In the second of a three-part series on the former Yugoslavia, Telegraph & Argus reporter Joanne Earp meets four Bradford soldiers who are helping to keep the peace in Bosnia.

After another day braving the elements of a typical Bosnian winter the soldiers of the Armoured Squadron of the Royal Dragoon Guards are looking forward to a hot shower and an evening meal at their base in Mrkonjic Grad.

For some this is the latest in a long line of tours which has seen them travel the globe.

For others the six-month posting in a region torn apart by war is their first real taste of life abroad with the Army.

Tank commander Corporal David Thornton has travelled the world since joining up in 1984. Previous tours for the 31-year-old from Eccleshill have included Canada, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Germany.

"Being in Bosnia is totally different to anything I have ever done. Anything off-road is considered a mine field which bothered me at first, but we are all trained and it is something you get used to," he said.

The RDG Challengers, the only British tanks in Bosnia, are part of a multi-national effort and have just completed a testing session at Glamoc - a key battle zone during the war - involving Canadian Cougar tanks and Belgian Leopards.

David explained: "We are here purely as a deterrent - the only firing we have done is on the ranges at Glamoc. It means I get to do other jobs like Land Rover patrols and information gathering, which I also enjoy."

Although this is Trooper Dean O'Driscoll's first tour with the RDG the 20-year-old from Ravenscliffe is no stranger to Army life. His parents Anita and John have both served in the forces.

Dean, a former pupil of Undercliffe Middle School and Carlton Bolling College, said: "With both my parents being in the Army I knew roughly what to expect, but when I told everyone I was coming to Bosnia they thought I was mad.

"Some of the areas we patrol look quite normal but others have been destroyed. It can get depressing and I miss home but the lads keep each other going - making a joke of things helps you through."

The Bradford Bulls fan, who is responsible for driving and maintaining a Challenger, added: "Tours like this are just part and parcel of the job."

This time next year fellow Trooper Dean Yates will be out of the Army. The 21-year-old former Cavendish First School pupil has had an eventful few weeks. "While I was on leave I got engaged and we are hoping to get a pub together. Joining up was a snap decision and although I have enjoyed it I am looking forward to trying something new. It sounds strange but I don't mind being in Bosnia because I have met a lot of nice people. I have seen some sights though - towns and villages absolutely gutted and kids with limbs missing. I don't think people back in England realise the importance of what we are doing here," he said.

Lance Corporal Neil Elliot has been keeping his nose to the grindstone since arriving in Bosnia with the rest of the Squadron in December.

The 27-year-old, nicknamed 'ET' by his mates, was on patrol in the hills of Tosic when the villagers told him that their 80-year-old flour mill had a leaky roof. The tiny mill would be considered a museum piece in this country, but for the elderly residents it is vital to their survival.

So the former Salts Grammar School pupil and six other members of the patrol stepped in to fix it. "It was great to be able to help. Our work is particularly important for these people as there is no one left in the village under the age of 50 - all the young were either driven off or killed during the war," he said.

The Army's programme of aid to the civil community is a big change for Neil who is more used to crewing a Challenger. "Before I joined up four years ago I worked as an engineer at Silver Cross, Guiseley. Being in the Army is something I have always wanted to do. Some days are better than others, but we are definitely making a difference.

"Spending time away from my wife Christine and five-year-old daughter Chelsea is difficult. My letter writing skills have certainly developed since I came to Bosnia."

His other passion is watching rugby league and supporting the Bradford Bulls. Neil said: "There are a lot of rugby league fans out here. I try and keep up to date with the scores, but it will be good to get back home and watch them play."

When the Squadron finishes its tour in June another regiment will fly out to Bosnia and take over their duties.

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