tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43171799906914714402024-03-05T18:04:56.852+00:00Aquila VictrixBritish Army Blog: current affairs and issues concerning today's British Army - covenant, fundraising, Ministry of Defence, Royal Anglians, equipment, tributesAquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comBlogger925125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-27949851508728746422011-08-23T10:50:00.002+01:002011-08-23T10:56:35.048+01:00In Memoriam: Aaron McClure, Robert Foster & John Thrumble<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY5Rt3rIEQlDx5v-5a2-97uCFzCDFVcyE1tumgVIow_eqf6U_pODj9eICjUyG5AjQJ99WgqrTMEWDVgEAH501mbcrgkhpYKniRArsmgcswiEo-STbmdL7DcN1QwAeAkWz40R2WZQ-Zw-T/s1600/BandofBrothers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY5Rt3rIEQlDx5v-5a2-97uCFzCDFVcyE1tumgVIow_eqf6U_pODj9eICjUyG5AjQJ99WgqrTMEWDVgEAH501mbcrgkhpYKniRArsmgcswiEo-STbmdL7DcN1QwAeAkWz40R2WZQ-Zw-T/s400/BandofBrothers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643987212559179762" /></a>
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<br />Private Aaron McClure, Private Robert Foster and Private John Thrumble all from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, were killed while on a fighting patrol near Kajaki, Afghanistan on Thursday 23rd August 2007.
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<br />Of Pte Aaron McClure his CO said: "At 19 years old, Private Aaron McClure was already a veteran of over forty engagements with the enemy. It is tragic that where the Taliban had failed, it was an accident that has taken him from us. Loyal, hard working and highly professional, he constantly surpassed the standards expected, and his loss is a bitter blow to the whole Battalion." His friend Pte Barker said: "McClure known to most of his mates as 'Troy' was a hard working and very determined member of 7 Platoon who would 'work his socks off' to achieve the best results he could. 'Troy' had a lot of ambition and would have gone far in the Army. He will be missed very much by all of us in 7 Platoon and the Company. Rest in peace mate and my thoughts are with your family."
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<br />Pte Robert Foster's CO said: "As a junior soldier, Private Robert Foster settled in remarkably quickly and was a highly respected Viking. Fiercely loyal to his friends, he had seemingly limitless reserves of courage and strength of character way beyond his years. He had a rare quality of always seeing the bright side of any situation and a mischievous sense of humour which made him hugely popular." His Section Commander said: "Fozzy as he was known by all will be remembered for never turning a dare down. He was up for anything and kept the comedy value of the section up when it was most needed. He was a model for the British Army. It was a privilege to serve with him and we will never forget him."
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<br />About Pte John Thrumble the Battalion Commander said: "Private John Thrumble was one of the mainstays and leading characters within the Battalion. An inspirational model to others and a caring and compassionate friend to many, he will be sorely missed. Proven in combat on countless occasions – his raw courage and ability to raise a smile were invaluable in these testing times. He joins the ranks of his fellow fallen Vikings but his reputation will live on and he will never be forgotten." And Private Barker said: "John was the joker of the platoon and even the Company, and always managed to make you laugh whatever the circumstances. Although he was hard as nails, he had a soft side to him which most people did not know. He had some ambition and wanted to stay in the Army and work his way up through the ranks."
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<br />"These people going out fighting giving their lives for us;
<br />They do it selflessly and they never get thanked enough.
<br />They give it all, put their heart and soul into what they do
<br />To make this world a better, safer place for me and you. "
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<br />Never forgotten
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<br /><a href="http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivatesAaronMcclureRobertFosterAndJohnThrumbleKilledInAfghanistan.htm">MoD Defence News</a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Faquilavictrix.blogspot.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DAARON+&hl=en-GB&v=2Scy_Y1gSHY">Fallen Soldier [RIP AJM]</a>
<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=XL-MGTEwLLk">Robert Graham Foster</a>
<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=g3uA2ptbkyg">Why is this happening [song for John]</a>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-8623099943074752532011-03-25T23:38:00.021+00:002011-03-26T07:08:03.063+00:00Smiles Across The Miles<div align="justify"><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 121px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 121px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588166283364410674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgni6IxNbOnqHk9tD1ieQLhGZk5wSpsggRBKpWSc3QjuS1rr46vRPHaC_91Qkrz0zCLO-mUjjDM71L6ztSrx_9ILz218qvoCgVSveL0EfwdtXiLB8HarMJL2l2gtSiz4CHCGU2ByvAwz-IZ/s400/SATMlogoS.jpg" />Although I haven't been writing much on my blog recently, I don't want you thinking I haven't been doing stuff to support the guys out in Afghan. So I think I'll tell you about a little side-line of mine.<br /><br />I work with a group of people ("Smiles Across the Miles") out in Estuaryland who send welfare parcels out to the guys on the frontline in Afghanistan.<br /><br />We're just a small team but we work hard and are very committed. We've been going for a couple of years and have sent out about 3,000 parcels so far. When I say a small team, there's really just three of us - though we do organise packing sessions with local groups, like the scouts, when we can. We're always on the look out for volunteers but, whilst people are very generous with donations (especially when it comes to "our boys"), they seem to lead such busy lives these days that they have little spare time to give.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />Anyway, we three do alright. In fact we do so well that the MoD asked us to suspend our operations over the Christmas period so as not to overload "logistics". So we shut down between October and February.<br /><br />The team is made up of:<br />The Company Sergeant Major: she's ex-WI, is the inspiration behind the organisation, set it up in 2008 and has been the driving force behind it ever since. Always out looking for ways of raising cash and drumming up support. Knows an awful lot of people. Formidable, I think you'd say.<br /><br />The Lance-Corporal: that's me. I do the "heavy" work; solid and reliable. I joined up on St George's Day 2009 when I came across the Stall (more about that later) in Basildon Shopping Centre. I just said "hello" and before I knew it I was signed up for 22 years. Anyway, I love it.<br /><br />The Squaddie: that's our young lad. He's been involved with the group since it started. Amazingly reliable and always ready to help if he can. Eats, lives and breathes the Army. Knows every unit out in Afghan... and probably everywhere else. From the minute he arrives to the minute he leaves, he's talking Army. You'd think it would drive you crazy but it doesn't somehow, in fact it helps the job along.<br /><br />We also have a Quartermaster who looks after the money.<br /><br />We're all very patriotic of course. The CSM is very much for "Great Britain", I'm a Little Englander and the Squaddie is of course for "Queen and Country". I've had to fight to ensure that our stall (see below) will be festooned with England flags on St George's Day, rather than the usual Union Flag.<br /><br />I'll tell you a bit about how we operate. Take this week as an example. We first agreed that we would do packing on Thursday; we are very lucky because we have a local hall where we can do it.<br /><br />So we're going to pack on Thursday. First thing Monday morning, I telephone a couple of local shoeshops who I know will very kindly save the day's old shoe boxes for us. At 1700 I drive into town with the Squaddie, park in Sainsbury's carpark and collect the shoeboxes from the shops. We normally get about 30 (if we're short I've always got Tuesday to fall back on - thinking ahead, see). Anyway, this Monday we pick up 32 boxes which we take back to Sainsbury's. We go into the shop and spend £5 so we can reclaim our parking fee.<br /><br />On Wednesday afternoon we - the CSM, the Squaddie and me that is - go to the local cash-and-carry to buy the stuff to fill the 32 boxes. We know exactly what to buy though we are often tempted to pick up the occasional "special" item - this time it was Cadbury's cream eggs (we don't normally send chocolate but, it being Easter and all, we thought we would (we actually sent some out a few weeks ago and got a letter back saying the eggs had caused a riot - good eh?!))