Five Essex members of the Territorial Army are packing their bags and heading off to Iraq to help with the clean up operation in the war-ravaged country.

Staff Sgt John Davis, 44, of Grays, Sgt Lee Bland, 29, from Southend, Lance Corporal Rob Himsworth, 33, from Grays, Signaller Guy Hurst, 25, from Southend, and Lance Corporal Wayne Ashpole, 37, from Tilbury, are all going to Basra.

The men have been with the TA for between three and 22 years and will work with regular soldiers already working in the area.

Published Monday, May 26, 2003

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