Stafford soldiers sent to Libya

Soldiers based at MOD Stafford are being sent to Libya as part of a team advising rebels seeking to topple Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Defence bosses did not release details on the rank or number being sent but personnel at 22 Signal Regiment are part of the high-profile team set to be deployed to assist with communications and logistics.

Foreign Secretary William Hague confirmed on Tuesday that a British team — believed to number about 10 — would be sent to support rebels in the eastern city of Benghazi.

Mr Hague said this was within the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 and the team would not be involved with "training or arming" the rebels.

The fighters, based in Benghazi, hold much of the east, while Col Gaddafi's forces remain in control of Tripoli and most of the west.

Nato is currently in charge of the no-fly zone and coalition operations have been largely confined to air attacks.

The uprising against the country's leader started in February following similar protests in the Middle East.

The 22 Signal Regiment has previously seen 250 soldiers serving six months in Afghanistan — returning home in March 2009.

The regiment has been taken to the hearts of townsfolk since it was established in April 2007 at MOD Stafford, in Beaconside.

The army took ownership of the then-RAF Stafford base and located the 22 Signal Regiment on the site.

The regiment — previously based in Lippstadt in Germany — had disbanded in 1992.

Currently there are 850 military personnel there and 400 civilians based at MOD Stafford.

The former Staffordshire Regiment — now known as the third battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords) and which recruits from Staffordshire — is currently serving in Afghanistan.

B Company of the Germany-based regiment began deployment in February while A and C companies joined them in March.

By Richard Woodall