<br /><br />Thursday 1100 we arrive at the hall, put up the tables and lay out the goodies we bought. We're also donated stuff, usually toiletries, and bring these out of the stores. We're very organised with everything placed in order of size and weight with empty boxes at one end and the scales at the other (we can send 2kg for free). It takes about half-an-hour to set up. We all have different roles. The CSM is "the packer" and fills the boxes, the L-Cpl, that's me, is "the wrapper" (brown paper and parcel tape) and the Squaddie mixes the sweets (having thoroughly washed his hands), bundles up teabags and puts the labels on the boxes. So the packer picks up an empty box, walks down the line filling it with goodies, weighs it, adds/subtracts to get the weight right and passes it to the rapper, sorry, wrapper. I put in a "bluey" and one of our greetings postcards, wrap the parcel in our unique SATM way and pass it over to be labelled. A slick operation I can hear you saying. All the time the CSM and the Squaddie are chattering away (on different subjects). Me? Well Im just trying to keep up with the conveyor belt and don't have time to chat.... until the tea break that is.<br /><br />Thursday 1430 we've packed 32 parcels and it's time to start clearing up - we always aim to leave the hall spick and span. At 1500 we load up my car and we're off to the local post office. Fortunately they know us there and are always very helpful. People joining the queue after us look very depressed when they see our bags of parcels - they think we're eBayers and everything's got to be weighed. Their spirits lift when they hear that we're simply going to leave the stuff and they positively smile when we tell them it's all going to BFPO 758.<br /><br />And that's it really ...... till the next time.<br /><br />You might want to know what we put in the parcels - all quality stuff, only the best for our boys and girls! I'll run along the table.... a packet of jammie dodgers, fruit bars, a pack of playing cards, Colegate toothpaste & toothbrush, little tin of vaseline, baby wipes, individual packets of hot chocolate and coffee, cup-a-soups, instant noodles, Wriggleys chewing gum, crisps, mini-chedders, HP sauce sachets, Pot Noodles, individual marmalade, jam and honey potlets, fruit pastilles, Haribo mix, OXO cubes, tea, sherbert dips..... all good, healthy stuff and all with memories of home.<br /><br />We send the parcels to welfare officers who, we hope, will distribute them to the guys who need them most, those who perhaps haven't got families back home to send them stuff. (We're always on the look out for more welfare officers, so if you know one, get 'em to send me their address!)<br /><br />I said I'd mention the stall. We have a stall which we put up at local events to raise money to buy the stuff for the parcels. We have lucky dips for kids - one for boys (mini-model-cars, footballs, etc) and one for girls (mini-dolls, bangles, keyrings) - and we also sell things which we have been given but can't send in the parcels (aerosols, glass, big/heavy things). We raise quite a bit of cash. We also use the event for PR - telling people what we do, showing sample parcels - and we have a display board with photos and letters we've received back from Afghan.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">So far this year we're booked for St George's Day in Basildon, the Southend Airshow and Armed Forces Day. We also put the stall up in local supermarkets and, really, wherever we can.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iaRnDZqYCw_3bYOamOPlIGuhiS2b9fFcqwxv0xW4-QzdNS_SYJjmxZlEtLAhuQ_gY8vVz_daxIIfuFOAbXgHUjeuCiUxqJ0Agz2S3vvlFFp_3Rk0P4eshLZkh-lkfLYNRkI4oDMka9hs/s1600/SmilesStalljpg.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 327px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588166479229838754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iaRnDZqYCw_3bYOamOPlIGuhiS2b9fFcqwxv0xW4-QzdNS_SYJjmxZlEtLAhuQ_gY8vVz_daxIIfuFOAbXgHUjeuCiUxqJ0Agz2S3vvlFFp_3Rk0P4eshLZkh-lkfLYNRkI4oDMka9hs/s400/SmilesStalljpg.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's great to get letters back from Afghan. We don't want the thanks, it's just to know that the parcels are getting through and that we're sending the right stuff. By doing what we do we hope we're raising morale; when we get a letter back, it raises our morale too.<br /><br />So there you have it, just a few of us doing our bit to let the guys know that the work they do for us is appreciated and that people back home are thinking of them and supporting them.<br /><br />Oh, and I'll try to write some more on my blog. </div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-85400651969868578292011-02-03T13:24:00.000+00:002011-02-03T13:25:00.028+00:00RIP Aaron James McClure - Fallen Soldier<iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2Scy_Y1gSHY?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-4405062690868250022011-02-02T12:00:00.000+00:002011-02-03T13:21:23.974+00:00Victory at Stalingrad - 12:00 February 2nd 1943<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb87pV73NHs6EexSvOTRi6_t8Ge21JkMl4QGepbPPeOfNYpGrkYsM4dtr7ofyIFglAefIvOsnENY9viiGhYIQLMHebNO19eM9adTZl3z2O2pwimTCwXQcGCLlAkhSpPCARZlq8eGFFHUHo/s1600/Stalingrad-victory.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 231px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569452519212969906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb87pV73NHs6EexSvOTRi6_t8Ge21JkMl4QGepbPPeOfNYpGrkYsM4dtr7ofyIFglAefIvOsnENY9viiGhYIQLMHebNO19eM9adTZl3z2O2pwimTCwXQcGCLlAkhSpPCARZlq8eGFFHUHo/s400/Stalingrad-victory.jpg" /></a>"The sudden silence was overwhelming and some of our soldiers, habituated to the constant din of fighting, couldn't stand it. The only time there was silence was just before an enemy attack. Men were shooting rifles, letting off grenades, just to relieve the tension." (Lieutenant A. Mereshko, 62nd Army).<br />"Then all our soldiers began to sing. We sang the Russian songs which helped to sustain us when all seemed hopeless." (Mark Slavin, 45th Division)<br /><br />The German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 was the strategic turning point of WW2. After Stalingrad, the Germans had no hope of winning on the eastern front and that meant inevitable defeat in the wider conflict for WW2 was primarily a Soviet-German war.<br /><br />When Germany launched Operation Barbarossa on June 22nd 1941 and invaded the Soviet Union, they launched a war of annihilation, a war to destroy ’judeobolshevism’ by the mass murder of Soviet citizens. Over the next four years more than 26 million Soviet citizens were killed, almost 11 million from the Armed Forces - at Stalingrad alone a million Russian people lost their lives.<br /><br />In remembering the battle of Stalingrad we pay homage to the immense heroism of the soldiers of the Red Army. Despite Antony Beevor's attempt to denigrate, contemporary evidence is overwhelming: it was the sheer valour and guts of the soldiers of the 62nd Army, particularly the 13th Guards, which turned what was a militarily hopeless position into final victory.<br /><br />"For us, it was life and death which met on the Volga. And it was life which won the fight." (Marshal K. Rokossovsky)Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-46403760173529781312010-09-02T17:31:00.003+01:002010-09-02T17:36:18.390+01:00The French military: they're there when they need you<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlDCTKqA8ip8oxMFppMdteHsD6V_XaKjXffWT1TxTixK5FjwqV02loTk4Phesz5vbTelw_LRlR-Iz4zhEBc_At7RTz6lHC-qyFc21PDskG1swiZs0l8TWaWiTmJN5dT3gnQyvHgD4TGOy/s1600/FrenchMilitaryVictories.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 308px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512354790211376658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlDCTKqA8ip8oxMFppMdteHsD6V_XaKjXffWT1TxTixK5FjwqV02loTk4Phesz5vbTelw_LRlR-Iz4zhEBc_At7RTz6lHC-qyFc21PDskG1swiZs0l8TWaWiTmJN5dT3gnQyvHgD4TGOy/s400/FrenchMilitaryVictories.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That an <em>I'm feeling lucky</em> Google search for 'french military victories' comes up with no matches and asks: Did you mean 'french military defeats', may be just an American joke. But when you think about it, it's hard to come up with a war in which La France has been notably victorious - no, hang on, there was their victory over Greenpeace in 1985 when their navy sneakily sank Rainbow Warrior when she was tied up in Auckland harbour.<br /><br />That Britain's Armed Forces should be merged with any foreign military is bad enough, but that there should currently be talk of a merger with a country with such a dismal military track record is as alarming as it is ludicrous. Yes, there should be strong military alliances with foreign powers, there always have been. But Britain must never have to seek permission from such a bunch of losers and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheese-eating_surrender_monkeys">'surrender monkeys' </a>in order that she can carry out her foreign policy - because we know what their answer would be: "<em>Non</em>".