Ross Kemp Lends Support To New Art Exhibition Inspired By British Troops

Ross Kemp Backs New Art Exhibition Inspired By British Troops

Photographs and artwork created and inspired by British forces in Afghanistan are to go on display for the first time.

The Shoulder 2 Shoulder - Delivering the Offer exhibition has been endorsed by figures including General Sir David Richards, the head of Britain's Armed Forces, and actor and military documentary-maker Ross Kemp.

It offers a glimpse into the world of the soldiers and Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade (3Cdo), who returned in November from Operation Herrick 14, their latest six-month tour in Helmand, which saw 23 British and allied troops killed.

After opening this week with a special launch event in Plymouth, Devon, the brigade's home base, sales of original artwork, limited edition signed prints and an Operation Herrick 14 photographic book will raise money for The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and the Not Forgotten Association, which both support injured service personnel and the families of those killed in action.

Kemp, who has made several documentaries about British forces serving in Afghanistan, was embedded with 3 Commando Brigade during their latest tour.

"I've been reporting from Afghanistan for the last five years. During my time there I've always received the warmest welcome from all members of our armed forces," he said.

"They remain the most professional and bravest people I've met on my travels. I'm continuously impressed by the tenacity shown in adversity, not only by them, but also their families. Myself and my crew will always be indebted to them".

The exhibition takes its idea from the Nato-led operation's aim of fighting alongside Afghan forces against the Taliban.

Works in the exhibition, which is due to be displayed in London at the end of March, included photographs taken by Petty Officer Hamish Burke, the 3 Commando Brigade senior photographer and original work by Andrew Miller, the official Royal Marines war artist.

PO Burke, 28, from Torquay, Devon, said: "In all my years in the Royal Navy the deployment to Helmand last summer was the pinnacle. I was able to live alongside the Marines and Soldiers capturing their daily life and their full range of emotions through a camera lens. This exhibition is their story and I'm proud to be able to tell it."

Mr Miller, from Ivybridge, Devon, added: "During my five weeks in Helmand, I experienced things that civilians rarely encounter - the highs of camaraderie in the remote patrol bases to the emotionally fraught operating theatres of Camp Bastion.

"The young Marines and Soldiers were astounding in their courage, resolution and spirit in the most testing and exhausting of situations. It was these individuals who inspired my work which you see exhibited at Shoulder 2 Shoulder."

The exhibition runs in Plymouth's Central Library between January 30 and February 8, before moving to Exeter Guildhall (February 10 - 17), Barnstaple's Pannier Market (February 20 - 25), the Royal Marine Reserves base in Wandsworth, south London (March 28 - 30) and Portsmouth's Royal Marines Museum (April 2 - 20).

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