AS the UK’s 13-year military campaign in Afghanistan comes to an end, Dorset veterans and families of those killed in the conflict reflect on the huge sacrifices made.

The last British base, Camp Bastion, was handed over to Afghan security forces on Sunday.

Around 140,000 British troops, many of them from the Daily Echo area, served in the war. Four hundred and fifty three UK troops paid with their lives – thousands more returned home with life-changing physical and mental injuries.

Among those killed in battle was Ferndown Royal Marine John Thornton, who was serving with 40 Commando, Charlie Company, Fire Support Group. John died near Kajaki on March 30, 2008.

Speaking to the Echo today, his dad Peter said: “I think the operation has made a tremendous difference to Afghani people. I was watching the television this morning hearing about the increased numbers of children at school, and we’ve enabled that.

“Sure, there was never going to be a situation where the Taliban were beaten totally – guerrilla warfare doesn’t work like that.

“I think on balance the British troops have done a tremendous job and we’ve helped the situation. I mean where are the Al-Qaeda bases in Afghanistan now? I don’t think there are any.

“If I didn’t believe it wasn’t worth it, I’d be in a bit of a state frankly.”

John’s brother Ian, who is currently based with the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment in Germany, also served in Afghanistan.

Asked how he felt when people say the Afghan conflict was not worth it, Peter replied: “I think everyone has to weigh it up in their own minds, you’ve got to balance it yourself. Everyone has a view; everyone has a take; everyone has their own opinion.

“I don’t dislike people who say it wasn’t worth it, I don’t feel rage towards them, but to be honest I feel a little sad about it at times.”

The union flag was lowered at the ceremony at Camp Bastion in Helmand province on Sunday. Bastion has been the UK’s main Afghan base since 2006.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “We will always remember the courage of those who served on our behalf.”

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said Afghanistan was no longer a safe haven for Al-Qaeda and that thanks to UK troops, ordinary Afghans had a chance of a better future. There are now 300,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Peter said: “I think the feeling out there is that the Afghan security forces should be able to cope – they’ve had top training. They seem pretty professional to me.”

  • THE John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) was established in 2008 following the death of Royal Marine John Thornton in Afghanistan.

Since its formation the JTYAF has made awards to 550 young people, totalling £220,000.

Around £70,000 has been allocated for bursaries in 2014 – and three new organisations have been added to those already supported by the foundation.

These new organisations are the Bournemouth and Poole area of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, East Dorset District Scouts, and the Dorset Fire & Rescue Service Princes Trust programme.

Visit jtyaf.org for information on the foundation.