Christmas cheer for UK soldiers

Welsh Cavalry soldiers in Afghanistan load gold MoD Christmas boxes

British soldiers in Afghanistan will enjoy a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, served up in the traditional way by senior officers.

On Christmas Day up to 3,000 soldiers at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province will tuck into turkey, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts and mince pies.

But those on patrol will have to make do with 24-hour ration packs.

The Ministry of Defence had to fly out replacement turkey after the Taleban blew up a lorry carrying the meat.

The consignment of frozen turkey roll breasts was completely destroyed en route from Pakistan.

For many soldiers on the frontline, 25 December will be just another day, with the continued threat of suicide attacks, roadside bombs and gunfire.

Those serving in patrol bases will have to eat standard rations, but officers hope they can join their units for the festive meal at some point.

CAMP BASTION'S FESTIVE MENU Tomato & basil soup with rolls Sliced roast turkey, gammon, pork and beef Roast vegetables, stuffing, sausage and bacon rolls Yorkshire pudding, roast and creamed potatoes Brussels sprouts, baton glazed carrots, green sliced beansprouts Farmhouse cabbage, roast gravy, cranberry sauce Christmas cake and pudding, mince pies Irish cream cheesecake, peach schnapps gateaux Shortbread, After Eight mints, custard sauce, whipped cream Taleban targets troops' turkeys

Thirty-five chefs will prepare the Camp Bastion meal, and personnel at forward operating bases will also be served a Christmas dinner by another 35 chefs.

There will be no brandy sauce, as Camp Bastion is a dry area.

The total cost of the food is £10,265 or just £3.42 each.

Captain Paul Cunningham, the defence food services team leader, said: "Food is vitally important to the morale of our Armed Forces, especially when they're deployed on operations at Christmas.

"A really high priority for me and my team is to ensure troops get fresh food and that wherever possible, all members of the Armed Forces serving abroad get a Christmas dinner at some point during the festive period."

There will be church services, carol concerts, crackers, party poppers and balloons.

Every soldier will also receive a Christmas box, which includes a multi-tool, three juggling balls, a sewing kit and a travel pillow.

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