A machine gunner from Machine Gun Platoon, Support Company, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, 4th Marine Division, clears the M240B machine gun for a Georgian soldier during training here July 25 for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between Marines and the Georgian armed forces by exchanging and enhancing each otherrs capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training. (PHOTO CREDIT: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah)

5 Platoon, B Coy the winners of the rugby competition.

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Philippine Marine Staff Sgt. Arnaldo O. Manguiat, left, a squad leader assigned to 511th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, Philippine Marine Sgt. Henry V. Lalap, right, a mortarman with the company, and U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Logan A. Giger, center, a platoon commander assigned to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, work together during their bilateral live fire training event May 7, 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines, during Balikatan 2014. The Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines trained together to increase mission readiness. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

U. S. Navy Cdr. Peter B. Mishky, left center, and U.S. Navy Capt. John H. Mastacski, far left, meet with U. S. Marine Corps Col. Mark M. Walter, right center, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Forces Balikatan 2014 during a walk through of the base camp of this year's exercise in Crow Valley, Philippines on May 3, 2014. Mishky and Mastacski are Shock Trauma Platoon Emergency Room Physicians. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Philippine Marines reel a winch in to assist U.S. Marines during a training exercise May 11, 2014 in Crow Valley, Philippines during Balikatan 2014. The bulldozer was stuck, allowing Philippine and U.S. Marines to practice vehicle recovery. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military and their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The Philippine Marines are with Motor Transport and Maintenance Battalion, Combat Service Support Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps The bulldozer is assigned to 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman/Released)

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark M. Walter, center, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Forces Balikatan 2014, walks through the ammunition supply point with U.S Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jeffery W. Anderson, left, ammunition chief for the ammunition supply point, and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David S. Wright, right, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge for the ammunition supply point, May 3, 2014 in Crow Valley, Philippines. Walter visited the base camp where Balikatan 2014 will hold part of its field training exercise in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Anderson and Wright are assigned to 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Philippine Marine Corps Tech. Sgt. Felipe Bautista, assigned to Motor Transportation and Maintenance Battalion, Combat and Service Support Brigade, and U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Nyeme M. Baker, a metal worker with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force stand shoulder-to-shoulder May 10, 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines during a Balikatan 2014 subject matter expert exchange. The exchange brought the two nations Marine Corps together to learn one another's logistical capabilities. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Philippine Marine Staff Sgt. Arnaldo O. Manguiat, right, a squad leader assigned to 511th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, Philippine Marine Sgt. Henry V. Lalap, left, a mortarman with the company, and U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Logan A. Giger, center, a platoon commander assigned to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, work together during their bilateral live fire training event May 7, 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines, during Balikatan 2014. The Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines trained together to increase mission readiness. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Philippine Marines position their sniper rifles downrange before a live-fire portion of their bilateral training with U.S. Marines May 8, 2014, at Crow Valley, Philippines, during Balikatan 2014. The Philippine Marines shot a course of fire with unknown distances while working with the U.S. Marines in order for both forces to increase their proficiency of long range engagements. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the armed forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Lance Cpl. John M. Fernandez, left, and Lance Cpl. Christian Cain-Echeandia, right, provide suppressing fire for Philippine Marines May 9 at Crow Valley, Philippines as part of Balikatan 2014. The Philippine Marines were conducting squad attacks on the range below, working in conjunction with the machine gunners perched above. Balikatan is a Philippine term meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder,” which encompasses the spirit of the bilateral exercise. Fernandez and Cain-Echeandia are machine gunners with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lena Wakayama/Released)

U.S. Air Force Airmen give tours of Philippine and U.S. military aircraft to guests May 10, 2014 at Clark Air Base during a static aircraft display for Balikatan 2014. The event gave the opportunity for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and their families as well as the community to get up close and personal with Philippine and U.S. aircraft. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military and their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Matthew Sissel/Released)

A U.S. Marine sniper spots his Philippine Marine counterpart while he takes aim during a live-fire sniper training exercise at Crow Valley, Philippines, on May 8, 2014, during Balikatan 2014. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the armed forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Matthew Sissel/Released)

A Marine combat engineer with Black Sea Rotational Force 2011 installs linoleum flooring while renovating a senior citizens home here July 20. The Marines were in Georgia for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011, an exercise designed to increase interoperability between Georgian Armed Forces and Marines. The engineerss job was to build relationships with the Eastern European nation by offering their skills to its people. (Photo by Capt. Charles Nassar)

The B Company mascot

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Rugby balls after the competition.

