Dalton soldier's key role in Taliban battle; Providing vital kit for frontline troops.

Byline: NEIL ATKINSON s

A SOLDIER from Huddersfield holds the keys to the Army store cupboard in Afghanistan.

For the next six months Major John Hanson, 40, is the man responsible for all the new kit coming into the country.

And he does so in the arduous conditions of Helmand Province - scene of some of the worst fighting in the conflict.

Major Hanson said: "It is my responsibility to control all equipment around Task Force Helmand.

"This includes all vehicles and plant equipment used by British Forces in Afghanistan. I ensure that the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) on the ground service and maintain the equipment, and that new equipment is made available to troops to ensure they are able to do their jobs effectively." Major Hanson is originally from

Dalton, where his mother, Joyce Hanson still lives. He joined the army in 1985 after leaving Rawthorpe High School at the age of 16. After attending the Army Apprentice College in Arborfield he started his career in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as a craftsman.

In his 24 years of service he has progressed through the ranks to reach the rank of Major, and he has completed operational tours in Iraq during the Gulf War of 1991, and tours of Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kosovo in the late 1990s.

This is his second tour of duty in Afghanistan having previously served with 3 Commando Brigade from October 2005 to February 2006.

Since arriving in Lashkar Gah Major Hanson has been busy keeping the frontline troops supplied with all the kit they need to take on the Taliban.

He said: "This will be a challenging and at times difficult six months for everyone.

"From my perspective the degradation to the equipment due to the temperatures we will endure over the summer months and the frequency of equipment use will prove problematic.

"But I know the REME engineers will work tirelessly to ensure vehicles and equipment are serviceable and the new equipment brought into service will be invaluable".

It has not, however, been all work since he arrived in March.

Major Hanson was asked to host the Prime Minister on his recent visit to troops in Afghanistan.

He said: "Meeting the Prime Minister showed how important this mission is for the Government and the security and safety it brings to the UK." Major Hanson is due to complete his tour of duty in October 2009. He will return to his family in Lisburn, Northern Ireland to enjoy some well-earned rest before starting the Intermediate Command and Staff College Course for Majors in January 2010, having been only one of three officers to come up through the ranks selected for the course.

"This is a rewarding role for me. It is the culmination of 24 years of service and experience put into action to support troops in their mission to undermine the Taliban insurgency and improve the day to day lives of the Afghan people." 19 Light Brigade took over command of Task Force Helmand in Helmand Province from 3 Commando Brigade, on April 10. Over 8,000 soldiers are deployed to five main districts in Helmand Province with the aim of undermining the Taliban insurgency, developing better standards of Governance and improving the lives of the Afghan people..

CAPTION(S):

READY: Major John Hanson is responsible for getting new kit to British troops in Helmand Province - top, an RAF Chinook Helicopter creates a dust storm while re-supplying troops in southern Helmand and above, 42 Commando Royal Marines carry out an operation against Taliban forces