Battalion commander injured

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Lieutenant Colonel David Richmond, commanding officer of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg during fighting in war-battered Helmand Province.

Lt Col Richmond, 41, was leading his troops on Thursday against the Taliban near the town of Musa Qala when he was struck down by an enemy bullet, according to reports.

The soldier, who has served in Northern Ireland and Iraq in 22 years with the Army, will be flown to the UK for treatment at the royal centre for defence medicine at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham. It is not known how serious the injury is.

An Army spokesperson said: "I can confirm that the incident took place in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Lt Col Richmond will receive appropriate medical care when he is back in the UK at Selly Oak Hospital."

The commanding officer was in charge of around 550 troops from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The soldiers, based at Howe Barracks in Canterbury, Kent, formed part of the 16 Air Assault Brigade during their deployment in war-torn Afghanistan.

They were stationed at a number of base camps across the south of the country, including Forward Operating Base Delhi, where Prince Harry was settled for several weeks.

Speaking in February before the battalion was sent out, the commanding officer said: "The deployment will test us all. The environment we will operate in is austere and demanding and we are ready for it.

"The battalion will thrive on the challenges and look forward to supporting the Afghan Government in its efforts to rid the country of the Taliban and improve the quality of life of its people."