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Lance Cpl. Chad Nicks, a combat engineer with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, and Milan, Mich., native, dumps paint into tray while renovating a senior citizens home here July 26. The Marines were in Georgia for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011, an exercise designed to increase interoperability between Georgian Armed Forces and Marines. The engineerss job was to build relationships with the Eastern European nation by offering their skills to its people. (Photo by Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah)

Philippine and U.S. Marines stand shouler-to-shoulder during a vehicle recovery training event, May 12, 2014 in Crow Valley, Philippines during Balikatan 2014. The training was part of the culminating event between the logistics combat element of U.S. Marine Forces Balikatan and the Philippine Marines. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military and their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The Philippine Marines are with Motor Transport and Maintenance Battalion, Combat Service Support Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps. The U.S. Marines are with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman/Released)

U.S. Marines provide suppressing fire for Philippine Marines May 9 at Crow Valley, Philippines as part of Balikatan 2014. The Philippine Marines were conducting squad attacks below, shooting at targets as they closed in. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military and their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The U.S. Marines are machine gunners with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine Marines are with 311th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lena Wakayama/Released)

Nino Dvalishvili, director of a senior citizens home, here, toasts to Marines July 26 for renovating three rooms in her senior citizens home. The Marines were in Georgia for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011, an exercise designed to increase interoperability between Georgian Armed Forces and Marines. The engineerss job was to build relationships with the Eastern European nation by offering their skills to its people. (Photo by Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah)

Farmers in the fields making sure weeds don’t stifle the crop. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh at patrol Base Shaheed providing security and dominating the ground. (UK/MOD Crown Copyright 2010 Photo by Major Paul Smyth)

Lance Cpl. Joshua Burleson, a combat engineer with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, and Eastpointe, Mich., native, paints a wall while renovating a senior citizens home here July 26. The Marines were in Georgia for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011, an exercise designed to increase interoperability between Georgian Armed Forces and Marines. The engineerss job was to build relationships with the Eastern European nation by offering their skills to its people. (Photo by Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah)

Brig. Gen. Niel E. Nelson takes a minute to chat with U.S. Marines May 9 at Crow Valley, Philippines during Balikatan 2014. The U.S. Marines were conducting squad attacks alongside Philippine Marines as part of live-fire training that is taking place throughout the first week of the exercise. Balikatan is a Philippine term meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder,” which encompasses the spirit of the bilateral exercise. Nelson is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lena Wakayama/Released)

Philippine Marines assigned to Motor Transportation and Maintenance Battalion, Combat and Service Support Brigade work together with U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bokhari C. Jefferson, a motor transportation mechanic with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force to disassemble a motor engine May 10, 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines during a Balikatan 2014 subject matter expert exchange. The exchange brought the two nations Marine Corps together to learn one another's logistical capabilities. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Sgt Garathy preparing the loving cup and leeks. St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Maj Ed Hill makes the first address

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Philippine Marine Corps Tech. Sgt. Felipe Bautista, assigned to Motor Transportation and Maintenance Battalion, Combat and Service Support Brigade, and U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Nyeme M. Baker, a metal worker with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force operate a Marine Corps Tactical Welding System hand-in-hand May 10, 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines during a Balikatan 2014 subject matter expert exchange. The exchange brought the two nations Marine Corps together to learn one another's logistical capabilities. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Philippine and U.S. Marines discuss the differences between their mortar systems May 5 in Crow Valley, Philippines during exercise Balikatan 2014. Marines from both countries conducted a dry-run in preparation for live-fire training slated to occur over the course of the 12-day exercise. Balikatan is an annual bilateral exercise that helps enhance military-to-military relations and combined combat capabilities. The U.S. Marines are mortarmen with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lena Wakayama/Released)

Philippine and U.S. Marines sight-in downrange during a live-fire sniper training May 8, 2014, at Crow Valley, Philippines, for Balikatan 2014. The Marines trained together to increase their effectiveness and proficiency for long range targets. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the armed forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

A Marine combat engineer with Black Sea Rotational Force 2011 removes ceramic tiles from a wall while renovating a senior citizens home here July 20. The Marines were in Georgia for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011, an exercise designed to increase interoperability between Georgian Armed Forces and Marines. The engineerss job was to build relationships with the Eastern European nation by offering their skills to its people. (Photo by Capt. Charles Nassar)

A Philippine and U.S. Marine takes measurements prior to welding two metal beams for an engineering subject matter expert exchange for Balikatan 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines May 10, 2014. The exchange brought the two nations Marine Corps together to learn one another's logistical capabilities. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Boynes/Released)

3 BATTALION ROYAL PARACHUTE REGIMENT HANDOVER TO 42 COMMANDO ROYAL MARINES.

On the 19 April 2011 the flag changing ceremony took place of the handover in the Forward Operational Base Shizad, of Nad-e Ali North, Combined Force from the 3 Battalion Royal Parachute Regiment to 42 Commando Royal Marines.

