PERSONNEL from the Territorial Army's chemical warfare defence unit have just returned from a major multi-national desert exercise.

It took place near Alamein, the scene of a major tank battle in World War Two in Egypt's western desert.

A (Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry) Squadron from Swindon was deployed as part of the UK's joint nuclear biological chemical (NBC) defence regiment during exercise Bright Star 01, which involved some 50,000 troops from Egypt, Kuwait, Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain as well as the USA and the UK.

The TA soldiers were there to practise their role of providing a reserve for the joint NBC regiment and were completely integrated with regulars.

In fact some A Squadron personnel found themselves commanding regular soldiers in armoured vehicles and decontamination crews.

Their role was to command and crew Fuchs NBC armoured reconnaissance vehicles, decontamination sections and provide watch keepers, liaison officers and radio operators at regimental, brigade and divisional levels.

The reservists, who are based at Swindon's TA Centre in Church Place, were commanded by Major Dominic Guinness and were deployed deep in the desert.

There they worked with the 3rd US Armoured Cavalry Regiment, clearing paths for the advance of US armour through the desert during the three-week exercise.

Major Guinness said: "Operating in the desert brought new challenges that we would never face here in the UK. The exercise was not only demanding and enjoyable, but we also proved our ability to work alongside our regular colleagues."

It was the first time since World War Two that the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry had returned to Alamein.

El Alamein is one of the Yeomanry's principal battle honours and commemorates its decisive role in the second Battle of El Alamein against Rommel's German army in 1942.

During the battle the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, as part of the 9th Armoured Brigade (2nd New Zealand Division), led the breakout through the minefield while under heavy fire from the 29th Panzer Division.

So fierce was the fighting that all but five of the Yeomanry's tanks were destroyed, and many Wiltshire men lie today in the cemetery at Alamein.

Major Guinness said routine training with A Squadron also gives soldiers the chance to go ski-ing, para- chuting, canoeing, climbing and mountain walking.

He said apart from the camaraderie and a lot of "serious fun" TA reservists learn new skills and are paid army rates of pay for the days they train.

Anyone aged 18 to 32 who is interested in joining A Squadron should contact Captain Alan McGinn at Swindon TA Centre on Swindon 523865.