<br /><br />Some other comments on French military prowess:<br /><br /><em>The question for any country silly enough to count on the French should not be "Can we count on the French?" but rather "How long until France collapses?"<br /><br />"Going to war without France is like going deer hunting without an accordion. All you do is leave behind a lot of noisy baggage."<br /><br />Or, better still, the quote from the Wall Street Journal: "They're there when they need you."</em> </div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-36244619838829152192010-09-02T16:03:00.002+01:002010-09-02T16:05:39.040+01:00Living memorial for L/Cpl Scott Hardy, fallen Viking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlaC5EIojS1nudEtL3Kcf4OWHBoXa5sHqYUTa8obn2ME9jEV98g40Qv1E-B1FD0wz_vP2dsV0CTeK1EbQDlL-G8ZneGO1L2KlH33i1rPJkisitVyg52JBzmfN3AcdfjM7Sm34vRkZY0P4/s1600/ScottHardy.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 162px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512332038459789138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlaC5EIojS1nudEtL3Kcf4OWHBoXa5sHqYUTa8obn2ME9jEV98g40Qv1E-B1FD0wz_vP2dsV0CTeK1EbQDlL-G8ZneGO1L2KlH33i1rPJkisitVyg52JBzmfN3AcdfjM7Sm34vRkZY0P4/s400/ScottHardy.jpg" /></a>Lance Corporal Scott Hardy, from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed in action in Afghanistan on 16th March this year.<br /><br />On Saturday last his family and friends dedicated a hornbeam tree to his memory in the cathedral grounds in Chelmsford, his home town.<br /><br />The plaque at the foot of the tree, which reads "In memory of our hero, Lance Corporal Scott Hardy 06/06/83 - 16/03/2010", will serve as a reminder to all those who pass by of the sacrifice made by Lance Corporal Hardy for his country.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalScottHardyAndPrivateJamesGriggKilledInAfghanistan.htm"><em><span style="color:#9999ff;">Chelmsford Weekly News: Living memorial to hero soldier Scott<br /></span><span style="color:#9999ff;">MoD: Lance Corporal Scott Hardy and Private James Grigg killed in Afghanistan</span></em></a><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em><br /><br /></em></span><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em></em></span>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-9361732176150101992010-09-01T09:13:00.001+01:002010-09-01T09:16:35.997+01:00Royal Anglian Regiment: Formation Day<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LGMTCLoc_qfz1xU4EK2DPyS8-dL4ivbvufDWOeGEVapghBr_OTyN05PcxaUdHjNd0-Wmn8mW8DgY8m-rBQYFreMFpRdWTO_LVi1LVTCF5wKMORCQg9AU9x2-h3kqxiRHuvel7kJ-TrXD/s1600/FormationDay.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 236px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511855558657661186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LGMTCLoc_qfz1xU4EK2DPyS8-dL4ivbvufDWOeGEVapghBr_OTyN05PcxaUdHjNd0-Wmn8mW8DgY8m-rBQYFreMFpRdWTO_LVi1LVTCF5wKMORCQg9AU9x2-h3kqxiRHuvel7kJ-TrXD/s400/FormationDay.jpg" /></a>The Regiment was formed on 1st September 1964 from the three Regiments of the East Anglian Brigade (The Royal Norfolk & Suffolk, The Duchess of Gloucester's Own Royal Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire and The 16th/44th Foot) and The Royal Leicestershire Regiment.<br /><br />Happy Formation Day!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.royalanglianmuseum.org.uk/familytree.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>The Royal Anglian Regiment Museum: Family Tree</em></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.army.mod.uk/infantry/regiments/History%20of%20The%20Royal%20Anglian%20Regiment.aspx"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>The Royal Anglian Regiment: Formation and History</em></span></a></div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-10807002921301560652010-08-26T20:29:00.006+01:002010-08-26T20:34:35.780+01:00Latest figures show Army at full strength<div align="justify"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgMxscmwkrsO5VrdkidprElkUKRvdbyXSKhF_pgmQ7cRglo7ymtKcliIn2e9Koapt6RuVScQTae2BJbxjqUPyyvm1VlCzX43PlxNT26POHKT_cfKaCMxcj_5D6S59szrOxLbmrodYU1PL/s1600/ArmyStrength2010Blog.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 338px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509803157565689346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgMxscmwkrsO5VrdkidprElkUKRvdbyXSKhF_pgmQ7cRglo7ymtKcliIn2e9Koapt6RuVScQTae2BJbxjqUPyyvm1VlCzX43PlxNT26POHKT_cfKaCMxcj_5D6S59szrOxLbmrodYU1PL/s400/ArmyStrength2010Blog.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDhi01z29UUY3gRH-0SS4n0fGm8-YcT2LDYhjF4K6zAr94VeeHca2WOFlCJR8ibY8L_ZgxrdWBOVShDMSbzmKow6WbQO0BbPf3XFdkCWkRWT0BAoB5EV4C0UMOoMH9G-5gxgP1hyBVXXm/s1600/ArmyS&L2010Blog.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 325px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509803262623478466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDhi01z29UUY3gRH-0SS4n0fGm8-YcT2LDYhjF4K6zAr94VeeHca2WOFlCJR8ibY8L_ZgxrdWBOVShDMSbzmKow6WbQO0BbPf3XFdkCWkRWT0BAoB5EV4C0UMOoMH9G-5gxgP1hyBVXXm/s400/ArmyS&L2010Blog.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">The latest figures published by the Defence Analytical Services and Advice (DASA) wing of the MoD show that the improvement in manning levels, which began in the late 2008, has been maintained and that the Army has actually been operating at full strength over the last quarter.<br /><br />The MoD reports that the (markedly) reduced intake requirement reflects the fact that the Army is currently fully manned and can therefore cut back on new entrants.<br /><br />The continued drop in the number of those leaving is also an encouraging sign as it implies that the Army is retaining more of its experienced personnel.<br /><br />That the country is in the midst of the worst recession since the 1930s may also be influencing the situation.<br /><br />The issue for the immediate future is of course whether the Army will be permitted to continue to operate at the 102,000 mark. Defence Secretary Liam Fox has already hinted that the Strategic Defence Review is going to hit military spending hard; he's quoted as saying that the Goverment will act "ruthlessly and without sentiment" in finding savings in the defence budget. Indeed it's already been rumoured that even Britain's elite 23 SAS Regiment is <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/3104107/Who-Dares-Binned-SAS-to-lose-elite-regiment-in-cuts.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>in line to be culled</em></span></a>.<br /><br />Liam Fox is hoping to play the magician: although he will be overseeing radical reductions (15% is the current consensus) in military expenditure, he also insists that eventually Britain's security would end up "stronger".<br /><br />The UK is not alone in seeking significant cuts in defence expenditure: across Europe governments have started to slash their military procurement projects. One way that Dr Fox may seek to square the circle of delivering more with less is through closer co-operation within Europe. Integrated procurement programmes, shared hardware, split operational responsibilities - indeed European Military Union itself - may start to look like attractive options to a Coalition desparate to make ends meet. God help us.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/LatestUkArmedForcesManningFiguresReleased.htm"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>MoD: Latest UK Armed Forces manning figures released</em></span></a></div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-29457474668494484152010-08-26T16:01:00.002+01:002010-08-26T16:03:14.261+01:00Civic Dinner at Havering in honour of the Royal Anglians<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZfwgHEdXlMDOfYe6MwsICdsghNiftrXncatKKCzg7y8CvZJoYIdoWGKqDq7u_5YRMHlP5684__m4Oip6jWufFCskBfoi1dqMLPqD4QtmZpFIzp2lNFFeuG5zWvcs0NAjBPvKQTBcsju7/s1600/HaveringDinner.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 101px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509733884873798834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZfwgHEdXlMDOfYe6MwsICdsghNiftrXncatKKCzg7y8CvZJoYIdoWGKqDq7u_5YRMHlP5684__m4Oip6jWufFCskBfoi1dqMLPqD4QtmZpFIzp2lNFFeuG5zWvcs0NAjBPvKQTBcsju7/s400/HaveringDinner.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">The history and achievements of the Royal Anglian Regiment will be honoured and celebrated at a special Civic Dinner hosted by Councillor Pam Light, Mayor of Havering, and Councillor Michael White, Leader of the Council on Friday 24th September.<br /><br />The dinner will be held at the Territorial Army Centre, 312 London Road, Romford starting at 7pm. The evening will include a Guard of Honour from the Royal Anglian Regiment Cadets; a champagne drinks reception and raffle; live entertainment from the Royal British Legion Band; and a three course dinner. The guest speaker will be Lt. Lenthall, Officer Commanding 10 Platoon C (Essex) Company, RAR.