ARMY medics bade a tearful farewell to their families yesterday as they swapped their day jobs for a three-month tour of duty on the front line in Afghanistan.

The 12 Territorial Army medics from 202 Field Hospital, based at Edward Brooks Barracks in Abingdon, are heading to southern Afghanistan, one of the world’s most dangerous war zones, to care for injured soldiers.

Among them are three nurses from Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, a physiotherapist, medical technicians and hospital administration staff.

The troops will fly to the UK Field Hospital in Camp Bastion, Helmand province, over during the Easter weekend after training stints in Nottingham, Kent and York.

For most of the team it will be their second deployment, following a tour in Iraq in 2003, but for some — like Corporal Anna Rimmer — it is their first experience of war.

The 26-year-old accident and emergency nurse said: “Three months seemed like such a short time and now were are staring down the face of it, it seems a bit longer.

“It will be fantastic professional experience I wouldn’t get in a civilian environment and it enables me to push myself in other directions.”

Her mother, Alison Rimmer, 53, of High Wycombe, said: “I’m immensely proud of her. I’m delighted for her because she’s passionate about nursing.”

TA troops from Oxfordshire’s 7 Rifles and 5 Signal squadrons have also been deployed since the conflict began in October 2001.

The fighting has so far claimed the lives of 152 British forces personnel.

Oxfordshire has played a leading role in the conflict, with troops flown to and from RAF Brize Norton and inquests into military deaths abroad carried out in Oxford.

Troops from 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment at Vauxhall Barracks, Didcot, and Abingdon’s Dalton Barracks have also been deployed.

Major Heather Saunders, 51, of North Hinksey, Oxford, wiped away tears as she said goodbye to her son.

She said: “It’s excitement and apprehension. We don’t know what to expect.

“Leaving my family and friends is always the hardest part.”

Tricia and Roger Green, of Charlton Heights, Wantage, watched their son Corporal Tony Green leave.

Mrs Green, 62, said: “I’m exceedingly proud that he wants to go out and help. As long as they come back safely, that’s all that matters.”

Commanding Officer Major Mike Chamberlain said: “All they are doing is transporting their medical skills from a civilian setting to a medical setting – there’s not a lot of difference really.

“It will be like a very small cottage hospital, about 25 beds, that can deal with any injury coming through the front door.

“They want to go out and accomplish something for their country and the Army.”

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