More from John - Naval chaplain on a ‘God Quad’ brings moral support to troops in Afghanistan

WE WERE saying only yesterday that there simply aren’t enough photographs of commando-trained Royal Navy chaplains riding winged quad bikes providing spiritual and moral support to the troops out in Afghanistan.

So enter the Rev Stuart Hallam on his very own ‘God Quad’.

The 47-year-old, who original hails from Mansfield, is one of only a handful of commando-trained ‘bishes’ in the Senior Service (hence his green beret), serving with the Commando Helicopter Force based at RNAS Yeovilton.

He’s currently on a three-month tour of duty as chaplain to the Joint Aviation Group, based at Camp Bastion… where his ministry is a little different from normal duties back in Somerset. “And the highlight is I get the 'God Quad' to ride around on!” he says.

On a day-to-day basis, Stuart finds that operations in Helmand “tend to focus the mind – and for many UK serving personnel faith and spirituality, so often neglected at home, start to become more important. Many people find themselves asking very deep and searching questions about their own beliefs and values.”

As well as the usual round of Sunday Services, Stuart also supports those personnel who are struggling with personal issues.

"Time away from family and friends is always hard to cope with, but when events happen either at home or in theatre then things can really become stressful and I am here to be a 'shoulder to cry on' and to give help and support where it is needed most,” explained Stuart, who lives in Chudleigh, Devon, with his wife, Laura and their 2½-year-old daughter.

“A chaplain is a 'friend and advisor' to all – regardless of whether people are traditionally religious or not. It’s my role to get alongside them and to help look after their general well-being."

This is his first deployment to Helmand in five years, the last time with 40 Commando. In the intervening five years, he says, much has changed – for the better. “What has been really fascinating during this tour is to see just how things have changed since then, particularly to see how the Afghan National Security Force is now taking the lead across the board – something that’s great to see.”