ANA Warriors with some serious fire power between them. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh at patrol Base Shaheed providing security and dominating the ground. (UK/MOD Crown Copyright 2010 Photo by Major Paul Smyth)

While U.S. Marines supplied suppressive machine gun fire, Philippine Marines assigned to 311th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, advance across a simulated battlefield during live-fire training events May 9, 2014, at Crow Valley, Philippines, for Balikatan 2014. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Philippine and U.S. Marines stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they weld a piece of metal for an engineering subject matter expert exchange during Balikatan 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines May 10, 2014. The exchange brought the two nations Marine Corps together to learn one another's logistical capabilities. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Boynes/Released)

U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Georgia John R. Bass (far right) receives an award on the behalf of Marine combat engineers July 27 for renovating a senior citizens home here. The Marines were in Georgia for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011, an exercise designed to increase interoperability between Georgian Armed Forces and Marines. The engineerss job was to build relationships with the Eastern European nation by offering their skills to its people. (Photo by Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah)

U. S. Navy Cdr. Peter B. Mishky, left center, and U.S. Navy Capt. John H. Mastacski, far left, meet with U. S. Marine Corps Col. Mark M. Walter, right center, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Forces Balikatan 2014 during a walk through of the base camp of this year's exercise in Crow Valley, Philippines on May 3, 2014. Mishky and Mastacski are Shock Trauma Platoon Emergency Room Physicians. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Men of B Company, 1 R WELSH enjoy a change from rations with lamb stew.

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark M. Walter, center, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Forces Balikatan 2014, walks through the ammunition supply point with U.S Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jeffery W. Anderson, left, ammunition chief for the ammunition supply point, and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David S. Wright, right, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge for the ammunition supply point, May 3, 2014 in Crow Valley, Philippines. Walter visited the base camp where Balikatan 2014 will hold part of its field training exercise in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Anderson and Wright are assigned to 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Philippine and U.S. Marines examine tools and resources prior to using the Marine Corps Tactical Welding System during an engineering subject matter expert exchange at Balikatan 2014, Crow Valley, Philippines May 10, 2014. The exchange brought the two nations Marine Corps together to learn one another's logistical capabilities. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Boynes/Released)

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Niel E. Nelson shakes hands with Philippine Marine 1st Lt. Carlo Glenn A. Capunihan May 9 at Crow Valley, Philippines during Balikatan 2014. Nelson stopped by the range where Capunihan’s Marines were conducting squad attacks alongside U.S. Marines. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military and their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Nelson is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary force, and Capunihan is the commanding officer of 311th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lena Wakayama/Released)

Philippine and U.S. Marine snipers take aim during a live-fire training exercise at Crow Valley, Philippines, May 8, 2014, during Balikatan 2014. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the armed forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Matthew Sissel/Released)

Maj Ed Hill presenting the 'loving cup' from the leek ceremony to Lance Corporal Tuliva. The 'loving cup' became the rugby trophy.

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Marines with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin flip their zodiac over during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course off the coast of Noumea, New Caledonia, August 16, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

A Philippine Marine shoots a course of fire with his rifle while U.S Marines spot for him May 8, 2014, at Crow Valley, Philippines, during a live-fire training exercise for Balikatan 2014. The U.S. Marines and Philippine Marines worked side-by-side to shoot targets at unknown distances. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the armed forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

U.S. Marine Cpl. William Steinbach sits underneath a makeshift tent with Philippine Marines May 7 at Crow Valley, Philippines as part of exercise Balikatan 2014. The Marines worked together during live-fire mortar training in which Philippine and U.S. Marines shot mortars side-by-side. Balikatan 14 is an annual bilateral exercise that brings Philippine and U.S. forces together to strengthen their relationship and better their combined combat capabilities. Steinbach is a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. The Philippine Marines are with 511th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lena Wakayama/Released)

Philippine Marines assigned to the 511th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, and U.S. Marines assigned to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines look down range during their bilateral live fire mortar training May 7, 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines, during Balikatan 2014. The Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines trained together to increase mission readiness. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Cpl. Joseph J. Bennetti, a machine gunner, builds a rope bridge during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course outside of Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 22, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. Bennetti, from New York, New York, is with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)