125 extra British Army personnel will deploy to Afghanistan from Monday 27 July to reinforce UK forces there. They comprise of a company from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's), specialist counter Improvise Explosive Device personnel from 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps, and members of 19th Regiment Royal Artillery.

They will deploy for the remainder of the current 19 Light Brigade tour (Op Herrick 10), due to end in October when 11 Light Brigade takes over (Full details will be published in Defence Viiewpoints on 27th July).

The company from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) had previously been scheduled to deploy to Iraq. But with the mission in Basra now winding down they are no longer required and are instead available for Afghanistan duties.

The Ministry of Defence has said that since deploying to Afghanistan in April 2009, 19 Light Brigade has been engaged in a number of high intensity operations.

"Most recently, Operation PANCHAI PALANG (Panther's Claw) has seen British forces engaged in hard fighting in an effort to bring security to parts of Helmand previously under Taliban influence.

"The operation has been extremely successful, driving fighters out of towns and providing the necessary security that will allow Afghan families to vote in next month's presidential elections.

"But this intense period has resulted in a significant number of casualties, both due to enemy action and the harsh terrain in which they operate.

"The announcement follows requests by commanders on the ground to enable them to sustain the required operational effectiveness for the remainder of their tour, in particular, through the election period," said a spokesman.