Wherever British soldiers are deployed there is a well-organised and highly trained military support unit supplying them with everything they need to survive, from food, clothes and medicines to fuel and ammunition.

For seven months, from early November 2006 through to June 2007, 94 Stores Squadron, Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (94 Sqn QOGLR), based in Hullavington, kept the supply chain running smoothly for British troops in Iraq.

Today (21 September 2007), Operation TELIC medals were presented to soldiers from 94 Squadron by Major General David Shouesmith, the Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Logistic Operations) during a parade at Buckley Barracks, Hullavington. They were supported by the Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Despite the dangerous and harsh environment in which they were working, the168 Gurkha supply specialists from the Squadron made sure that the right supplies were available for British soldiers based throughout the southern area of Iraq.

This involved managing accounts and equipment valued close to £50 million. The bulk of the Squadron operated out of Shaiba Logistic Base before moving into Basra Air Station, as well as having permanent detachments in Basra Palace and the Shaat Al Arab Hotel situated in the centre of the city.

The Officer Commanding 94 Squadron, Major Neil Jurd, said, "This was an exceptional tour that represented a pivotal moment in the Squadron's history. The Sqn took on an extremely demanding set of technical challenges, implementing significant changes to the provision of Logistic Support in Iraq whilst still providing excellent support to the fighting units.

Operating in challenging conditions, taking on extra duties and moving from Shaiba to the Airport camp and the subsequent move within the base all represented significant achievements, all done without loss of life and without ever letting down the Brigade."

After presenting around 60 soldiers from 94 Squadron with their Op Telic medals, General Shouesmith said, "I know that what you do as a Squadron is often not appreciated or recognised by those at the sharp end.

"But you all know better than most that everyone is at the sharp end now, and that you have to continue to do your job, which is critical to operational success, despite the indirect fire coming at you in Shaiba, Improvised Explosive Devices on the road or in Basra Airport.

"You have had an exceptional tour, and continued to sustain support to Brigade units throughout, despite the real danger to life posed by the indirect fire threat and under some unpleasant and difficult working conditions.

"Gurkha soldiers have a reputation for excelling; you proved your technical excellence on this tour, and your ability and resilience as soldiers. You have performed in the finest traditions of the British Army and of the Gurkha soldier, and you have every reason to be proud of your contribution to operations in Iraq."