Their scarlet tunics and bearskins are renowned all over the world. They are mostly seen carrying out ceremonial duties in London and at Windsor Castle.

And now the iconic Grenadier Guards are in Malakal, joining the fourth tour of engineers from the United Kingdom who provide support to the UN mission in South Sudan.

“Yes, the Grenadier Guards are here with us with their brilliant pipes and drums ability. I’m hoping for a battle of the bands with some of the other battalions soon,” Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jones says with a light touch.

It’s been nearly two years since the UK returned to peacekeeping. Adjusting to working in the United Nations environment has been an uphill task for the youngest troop contributing country. Lt Col Jones considers it a tremendous opportunity for the UK.

“I think we are getting the hang of being back in a civilian environment and we are relishing the opportunity to learn from the civilians some of whom have been here for several years, and also from our military counterparts some of whom have been here for decades,” he says.

Earlier this year, UK engineers joined with other troops to rehabilitate the Malakal sports stadium. The stadium has since become the central hub for state activities in the town.

“Our work is driven by UNMISS priorities but I would welcome opportunities to do projects with the local community such as the rehabilitation of the stadium in Malakal which the local community has benefited immensely from,” say Lt Col Jones.

The 300-strong contingent includes both engineers as well as medics based across the country. In Malakal the team provides engineering tasks that enable UNMISS to perform its mandate such as the construction of a base in Kodok to enable a nimble response on the West Bank. Over in Bentiu, the squadron is involved in finishing up the Level II hospital in the next few months.

“If I could leave one thing for the people of this country after this tour, I would hope it’s a belief on their part that the UK is a hundred percent committed to peace in South Sudan and genuinely cares about the South Sudanese people,” says Lt Col Jones