Army engineers deployed to aid storm Desmond response

Reconnaissance teams from 21 and 32 Regiment of 170 Engineer Group at Chilwell are conducting technical assessments on at-risk and damaged bridges, with more engineers on standby.

Around 90 troops from 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment are still providing assistance and have been taking supplies to remote areas such as Patterdale and Glenridding. Overall, 350 personnel are available to rotate as required.

After being tasked early on Sunday morning the soldiers based in Weeton Barracks were in Carlisle and Hutton to support other services under pressure from the flooding. Furthermore, ten personnel were involved with assisting the evacuation of part of Lancaster Hospital.

Additionally, military vehicles have been deployed to assist and there is a Chinook helicopter on standby to assist with potential heavy lifting.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “Once again our Armed Forces have shown that they are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to keep the British people safe.

“While so much recent attention has focussed on their actions overseas in defence of our nation, this weekend showed they are equally as prepared for domestic emergencies when they arise.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those involved, and am sure I echo the sentiments of everyone affected in doing so.”

Following a visit from Prime Minister David Cameron, who voiced his gratitude for the forces efforts, Lieutenant Colonel Hamish Cormack, Commanding Officer of 2 Lancs said: “It’s a great morale boost whenever we get a visit like this.

“It meant a lot to us that the Prime Minister should come up here and see first-hand the kind of work we have been doing in and around Carlisle in support of the civilian authorities. I think it shows that we have been hugely successful in delivering the help that has been asked for.”

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