Soldiers who got half measures of their favourite snack in Afghanistan were delighted when they entered their Hounslow barracks to see hundreds of Pot Noodles.
As an apology to the hungry troops, Pot Noodle sent an enormous care package for soldiers of the Second Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who complained about not getting enough noodles for their dinaro.
Care packages, a much needed diversion from the monotony of rations and camp cooking often contain Pot Noodles, a favourite nosh of servicemen.
However, ones reaching soldiers serving in Afghanistan often contain half the amount of noodles than would be expected.
Corporal Dale ‘Windy’ Miller, said: “Pot Noodles are a staple diet in Afghanistan, everyone gets sent them by loved ones and well wishers but when you’ve been out all day and you get back, open one up and it’s half full, it can be a bit disappointing.”
After complaints were made to Unilever based in Epsom, Pot Noodle’s maker, the multi-million pound company was outraged that servicemen and women were going without their daily intake of noodles.
The snacks are now being sent to the relief regiment taking over duties from the 2 Fusiliers, the Royal Anglian Regiment, in Patrol Base Woqab, Helmand Province.
In a few weeks soldiers in the remote, dusty base will be tucking into Bombay Badboys, Chicken and Mushroom and Doner Kebab flavoured noodle treats.
Tom Denyard, marketing manager for Pot Noodle said: “We were sorry to hear that the boys in Afghanistan could not enjoy their favourite snack to its full potential, this seemed like a highly unusual case and we were keen to remedy the situation.
“I hope the lads enjoy the supply of Pot Noodles we sent over now they are back in the UK and will continue their relationship with the nation's best loved noodle snack.”
Captain Dan Wright from Kingston said: “We are really pleased that we can send these out to the lads taking over.
“Patrol bases can sometimes be very sparse, because of their locations, so this will be a welcome diversion from the ration packs the guys live off.”
Fusilier Scott Clarke from Croydon said: “We all really like Pot Noodles so when we found out they were sending us a load of them we were all really chuffed.
“It’ll be a nice surprise for the guys taking over in Musa Qa’leh.”
Lieutenant James Piper from Wandsworth said: “It’s nice to see the guys in Afghanistan aren’t being forgotten.
“There are only so many rations you can eat before you have the same one again so care packages are great for the lad's moral, the new guys will love these.”
Second Lieutenant Nick Beavitt from Wimbledon said: “The next guys at Woqab will be thrilled with these.
"It’s going to be winter in Afghanistan soon and it’ll get pretty cold so a Pot Noodle will not only be a nice change from rations but a nice hot snack to warm up the lads.”
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