<br /><br />Sounds alright.<br /><br />Well done, Havering!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.havering.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=18705"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>LB of Havering Council: Royal Anglian Regiment Civic Dinner</em></span> </a></div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-64237558359069817452010-08-26T12:14:00.003+01:002010-08-26T12:18:11.022+01:00Exmoor 30:30 - the ultimate endurance challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsv_IA2x4TavwrkkgbR95ap6mr_-YCgzpVoZFq0TavyO3AArvNhwLOkEoBdyvora4efQ0Dkpfeo3fEIGaimIaoOcBJJfBLMWJA9jl4OVZNwADj1RlSXObzNfKxpKJW1jTGXW4yMNKXA1Y/s1600/3030banner.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 97px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509675491636925250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsv_IA2x4TavwrkkgbR95ap6mr_-YCgzpVoZFq0TavyO3AArvNhwLOkEoBdyvora4efQ0Dkpfeo3fEIGaimIaoOcBJJfBLMWJA9jl4OVZNwADj1RlSXObzNfKxpKJW1jTGXW4yMNKXA1Y/s400/3030banner.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br />Hot on the heels of the <a href="http://www.paras10.com/">PARA'S 10</a> UER (see below) comes The Royal British Legion's Exmoor 30:30 Ultimate Endurance Challenge. Now, Exmoor 30:30 is for the seriously fit: not a mere 10 miles for them, oh no, this is a 30 mile race across tough terrain carrying a 30lb rucksack.<br /><br />The team race takes place on Saturday 9th October in Exmoor National Park, and with competitors each being asked to raise at least £1,000 for charity, it's a major fundraiser for The Legion and other service charities as well as a personal and a team challenge for those taking part.<br /><br />The Legion, which provides financial, practical and emotional support to service people past and present and their dependants, is recruiting everyone from office workers to armed forces personnel to take part.<br /><br />The Exmoor Explorers, who competed on behalf of The Legion, won the inaugural event last year. Team member Peter Govier described the nine hours it took them to complete the route as like “going to hell and back". "It was tough, mentally and physically. We were all fairly fit and knew the area, but the weather was atrocious. The race may be called Exmoor 30:30, but due to circumstances you inevitably end up going further. The Explorers ended up doing 36 miles.”<br /><br />Russell Thompson OBE, Director of National Events and Fundraising says: “Exmoor 30:30 really is the ultimate challenge and will give civilian participants a taste for the sort of training armed services personnel go through before being sent off to Afghanistan and Iraq. ”<br /><br />For those wanting to take part, details of the event can be found on their website:<br /></div><a href="http://www.exmoor3030.org.uk/Exmoor_3030/Home.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>Exmoor 30:30</em></span></a>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-24682941449172051002010-08-25T17:14:00.004+01:002010-08-25T17:20:57.310+01:00Royal Anglian Neil Thomas: Simply The Best!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBpNiRwy8DWohN90CjYrzWDr2fiBxkUaFvjNntr4OxV6QJvELGZYMTKFR1CKzt7ugCDzOIEYD4aGeQuRg4iAzuiFfmtYFC8osyRL9npnaHR4TG8SVuFIqWpEgWY3xffl1ambDUmr5nr-m/s1600/PteNeilThomas.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 129px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509381781298800546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBpNiRwy8DWohN90CjYrzWDr2fiBxkUaFvjNntr4OxV6QJvELGZYMTKFR1CKzt7ugCDzOIEYD4aGeQuRg4iAzuiFfmtYFC8osyRL9npnaHR4TG8SVuFIqWpEgWY3xffl1ambDUmr5nr-m/s400/PteNeilThomas.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br /><br /><br />Private Neil Thomas from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment won the Best Recruit award after successfully completing the 26 week <a href="http://www.army.mod.uk/training_education/training/18148.aspx">Combat Infantryman's Course </a>at Catterick.<br /><br />Pte Thomas's platoon commander Colour Sergeant Michael Butcher said: "Private Thomas simply excelled on the course. He has been an enthusiastic trainee who is also very mature and this is shown when he helps others along or gets a grip of them. This is a really well-deserved award for someone who already has shown the basics of leadership."<br /><br /><strong>Well done, Neil!<br /></strong><br /><a href="http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/sleaford/Private-proves-isn-t-easy-best/article-2563194-detail/article.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>This is Lincolnshire: Town soldier proves it's not easy to be the best</em></span> </a></div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-88168499942142963132010-08-25T16:21:00.003+01:002010-08-25T22:15:01.551+01:00Bring in stiffer penalties for those who desecrate Britain's war memorials<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9QRDZQYhFsxtw0HkHo21R-2Vxy8Zm6rc0KE1BgxQRIyvVC54f7pd7-uSgX1Dw5kjKjdQ_10XC_TK3hpnqQSyXb7dSjJ0uGzTSM624opG54h4hj4R4G3quRpiZBlosl96LgBzwrNMvaPA/s1600/DesecratedMemorials.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509368560334840722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9QRDZQYhFsxtw0HkHo21R-2Vxy8Zm6rc0KE1BgxQRIyvVC54f7pd7-uSgX1Dw5kjKjdQ_10XC_TK3hpnqQSyXb7dSjJ0uGzTSM624opG54h4hj4R4G3quRpiZBlosl96LgBzwrNMvaPA/s400/DesecratedMemorials.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br /><br />Britain's war memorials - of which there are about 60,000 in total - are increasingly becoming the target of vandals, yobs and scrap metal thieves.<br /><br />Some examples of this have received national press coverage: </div><ul><li><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/7657600/Muslim-walks-free-as-court-told-Osama-bin-Laden-graffiti-not-religiously-motivated.html">Islamist slogans were painted</a> over the memorial in Burton upon Trent; </div></li><li><div align="justify">The student, Philip Laing, was caught <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6903625.ece">urinating over the poppy wreaths </a>on Sheffield's city centre memorial; </div></li><li><div align="justify">bronze plaques have been stolen for their scrap value from the war memorials in <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-10884974">Derby</a>, <a href="http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/herald-the-glasgow-uk/mi_8039/is_20100720/bronze-war-memorial-plaques-stolen/ai_n54489527/">Manchester</a> and <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8206049.stm">Enfield</a>; </div></li><li><div align="justify">the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1225766/Heartless-yobs-steal-Royal-British-Legions-Eternal-Light-light-war-memorial-Hawarden-North-Wales.html">eternal light stolen </a>from the Hawarden Cenotaph. </div></li></ul><div align="justify"><br />Sadly these incidents are only the tip of the iceberg since at least one memorial a week is being defiled in some way. Sadly also the law as it stands affords little protection as the penalties for those actually arrested are derisory: nominal fines, cautions, a few hours community service and, as you would expect in the Muslim case, conditional discharge.<br /><br />Now a group of MPs, lead by Tory MP David Burrowes, is calling on the Government to bring in stiffer penalties for those who desecrate the nation's war memorials and insult the memory of those who died in the service of their country fighting for our freedom. The MPs are urging the Government to create a separate crime of "desecrating the memories of this country" which will help to deter the yobs and punish the transgressors more appropriately.<br /><br />The proposal has already received the backing of a number of prominent former military chiefs. The campaign should also have the backing of the Defence Secretary Liam Fox for it was he who last November compiled a list of desecrated memorials and said: "At a time when we are honouring those who have sacrificed themselves for our security, this sick and despicable trend is a miserable commentary on contemporary Britain. War memorials should be sacred places, respected by each and every person in every corner of the UK."<br /><br />But it is not just the military who should be signing up for this campaign; protecting and honouring the memory of Britain's war dead is the duty of all her citizens. The general public need to be galvanised behind the campaign and public pressure brought to bear on David Cameron and Kenneth Clarke to bring in the necessary changes to the law.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/7960676/Military-chiefs-back-call-for-law-to-protect-war-memorials.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>The Telegraph: Military chiefs back call for law to protect war memorials</em></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1225880/Revealed-How-war-memorial-desecrated-Britain-week.