History
Following the experiences of D Squadron in Afghanistan in 2006, the Charitable Fund was created by Major Will Bartle-Jones, aimed at helping to provide financial support to injured soldiers and their families, inclusive of those who have lost their lives on active service. Whilst it has been recognised that much of the financial burden imposed by tragic operational casualties and injuries to soldiers is catered for by specialist Regimental and Armed Forces organisations who provide an immensely helpful element, experience shows that there is very much still a need for further assistance.

Major Bartle-Jones is currently posted to Oman and is taking an active interest in fund-raising efforts, he has set himself a personal goal of raising raise £250,000 before leaving. However, for the time being retired Captain Alistair Galloway (LG) has taken over day to day running of the Fund.

Who has benefited and how has money raised been spent to date?
LCpl Martyn Compton LG, suffered horrendous injuries following a well coordinated Taliban ambush near the town of Musa Qaleh, Helmand Province, Afghanistan on 1 Aug 07.  Martyn’s Spartan CVR(T) was destroyed by an Improvised Explosive Device, which killed the remainder of the crew and left him with 70% burns to his body, most notably to his torso, head and arms.  He also suffered a complicated gunshot wound to his right leg as he tried to extract from the immediate area. Martyn has undergone numerous operations and skin grafts, enduring many hours of operations.

Throughout his ordeal, Martyn has shown nothing but the stoutest resolve and ambition to get back to work, His wife Michelle, along with their families has been instrumental in aiding his remarkable recovery, with added financial burdens. They and Martyn will continue their journey but will require financial assistance in the many years to come.

Recently the fund paid for an adapted bathroom and gym equipment to aid Martyn's recovery and rehabilitation.

With the sad and tragic loss of Tpr Ratu Babakobau LG (Killed In Action on 2 May 08) and Tpr James Munday LG (Killed In Action on 15 Oct 08), this fund has sadly become increasingly more important and needed.  Both these brave soldiers gave their lives for their friends, their country and for the people of Afghanistan. The fund has paid for photograph albums of James to be presented to his family and supported Tpr Munday’s father Robert for his fund-raising climb of Mt Kilimanjaro.

HCR Battlegroup are now all back in Afghanistan and will remained deployed until Apr 10. To date nine soldiers have been “casevaced” from Afghanistan due injuries including those caused by IEDs and indirect fire. The most serious have been Tprs Ward RHG/D and Mapp LG who have both had double amputations of their lower lrgs. It is here and in other cases, that the fund can make a huge difference, offsetting many of the costs imposed upon the individuals concerned, especially at a time when the ratio of injuries to deployed soldiers in Afghanistan is extremely high. With D Sqn returning in Sep 10 there is no let up for HCR in Afghanistan and further casualties are inevitable.