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With temperatures pushing 50C and the threat of ambush growing ever greater, it became an even more uncomfortable journey.

When the Pathfinders reached the outskirts of a town called Baghran in the mountainous far north of the province on Saturday the sound of gunfire greeted them: the police had resumed contact with Taliban fighters on the fringes of the town. For the moment, however, they seemed unwilling to push forward.

The British called in air support. Soon a giant American B1 bomber was flying lazy circles at low altitude over the town.

Its menacing rumble alone seemed enough to dampen the spirits of defenders who knew only too well the devastation one of these American planes can unleash. The policemen pushed into town without meeting further resistance.

There followed a shura or meeting between British troops, Afghan police and the town’s elders over glasses of sweet tea. “The elders said to us, ‘The Taliban are here and we are scared’,” said the source. “They were pleased to see us.”

It was not until later in the day that the real trouble began. The British were on their way back to Musa Qala when, but for their extraordinary stealth and training, they might have driven into a lethal trap.

“In a place called Paysang, we became aware that there were a few people there who shouldn’t be there,” said the source. “There was a large gorge and it was evident that they were setting up an ambush.”

The chatter of gunfire began echoing down the valley as Taliban fighters opened up on the British with their Kalashnikov assault rifles and machineguns, and the British returned fire with M4 carbines — not the standard issue for British soldiers but nonetheless a highly effective weapon.

The British sources would not confirm whether any fighters were killed or wounded.

Again the British called in air power, this time French Super Etendard jets based on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in the Indian Ocean. Backed by British troops, Afghan police assaulted the Taliban from different positions. The exchanges carried on for much of the rest of the day and once the French jets had done their work American A10 Warthog anti-tank aircraft were called in to make a few low sweeps over enemy positions.

As the Pathfinder source put it laconically: “A couple of shots were fired. A few of our guys came into contact, but the contact finished and we carried on into Musa.”

Afghan police say the five days of fighting left 60 Taliban dead. The British arranged for two injured Afghan policemen to be evacuated. Another policeman had been killed, the only death among police ranks since the British had joined them.

Arriving back in Musa Qala last Sunday, the exhausted British soldiers found several families loading up their belongings to cross the river and leave. They had been threatened by the Taliban.

“When they saw us and heard what we and the police had to say, they decided to stay. They also said some other families were planning to leave but they would tell them to stay as well,” said the source.

The British set up patrols with the police and strengthened the force’s compound. Today they will be replaced by US special forces. Returning to base, the Pathfinders will have their first hot shower and cooked meal in 14 days.

The Taliban have often claimed that the British are too frightened to fight them face to face, a charge proudly denied by Colonel Charlie Knaggs, head of the British presence in Helmand. “There are now a few Taliban in the north of Helmand,” he said, “who couldn’t say that they hadn’t faced British troops without telling a lie.”

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