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>The Mail: Revealed: How one war memorial is desecrated in Britain every week</em></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1306128/Britains-disgusting-woman-urinated-war-memorial-escapes-jail.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>The Mail: 'Britain's most disgusting woman' who urinated on war memorial escapes jail</em></span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ukniwm.org.uk/"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>UK National Inventory of War Memorials</em></span></a> </div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-13167839708567962982010-08-24T22:23:00.002+01:002010-08-24T22:26:21.848+01:00UK orders more Desert Hawks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIUfVzVRuEbx00jwVDjo79n0KY56c_HRVSLocWxKRyIlHyjXQhLMbYlmC-BtjqiPQ2DA_eeWWxO0TuaCmz_OCaCBh0bYGAqc02DPozS4k6W4ZV3L9JksO8zZ2jfs1bkzi6CLGIy2GYcvo/s1600/DesertHawk3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 89px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509090348169354738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIUfVzVRuEbx00jwVDjo79n0KY56c_HRVSLocWxKRyIlHyjXQhLMbYlmC-BtjqiPQ2DA_eeWWxO0TuaCmz_OCaCBh0bYGAqc02DPozS4k6W4ZV3L9JksO8zZ2jfs1bkzi6CLGIy2GYcvo/s400/DesertHawk3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br />The MoD has today placed a $5.1million order with Lockheed Martin for additional Desert Hawk III UAVs. Having already supplied around 100 systems to UK forces as part of a UOR for Afghanistan in 2007, this additional tranche is scheduled for delivery by the end of the year.<br /><br />Although operating Desert Hawk looks similar to playing Call of Duty, this is a mean piece of kit which, according to Staff Sergeant Dan Gardner from 47 Regiment Royal Artillery,"has become indispensable to troops on the ground in Afghanistan".<br /><br />Used in a variety of roles, including reconnaissance and surveillance of troops and patrols, Desert Hawk provides situational awareness to commanders of troops in contact with the enemy. One particularly valuable use to which it has been put has been spotting the Taliban as they lay IEDs. Desert Hawk is one of several systems which make up ISTAR, the tri-service intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance infrastructure.<br /><br />As well as providing improved surveillance capability and all-weather operation, the latest variant will also include a 'more refined target position' system olr as the MoD spokesman said: "Desert Hawk's latest enhancements allow it to operate more effectively in difficult conditions and provide our soldiers with greater situational awareness in a very timely manner."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/UpgradedSurveillanceAircraftArriveInAfghanistan.htm"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>MoD: Upgraded surveillance aircraft arrive in Afghanistan</em></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/DesertHawk/index.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>Lockheed Martin: Desert Hawk III</em></span></a> </div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-19915171686034731852010-08-23T23:12:00.001+01:002010-08-23T23:15:07.694+01:00Paras' 10 - Roger Micklethwaite takes up the challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVjQIneRfYDPtg7mo8XsNMj9-g2fHb-wVvIM7MdaIvgCijxxNvrdhfUNAVpeyfjJDZSldicsPvCdO-661Nsbs1qxd8rVEIIw_iPiS2E9jLzrh1evx6-1JLylrbLkMTasMubUVP2l_7PWV/s1600/Paras10.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 79px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508731749279345330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVjQIneRfYDPtg7mo8XsNMj9-g2fHb-wVvIM7MdaIvgCijxxNvrdhfUNAVpeyfjJDZSldicsPvCdO-661Nsbs1qxd8rVEIIw_iPiS2E9jLzrh1evx6-1JLylrbLkMTasMubUVP2l_7PWV/s400/Paras10.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br />The annual <a href="http://www.paras10.com/"><strong><em>PARA'S 10</em></strong> </a>event will be taking place this year on Sunday 12th September at Catterick.<br /><br />Resurrected in 2008 after a 15 year hibernation, this 'ultimate endurance race' will once again be hosted by Pegasus Company, The Parachute Regiment's training and selection wing, and is open to anyone who's up for it and can cough up the £25 entrance fee (there is £250 for the fastest entrant).<br /><br />Not only is the event a chance for those outside the Regiment to prove how fit they are and to find out what the Paras keep harping on about, it is also an ideal fundraising opportunity.<br /><br />Last year 2,500 runners took part raising over £100,000 for service charities.<br /><br />This year Roger Micklethwaite and associates will be taking up the challenge and raising money for The Royal Anglian Regiment Benevolent Charity Fund. The Fund helps serving and former members of the Regiment and their families who find themselves in need, hardship or distress.<br /><br />If you would like to support Roger & Co. and help them raise some money for the Royal Anglians, visit his webpage at </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Vikings4ever"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><strong><em>JustGiving: Vikings4ever </em></strong></span></a></div><span style="color:#9999ff;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span><div align="left"><br /></span>Good luck, Roger (you'll need it)! </div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-85169122396446791942010-08-23T20:53:00.002+01:002010-08-23T20:57:03.813+01:00Operational Welfare Fund fails to capture the public's imagination<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUFxIoXvW-Mt1m7yhz2ZwgYQrw79z7-0FZwhoOVc3gNEbOwPuTtW9QeGLQoXYd4-cH1J6bRleUODCTpKyY9yFFCCztkk_R0spX5dd5YvEFlBvFgGptm01gZ4mw12Mc5HbllWQ1BLBuvAf/s1600/SSAFA-OWF.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 106px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508695998226293506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUFxIoXvW-Mt1m7yhz2ZwgYQrw79z7-0FZwhoOVc3gNEbOwPuTtW9QeGLQoXYd4-cH1J6bRleUODCTpKyY9yFFCCztkk_R0spX5dd5YvEFlBvFgGptm01gZ4mw12Mc5HbllWQ1BLBuvAf/s400/SSAFA-OWF.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br /><br /><br />It was back in the autumn of 2008 that the then Labour government started to clamp down on the public's wish to send parcels of goodies out to the guys fighting on the frontline.<br /><br />The reason given for discouraging this very personal and direct show of support for Britain's Armed Forces was that 'unsolicited' parcels "clog up the supply chain and delay parcels from service families getting to their loved ones".<br /><br />That there is an inadequate transport infrastructure supporting UK forces abroad is due to years of neglect and under-funding by government; it is not the fault of the general public.<br /><br />The MoD should also bear in mind that a very large percentage (reportedly as high as 20%) of the troops out in Afghanistan do not have family to send them welfare parcels and these guys also need and deserve the morale boost that receiving a parcel from back home can bring. Many small community groups across the country send parcels (not at Christmas but throughout the year) to welfare officers who distribute them to those individuals they know would benefit most.<br /><br />However, back in 2008 the government was caught in a bit of a dilemma: on the one hand it wanted to engage the public in support for the Armed Forces (cf <a href="http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/PersonnelPublications/DutyofCare/NationalRecognitionOfOurArmedForces.htm">National Recognition Study</a>) but on the other hand it needed to dampen down any support that was proving inconvenient. The MoD came up with a solution: the Operational Welfare Fund.<br /><br />Instead of sending parcels of goodies, the public would be instructed to donate money to a central fund. The Fund would be administered jointly by the MoD and SSAFA and the money raised would be used by 'commanders' to purchase items for the troops - solar-powered chargers, boxing kit, wind-up radios, etc. In this way the MoD would be able to manage and direct the flow of public goodwill and perhaps also use some of the money raised to buy equipment it would otherwise have to fund itself.<br /><br />That the Operational Welfare Fund has failed to capture the public's imagination is clear: only a small number of online donations have made (less than 200) and only a relatively small amount of money has been raised (£37,050) since the Fund's launch in November 2008.<br /><br />Cameron's Government should recognise that giving the people the right to express their regard, support and thanks to Britain's Armed Forces by making up a parcel and sending it out to someone serving their country abroad is perfectly consistent with the idea of the 'Big Society'.<br /><br />Perhaps the MoD should consider laying on a couple of extra helicopters.