RAF Benson’s Merlin helicopters have made a real difference to the Afghanistan war effort, but are “not a guarantee” of troops’ safety.

That is the verdict of RAF Wing Commander Nigel Colman, the commander of the base’s 78 Squadron, which is now transporting British troops and supplies around the central Asian state’s Helmand province.

The first Merlin from the base near Wallingford was passed ready for service in Afghanistan at the start of the month – four weeks ahead of schedule.

The helicopters, which previously saw action in Iraq for four-and-a-half years, are used to transport troops and deliver ammunition, food and equipment to their bases.

Wg Cmdr Colman said: “The Merlin gives us the capability to get the right number of people to the right place at the right time.

“They’re making a real difference out there. It’s tough on the ground and they know they’re making a difference.”

The Government had faced calls to increase the number of helicopters operating in Afghanistan after a leaked memo revealed that Lt Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, from Kirtlington, the most senior officer to be killed in action there, had sent an email weeks before his death, warning about the risks posed to troops by a shortage of air transport.

Wg Cmdr Colman said he expected the Merlins would be in the country for the “foreseeable future”.

The 38-year-old, who is set to spend Christmas at home in the UK with his wife Louise and nine-year-old son Thomas, said the last Merlin had been rebuilt in just 24 hours after being transported to Afghanistan in a C-17 Globemaster plane from RAF Brize Norton, at Carterton.

He added: “There’s no doubt the Merlin will have a positive effect, because it just provides more lift capacity. But it’s not a guarantee for the safety of the troops.

“To do their jobs, they’ve got to get out on the ground.

“They’ve got to get out there and engage with the Afghan public. They’ve got to get them on side.

“The Merlin’s going to have a positive effect, but it’s no panacea.

"I’m afraid it’s not going to stop soldiers getting into difficult situations.”

The helicopters underwent a £42.5m upgrade after returning from Iraq, in order to prepare them for the extreme conditions they face in Afghanistan, operating at high altitude.

Squadron Leader Paul Rose, 34, also with 78 Squadron, said: “The way to win out here is through hearts and minds – you can’t do that from the back of a helicopter.

“You still need boots on the ground.”

He added that sending more helicopters to Afghanistan would hit training at home.

He said: “You’ve got to maintain that footprint in the UK and keep your training up.

“The last thing you need is air crew coming out here who haven’t received the necessary training.

“Flying in Afghanistan is particularly difficult. It’s mountainous and it does push the air crew to the extreme.”

He will also be returning to Benson for Christmas at home with his wife Rebecca, and sons Monty, aged two, and Digby, 14 months.