so important for troops’ morale, particularly over
the festive period.

But he used his handyman skills to build shelters for the Guard Force, facilities for interpreters and a fully-functioning briefing room for British and Afghan forces.

John carried out the work at Camp Tombstone and Camp Shorobak – the Afghan base attached to Camp Bastion where 1 SCOTS are helping to train and mentor soldiers from the Afghan army.

John is due to marry his fiancée Linda Park, a care home nurse from Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, next year.

Tags: The Royal Scots Borderers

Category: 21st Century Conflict, The Royal Scots Borderers