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/Personnel/PublicSupportForOurServicePersonnel/OperationalWelfareFund.htm"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>MoD: Operational Welfare Fund</em></span></a><br /><a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=OperationalWelfareFund"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>SSAFA: Operational Welfare Fund</em></span></a><br /><a href="https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/welfarefund"><em><span style="color:#9999ff;">Bmycharity: SSAFA Operational Welfare Fund</span></em></a> </div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-7874647779530513102010-08-23T00:30:00.001+01:002010-08-23T00:33:35.339+01:00Royal Anglian Regiment: The Poachers in Stalingrad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1lSGM9Z5J5eIv39t3TDrCsoJ3SRnpB5cMeuNElDEAQonWrGmCX1hO3l8PMuXOGpWpGqR4Qif9osnhwBsuEdBzZKYbsQwxySCLv5jrOFFT_Vjk8dq5-8YWK7h5EEsvELQZ_oC7_l99jTS/s1600/PoachersinStalingrad.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 306px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 293px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508381041280978306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1lSGM9Z5J5eIv39t3TDrCsoJ3SRnpB5cMeuNElDEAQonWrGmCX1hO3l8PMuXOGpWpGqR4Qif9osnhwBsuEdBzZKYbsQwxySCLv5jrOFFT_Vjk8dq5-8YWK7h5EEsvELQZ_oC7_l99jTS/s400/PoachersinStalingrad.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/news/Poachers-aim-drum-support-war-zone-victims-wristbands/article-2428579-detail/article.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>This Is Grimsby: Poachers aim to drum up support for war zone victims with wristbands<br /></em></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/Wristbands-sold-drum-money-support-Lincolnshire-troops/article-2355951-detail/article.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>This is Lincolnshire: Poachers wristbands go on sale to raise money and support for Lincolnshire troops</em></span></a>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-26425743022338778292010-08-23T00:01:00.001+01:002010-08-23T00:01:00.431+01:00In Memoriam: Aaron McClure, Robert Foster & John Thrumble<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLtfN0LU3z8LnyDI1C78pYAlOcJuJZdMb0uGNexAsO-khc9CRXF-21EYIL7iWjAspHtZ25FVEMxKeVllGyOK5nssNryPEojld3CzzjrDtur5gN2N68h_g5cwr3xWXmNHES9EA7vdfi2NA/s1600/BandofBrothers.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 380px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 111px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508367620609130130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLtfN0LU3z8LnyDI1C78pYAlOcJuJZdMb0uGNexAsO-khc9CRXF-21EYIL7iWjAspHtZ25FVEMxKeVllGyOK5nssNryPEojld3CzzjrDtur5gN2N68h_g5cwr3xWXmNHES9EA7vdfi2NA/s400/BandofBrothers.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p align="justify"><br /><br /><br />Private Aaron McClure, Private Robert Foster and Private John Thrumble all from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, were killed while on a fighting patrol near Kajaki, Afghanistan on Thursday 23rd August 2007.<br /><br />Of Pte Aaron McClure his CO said: "At 19 years old, Private Aaron McClure was already a veteran of over forty engagements with the enemy. It is tragic that where the Taliban had failed, it was an accident that has taken him from us. Loyal, hard working and highly professional, he constantly surpassed the standards expected, and his loss is a bitter blow to the whole Battalion." His friend Pte Barker said: "McClure known to most of his mates as 'Troy' was a hard working and very determined member of 7 Platoon who would 'work his socks off' to achieve the best results he could. 'Troy' had a lot of ambition and would have gone far in the Army. He will be missed very much by all of us in 7 Platoon and the Company. Rest in peace mate and my thoughts are with your family."<br /><br />Pte Robert Foster's CO said: "As a junior soldier, Private Robert Foster settled in remarkably quickly and was a highly respected Viking. Fiercely loyal to his friends, he had seemingly limitless reserves of courage and strength of character way beyond his years. He had a rare quality of always seeing the bright side of any situation and a mischievous sense of humour which made him hugely popular." His Section Commander said: "Fozzy as he was known by all will be remembered for never turning a dare down. He was up for anything and kept the comedy value of the section up when it was most needed. He was a model for the British Army. It was a privilege to serve with him and we will never forget him."<br /><br />About Pte John Thrumble the Battalion Commander said: "Private John Thrumble was one of the mainstays and leading characters within the Battalion. An inspirational model to others and a caring and compassionate friend to many, he will be sorely missed. Proven in combat on countless occasions – his raw courage and ability to raise a smile were invaluable in these testing times. He joins the ranks of his fellow fallen Vikings but his reputation will live on and he will never be forgotten." And Private Barker said: "John was the joker of the platoon and even the Company, and always managed to make you laugh whatever the circumstances. Although he was hard as nails, he had a soft side to him which most people did not know. He had some ambition and wanted to stay in the Army and work his way up through the ranks."<br /></p><p align="center"><br />"These people going out fighting giving their lives for us;<br />They do it selflessly and they never get thanked enough.<br />They give it all, put their heart and soul into what they do<br />To make this world a better, safer place for me and you. "<br /><br /><strong>Never forgotten </strong></p><strong><p align="left"><br /></strong></p><a href="http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivatesAaronMcclureRobertFosterAndJohnThrumbleKilledInAfghanistan.htm"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>MoD Defence News </em></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.harlowstar.co.uk/Home/Famlies-united-for-anniversary-of-soldiers-deaths.htm"><em><span style="color:#9999ff;">Harlow Star: Famlies united for anniversary of soldiers' deaths</span></em></a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Faquilavictrix.blogspot.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DAARON+&hl=en-GB&v=2Scy_Y1gSHY"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>Fallen Soldier [RIP AJM]</em></span></a><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em><br /></em></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=g3uA2ptbkyg"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>Robert Graham Foster</em><br /></span><em><span style="color:#9999ff;">Why is this happening [song for John]</span></em></a>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-10912317073379074502010-08-22T23:19:00.002+01:002010-08-22T23:22:10.952+01:00Vikings Cup Golf & Family Fun Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78cQux6di63sdbc5E3Cp038y7P1fJySI1DND3XTDkwQn79GDl4vdiVIMByDpnaE1uXcaUiqZBBLEdQLRJaN1pSfX_9N1R2PcRbjORIoG4J9LJc8QAOIjVgdhnB9uSdlxUPKUyU3D4Z3su/s1600/VikingsCupGolf.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 128px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508362510139197954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78cQux6di63sdbc5E3Cp038y7P1fJySI1DND3XTDkwQn79GDl4vdiVIMByDpnaE1uXcaUiqZBBLEdQLRJaN1pSfX_9N1R2PcRbjORIoG4J9LJc8QAOIjVgdhnB9uSdlxUPKUyU3D4Z3su/s400/VikingsCupGolf.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Forest Hill Golf and Country Club will again be hosting the Vikings Cup and Family Fun Day on Saturday 25th September.<br /><br />Special prizes will be awarded to the winners of three events: The Vikings Cup, The Chris Gray Memorial Trophy and the Gaz O'Donnell Trophy.<br /><br />One of the organisers of the event is Mrs Helen Gray whose son, Pte Chris Gray, was killed in action in 2007 whilst serving with 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment ("The Vikings") in Afghanistan.<br /><br />The event is open to the public and will include The Royal Anglian Regimental Drums, The Black Knights Parachute Display Team, Army climbing tower, military vehicles, rifle shooting range and many other attractions for the whole family.<br /><br />All monies raised will go to The Royal Anglian Regiment Benevolent Fund.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aquilavictrix.com/Images/RoyalAnglians/VikingsCupGolf.htm"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>Vikings Cup and Family Fun Day</em></span></a> </div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-12233229750212121772010-08-22T21:54:00.001+01:002010-08-22T21:57:52.263+01:00Southend United's Camouflage Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm0_h97F2SfIEKtL0AhKws8reuVUmH21ESIRSzAtRwN5bFE9rO4DAhxv03C9yDOWWVsSv8RZlrVkYvNtivdViSROm3hgTcDtVcbS5WYGUi8cCX4Hbs5R36sCc2YiMVzlrTaiPJ1DNN-sH/s1600/SouthendUnitedCamouflageDay.