Mark braves 40-degree heat on Afghan front line

Staff Sergeant Mark Wilkinson, aged 40, served as an engineer logistics supervisor on the frontline at Camp Bastion and in forward operating bases across Helman province.

He provided logistical support to more than 500 sappers, allowing the army’s battle groups to operate.

The former Swinton Comprehensive School student  joined the Army in 1987 and has served in Iraq, Kosovo and Northern Ireland and has completed a previous tour of Afghanistan.

Mark said: “It was a really busy tour, we took part in a huge project to rebuild three FOBs and worked long hours in extreme heat -40 degrees plus temperatures operating machinery. It was tough. Fatigue was a problem with the temperatures, by mid afternoon the kit was too hot to handle, but we had to carry on wearing gloves.

"But the work is worth it. Afghanistan is really coming along since the last time I went there. I have noticed a real difference in the country. The people look a lot more proud. I am really proud of what we are achieving every day out there."

Mark and his wife Julie, 38, who is from Belfast have three children - Megan, 17, Conor, 15 and Neve, 11.

He serves with  28 Engineers Regiment, 65 Field Squadron Resources Troop 2, which is normally based in Germany.