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Let's see how long it'll take for this thread to spin hopelessly downhill - perhaps an alternate caption contest? ;D Shared with the usual fair use and research disclaimer....
Highlander Jamie Lyons (right, holding lamb) said: "It was hard work lifting the lambs. Some were a bit jumpy and nervous. I suppose because we were a bit nervous too" (Photo by Corporal Scot Robertson/MoD/PA)
"Army sends fleece-making force to Falklands"
Times Online, 22 Dec 09
Article link
A team of British soldiers helped to castrate more than 5,000 sheep on the Falkland Islands after an appeal from local farmers.
The Highlanders, who are on a tour of duty on the islands, were called in after one farm worker was killed in a motorcycle crash and another was injured in a separate accident.
Corporal Scot Robertson, 33 from Balloch, Dunbartonshire, led a seven-man patrol team who stepped in to help.
After a quick lesson from the farmers, the soldiers rolled up their sleeves and in the space of a week more than 5,500 sheep were castrated, tagged and tailed.
Corporal Robertson said: “We were supposed to be patrolling the west island but went to help a local farmer when we heard there was a problem.
“We put the sheep into the pen and the farmer showed us what to do.
“One castrated them, one put a tag through their ear and one cut their tail off with an iron. We just kept going, round and round.
“I’d never even touched a sheep until then. It was good fun and we were glad to be able to help out.
“There were plenty of sheep jokes flying about when we got back to the base.”
Highlander Jamie Lyons, 20, from Thurso, said: “It was something I didn’t expect to be doing out here but I enjoyed the experience.
“It was hard work lifting the lambs. Some were a bit jumpy and nervous. I suppose because we were a bit nervous too.”
Sheep farming for the production of high-quality wool has been the main form of agriculture in the Falkland Islands over the past 160 years.
With a population of only 3,000, and more than half a million sheep, farming is essential for the economy.
The wool from the sheep the soldiers helped to castrate will be used to make uniforms, according to Corporal Adam Bowie.
The corporal, 27, from Corby in Northamptonshire, and his team helped another stricken farmer do the same job.
He said: “We got six more guys and the farmer was very grateful. It would have taken him a long time if we hadn’t been there. They guys were happy to help out.”
Major Jonas Fieldhouse, who is the officer in charge of the company, said: “We go out and help the local population. We have been castrating and shearing sheep.
“We make sure that the people know we are still interested in them and help out where they need it.
“The public love us to be here. The guys go out and about and they have had a very good reception.
“They have been given lots of gifts and even had cakes baked for them.”
The Highlanders are spending Christmas and New Year in the Falklands and will return to their base in Germany in January.
You only hurt the ones you love? ;D I kid, I kid...
Highlander Jamie Lyons (right, holding lamb) said: "It was hard work lifting the lambs. Some were a bit jumpy and nervous. I suppose because we were a bit nervous too" (Photo by Corporal Scot Robertson/MoD/PA)
"Army sends fleece-making force to Falklands"
Times Online, 22 Dec 09
Article link
A team of British soldiers helped to castrate more than 5,000 sheep on the Falkland Islands after an appeal from local farmers.
The Highlanders, who are on a tour of duty on the islands, were called in after one farm worker was killed in a motorcycle crash and another was injured in a separate accident.
Corporal Scot Robertson, 33 from Balloch, Dunbartonshire, led a seven-man patrol team who stepped in to help.
After a quick lesson from the farmers, the soldiers rolled up their sleeves and in the space of a week more than 5,500 sheep were castrated, tagged and tailed.
Corporal Robertson said: “We were supposed to be patrolling the west island but went to help a local farmer when we heard there was a problem.
“We put the sheep into the pen and the farmer showed us what to do.
“One castrated them, one put a tag through their ear and one cut their tail off with an iron. We just kept going, round and round.
“I’d never even touched a sheep until then. It was good fun and we were glad to be able to help out.
“There were plenty of sheep jokes flying about when we got back to the base.”
Highlander Jamie Lyons, 20, from Thurso, said: “It was something I didn’t expect to be doing out here but I enjoyed the experience.
“It was hard work lifting the lambs. Some were a bit jumpy and nervous. I suppose because we were a bit nervous too.”
Sheep farming for the production of high-quality wool has been the main form of agriculture in the Falkland Islands over the past 160 years.
With a population of only 3,000, and more than half a million sheep, farming is essential for the economy.
The wool from the sheep the soldiers helped to castrate will be used to make uniforms, according to Corporal Adam Bowie.
The corporal, 27, from Corby in Northamptonshire, and his team helped another stricken farmer do the same job.
He said: “We got six more guys and the farmer was very grateful. It would have taken him a long time if we hadn’t been there. They guys were happy to help out.”
Major Jonas Fieldhouse, who is the officer in charge of the company, said: “We go out and help the local population. We have been castrating and shearing sheep.
“We make sure that the people know we are still interested in them and help out where they need it.
“The public love us to be here. The guys go out and about and they have had a very good reception.
“They have been given lots of gifts and even had cakes baked for them.”
The Highlanders are spending Christmas and New Year in the Falklands and will return to their base in Germany in January.
You only hurt the ones you love? ;D I kid, I kid...
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