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 228px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508340759988742530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm0_h97F2SfIEKtL0AhKws8reuVUmH21ESIRSzAtRwN5bFE9rO4DAhxv03C9yDOWWVsSv8RZlrVkYvNtivdViSROm3hgTcDtVcbS5WYGUi8cCX4Hbs5R36sCc2YiMVzlrTaiPJ1DNN-sH/s400/SouthendUnitedCamouflageDay.jpg" /></a>Southend United Football Club is urging its supporters to turn up in camouflage kit at their match against Torquay United on 4th September to show their support for Britain's Armed Forces.<br /><br />The Blues' new manager Paul Sturrock came up with the idea for "Camouflage Day" which will include a number of military-themed events - a combat display on the pitch, a special Blue Belles army dance and camouflage face-painting.<br /><br />Local hero Sgt Billy Moore MC from The 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment will also meet the team and tell them about his exploits on the frontline in Afghanistan.<br /><br />A collection in aid of Help for Heroes will also be held at the ground.<br /><br />If the Gulls' supporters turn up in combats as well, then both sides will be united in showing their solidarity with the guys fighting in Afghan.<br /><br />The Blues' boss said: "We all applaud the work that the armed services are doing at home and abroad. It is not just about them but also about the families and the communities they live in who are all affected. This is an opportunity for the football club and its fans to show its support."<br /><br />Nice one, Paul!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/sport/8340295.Boss_Sturrock_wants_to_show_support_for_Armed_Forces/"><em><span style="color:#9999ff;">Thurrock Gazette: Southend United fans urged to wear army clothing</span></em></a><br /><a href="http://www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~2126737,00.html"><em><span style="color:#9999ff;">Southend United: Salute your Southend</span></em></a>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-57798247185601621052010-08-13T14:53:00.000+01:002010-08-22T14:56:30.435+01:00Royal Anglian Regiment: Blenheim Battle Honour<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_G_17JIZ2KPy1BnSp1L1TFVonLpd1oi7sE-w7ieu-21oZwIUNxZrWyuomuO0Fat6xzlKz8o4DMOVaEBc22VJbV3p8KLxrZbG1dlrUfN4ZUCm4CSq3MS2EyjU_PfaX58FAaOrFeMUOKxx/s1600/Blenheim.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 184px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508232250723910450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_G_17JIZ2KPy1BnSp1L1TFVonLpd1oi7sE-w7ieu-21oZwIUNxZrWyuomuO0Fat6xzlKz8o4DMOVaEBc22VJbV3p8KLxrZbG1dlrUfN4ZUCm4CSq3MS2EyjU_PfaX58FAaOrFeMUOKxx/s400/Blenheim.jpg" /></a>Although the Battle of Blenheim took place on 2nd August, The Royal Anglian Regiment reserves August 13th to commemorate the battle, a battle for which the Regiment gained a battle honour. To be exact it was the 16th Foot, later the Bedfordshire Regiment, which won the honour but by amalgamation the honour has transferred to 2 R ANGLIAN.<br /><br />Anyway, 2nd August 1704, War of the Spanish Succession, somewhere in Germany, Duke of Marlborough v Marshall Tallard.... Britain, Austria, Germany (north), Denmark and Hungary , v France, of course, and Germany (south) - a proper Euro-war, but strangely no Spanish. The battle was hard fought and bloody with 12,000 casualties on the allied side alone. The outcome was a total victory for the British and their allies. Interestingly, "a major contributing feature to the Duke of Marlborough’s success in the field was his concern that his soldiers be properly supplied and by his consummate ability in organising and administering that supply." - nothing new with regards the situation in Afghanistan , then.<br /><br />Happy Blenheim Day!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.britishbattles.com/spanish-succession/battle-blenheim.htm"><em><span style="color:#9999ff;">British Battles: The Battle of Blenheim 1704</span></em> </a></div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-10586272728874892842010-06-17T23:49:00.008+01:002010-06-19T17:48:30.077+01:00Southend salutes the Vikings<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz8ZHaIW7FBaUdomQ39ZJC2EAPHbwJO0TLzBo1b48NywSo1evX7AD5dQfVvjwk0d3dnSihgMCBMc8Q_OTatjZFdVCM-v_hrj3W4tu4OoDjsKVWRSuojAz7GnqIcGY-sKEzcwcJ3j29CBS/s1600/1RA+Southend+June2010+(28)s.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483878746036363698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz8ZHaIW7FBaUdomQ39ZJC2EAPHbwJO0TLzBo1b48NywSo1evX7AD5dQfVvjwk0d3dnSihgMCBMc8Q_OTatjZFdVCM-v_hrj3W4tu4OoDjsKVWRSuojAz7GnqIcGY-sKEzcwcJ3j29CBS/s400/1RA+Southend+June2010+(28)s.jpg" /></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thousands of people lined the High Street in Southend today and gave a tremendous welcome to the soldiers of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment.<br /><br />The Battalion was also granted the Freedom of the Borough and so, preceded by the Minden Band, the 180 soldiers marched with fixed bayonets and colours flying.<br /><br />The Battalion has recently returned from a tough six-month tour of Afghanistan and their visit enabled the people of Southend to show their support for the guys and their appreciation for the work that they had done out there. During this latest deployment to Afghanistan, the Battalion sadly lost five soldiers killed fighting the Taliban: L/Cpl Scott Hardy, Pte James Grigg, Capt Martin Driver, Pte Robert Hayes and L/Cpl Adam Drane.<br /><br />The parade through Southend was one of a series of similar events being held in towns across East Anglia to mark the return of the Battalion from the frontline in Afghanistan.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">Well done, the Vikings! </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Well done, Southend!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aquilavictrix.com/RoyalAngliansVikingsSouthend170610.htm"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>Click here to see more photos from the Southend parade.</em> </span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/southend/8218374.Updated__Thousands_join_Royal_Anglian_parade/"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>The Echo: Thousands support Royal Anglian parade</em></span></a> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/southendborough/4709024189/in/set-72157624172845229/"><em>Flickr: Royal Anglian Regiment - Southend</em></a></div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-39162100108955367922010-05-13T22:02:00.002+01:002010-05-13T22:06:23.043+01:00In Memoriam: Joseva Lewaicei and Adam Morris<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR9XYOB_SHNGwiTYhJiwOzRcuAYqeW4kjg6MVirMJIpsgS529HSWa334JQc9UsMWzOPxMuQ51iKWd5A4AeokdVmO5yMN7JMzT0i5c7V1I7s6YmeiTAV1u1S3n0LnB6VZYNzrFbwnriVj2/s1600/MorrisLewaicei.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470863078519088370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR9XYOB_SHNGwiTYhJiwOzRcuAYqeW4kjg6MVirMJIpsgS529HSWa334JQc9UsMWzOPxMuQ51iKWd5A4AeokdVmO5yMN7JMzT0i5c7V1I7s6YmeiTAV1u1S3n0LnB6VZYNzrFbwnriVj2/s400/MorrisLewaicei.jpg" /></a>Private Joseva Lewaicei and Private Adam Morris, both of C Company The 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, were killed in action on 13th May 2006 in Basra, Iraq.<br /><br />The two soldiers were killed when they were hit by a roadside bomb while on patrol in Basra city.<br /><br />In paying tribute to Private Lewaicei his CO said: "Private Lewaicei was a valued and well-regarded member of C Company and was known as a fun loving and exuberant character. He was a keen sportsman and had represented the Battalion in both Rugby and Boxing. He was an exceptional rugby full back regularly impressing those who saw him play, and was once offered a professional contract. Immensely strong, his colleagues will remember with some glee the day he was finally beaten in an arm wrestle by their platoon sergeant, although he always maintained he let him win."<br /><br />And in his tribute to Private Morris, Lieutenant Colonel Des O’Driscoll said: "Adam joined the battalion in Northern Ireland and rapidly made his mark as an energetic and thoroughly professional young soldier. He undoubtedly had a bright future ahead of him. Although Private Morris had only been with 'The Poachers' for just under two years, he was one of our most promising young soldiers and had a fine career ahead of him. Always one of the keenest and most attentive soldiers in the Company he stood out from many of his peers. At times teased for his military knowledge, he had an inquiring mind and a desire to learn. He was well-liked and respected by all the company for his resolve. He had suffered a leg injury late in 2005 but fought his way back to fitness, determined that he must deploy on operations in Iraq alongside his many friends. Always 'Army barmy' he even found a camouflage cover for the cast on his leg. Adam’s loss has touched and saddened all of us who had the honour to know him."