Troops whipped up by sandstorm

British troops at the Kuwait camp closest to the Iraqi border were today caught in the worst sandstorm since they arrived in the Gulf.

Winds were whipping sand around the vast camp, reducing visibility and covering equipment and soldiers in a film of dust.

Sandstorms sweep across the desert every few days but soldiers said this one, which has lasted almost 24 hours, was the worst yet and had reduced visibility to virtually zero at times.

One soldier was even found more than a kilometre away from camp wandering blindly into the desert during the evening.

When stopped by officers driving by and asked where he was going he told officers he was looking for the washroom.

The climate has proved to be one of the toughest parts of adjusting to life in the Gulf.

Daytime temperatures are already reaching 29C (84.2F) and infantry troops are marching up to 10 miles a day in full uniform, with weapons and backpacks, in a bid to acclimatise.

Temperatures are set to soar as the weeks go on.

Elsewhere in Camp Coyote, which is just 28 miles from the Iraqi border, the sound of gunfire could be heard as soldiers exercised on the ranges.

The camp covers a vast swathe of northern Kuwait and is home to the 7th Armoured Brigade, known as the Desert Rats.

Gunner David Cregg, 29, of Morley, Leeds, said today's sandstorm was the worst he had seen since he arrived in Kuwait almost a fortnight ago.

The soldier, of the 3rd Regiment of the Royal Horse Artillery, said: "I'm finding it okay apart from the sandstorms.

"We have to clean down everything daily, personal weapons and everything."

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