Ferndown Photographer Risks Life On Front Line

Petty Officer Hamish Burke from Ferndown is currently on a six-month deployment in Afghanistan with 3 Commando Brigade, recording what the men and women of the regiment go through on a daily basis.

The twenty-seven year old has spent several days with the different units that make up the brigade including 1 Rifles, formerly known as the Devon and Dorsets, going out on patrol with them. Hamish resolutely believes the photographs are worth the danger he puts himself in and they're vitally important to keep a visual record of the sacrifices the men on the ground make every day. Without them there would be no record of their fight for future generations.

Hamish has taken some amazing shots which have been posted on the British Forces photo stream, some taken right in the heart of action and others taking a step back and reflecting on the tough job British forces are out there to do. The reality of that job was brought home to Wimborne residents last year with the tragic loss of Trooper Andrew Howarth, so I agree photos like these are important and should be kept for prosperity.

Here's wishing Petty Officer Hamish Burke, and our other men and women out in Afghanistan, a safe return home.

You can view Petty Officer Hamish Burke's photographs here.