<br /><br />Never forgotten.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/PrivateJosevaLewaiceiAndPrivateAdamMorrisKilledInIraq.htm"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>MoD: Private Joseva Lewaicei and Private Adam Morris killed in Iraq</em></span> </a></div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-68775216378601483202010-05-09T17:49:00.000+01:002010-05-14T07:52:42.146+01:00Welsh Guards salute Victory Day in Moscow<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBYYrDeYQDCywOjs-SBkIebjx3C6Ni4Gk9MWnu34UIl-hOfyH_BCU4Jd8VwH7shoAbvVINsicc_XDrH3PuFjetFPc4TPONdtJ_bqPauevAuWsaXfJ7UVPscvAfyLDJ9Xr0340wJE_eKZM/s1600/WelshGuardsMoscow.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 278px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471014328127491602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBYYrDeYQDCywOjs-SBkIebjx3C6Ni4Gk9MWnu34UIl-hOfyH_BCU4Jd8VwH7shoAbvVINsicc_XDrH3PuFjetFPc4TPONdtJ_bqPauevAuWsaXfJ7UVPscvAfyLDJ9Xr0340wJE_eKZM/s400/WelshGuardsMoscow.jpg" /></a>For the first time since the end of WW2 British soldiers have taken part in the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow's Red Square.<br /><br />76 Guardsmen from 2 Company The 1st Battalion The Welsh Guards joined 10,500 Russian soldiers and contingents from the US, France and Poland in the parade to mark the 65th anniversary of the defeat of Germany in 1945.<br /><br />The sacrifices made by the Soviet people in WW2 were staggering - almost 25 million citizens were killed (including 10 million military personnel). It is not surprising, then, that the annual Victory Day parade still has an immense emotional hold on the Russian people.<br /><br />Guardsman Ian Mundy said: "There is a sense of pride to be in this massive parade on Red Square. It seems that everyone is interested in us as well and I'm proud to be a part of that.'<br /><br />Major Dai Bevan, Company Commander, commented: “This (experience) typifies the polarity of our job as Guardsmen and as infantry soldiers – last year we were in Afghanistan and now we’re marching in Red Square as part of his incredible occasion.<br /><br />The Guardsmen's presence in the parade not only recognised that Britain and the Soviet Union fought together to defeat Germany in 1945 but also reflected the current wish of the Russian leadership to improve relations with NATO.<br /><br />Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said: “At this solemn parade, the soldiers of Russia, the states of the CIS and the anti-Hitler coalition march together. Only together can we counter present-day threats. Only as good neighbours can we resolve problems of global security in order that the ideals of justice and good triumph in all of the world and that the lives of future generations will be free and happy.”<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/05/10/welsh-guards-march-in-moscow-parade-91466-26411201/"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>WalesOnline: Welsh Guards march in Moscow parade</em></span></a><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8669975.stm"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>BBC: British troops mark VE Day with Red Square parade</em></span> </a><br /><a href="http://www.army.mod.uk/news/20240.aspx"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>MoD: British soldiers march on Red Square in historic parade</em></span></a><br /></div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-61201703769891491782010-03-26T22:59:00.001+00:002010-03-26T23:02:53.159+00:002 Royal Anglians return home<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4X0JPNqvj53azugW4JYOfox_hmchTk5qUTvGfGtIElydWVuyNrGaCwGfRWYh811cg8FvifLELZt_jP8DImMrAZxE5YvLvGNGB8dn-NIMSxuufbh8sPXQE-r3Yvh-xl3IScnfAMBMFuwg/s1600/2VikingsReturnHome.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 311px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453081242774324242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4X0JPNqvj53azugW4JYOfox_hmchTk5qUTvGfGtIElydWVuyNrGaCwGfRWYh811cg8FvifLELZt_jP8DImMrAZxE5YvLvGNGB8dn-NIMSxuufbh8sPXQE-r3Yvh-xl3IScnfAMBMFuwg/s400/2VikingsReturnHome.jpg" /></a>Lance Corporal Scott Hardy and Private James Grigg from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment were killed by an IED in Helmand on March16th. Their bodies were brought home today.<br /><br />Hundreds of people lined the high street of Wootton Bassett showing respect and grief as the flag-draped hearses carrying the two soldiers drove past.<br /><br />Of L Cpl Hardy his CO said: "Always ready to see the bright side of life, always ready with banter when the situation allowed it. Mature and unflappable, he was one of those individuals who takes life in their stride He was earmarked to attend<br /><br />the Section Commanders Battle Course later this year and we expected him to pass with flying colours. His performance leading men in the most demanding of circumstances in Afghanistan was notable - he was steadfast under fire and hugely brave. Blessed by a robust sense of humour, Scott was the first to laugh at life's challenges and keep soldiering on."<br /><br />And of Pte Grigg, Lieutenant Colonel Woodham said: "He was passionate about soldiering too; he thought himself lucky to have found a job where he could combine the two things that he loved so much. In turn, we think ourselves lucky to have worked alongside him. Friendly, polite and endlessly helpful, he was a real team player that you would want to have on your team. He was reliable - a man you could trust."<br /><br /><br /><strong>Never forgotten</strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8582377.stm"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>BBC: Bodies of Royal Anglians return home</em></span> </a><br /><a href="http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalScottHardyAndPrivateJamesGriggKilledInAfghanistan.htm"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>MoD: Lance Corporal Scott Hardy and Private James Grigg killed in Afghanistan</em></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/content/eveningstar/news/story.aspx?brand=ESTOnline&category=News&tBrand=ESTOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=IPED24%20Mar%202010%2000%3A10%3A25%3A473"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>Evening Star: Silent tribute as soldiers' bodies return home</em></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/national/mourners_gather_as_soldiers_return_1_369567"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>PeterboroughToday: Mourners gather as soldiers return</em></span></a><br /></div>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317179990691471440.post-34929941996325543872010-03-23T21:14:00.002+00:002010-03-26T21:17:47.161+00:00National Trust - National Dishonour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg362kKa2_Q_uSGp14HyL5tlyMSlRoZnJe2f2uoG_gXyGhJe-dOyC5rqXB9S_FhB-8gGWMuChLPl_4YcomryPN2mRBYsOMHWkYrnEYF5JW_F1kZCERw1fxZgkr4eJqTmXXCHbjxRmKzoCtt/s1600/NTWarMemorial.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 305px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 207px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453054006778419554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg362kKa2_Q_uSGp14HyL5tlyMSlRoZnJe2f2uoG_gXyGhJe-dOyC5rqXB9S_FhB-8gGWMuChLPl_4YcomryPN2mRBYsOMHWkYrnEYF5JW_F1kZCERw1fxZgkr4eJqTmXXCHbjxRmKzoCtt/s400/NTWarMemorial.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Visitors to the National Trust estate at Wightwick Maner near Wolverhampton have been rightly angered by the Trust's decision to place the war memorials in honour of 36 estate workers on the walls of the public toilets.<br /><br />What went through the heads of the National Trust managers when they decided that the most fitting place for the two memorial plaques - one to 33 men who died in WW1 and the other to three who died in WW2 - was hanging on the walls of the toilets?<br /><br />These managers are no better than Philip Laing who was photographed last October urinating on Sheffield's War Memorial. At least Laing had the excuse that he was drunk; what excuse does the National Trust have? ...er..."I'm sorry. I should have sorted this sooner rather than later".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1259949/Memorial-fallen-toilet-wall-Anger-siting-plaque-honouring-men-died-World-Wars.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>The Mail: Memorial to the fallen... on the toilet wall: Anger at siting of plaque honouring men who died in two world wars</em></span> </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1220579/Carnage-Shame-drunken-student-caught-urinating-war-memorial-mass-pub-crawl.html"><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>The Mail: Anger of WWI veteran's family after binge-drinking student is pictured urinating on war memorial<br /></div></em></span></a>Aquilavichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994220972602459587noreply@blogger.com