In Memoriam: A Tribute to The British Servicemen Killed in Afghanistan in Our Name
The recent spate of UK deaths in Afghanistan takes the number of British servicemen killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 116, of whom 106 died in action, in the south since British troops deployed there in April 2006. Unlike the MoD's list, this blog includes anyone killed in combat even if they are officially deemed to have been killed in non-combat related incidents, as in the case of the 14 servicemen killed when their Nimrod aircraft exploded over Kandahar province. They all died in action. An additional ten servicemen have died elsewhere in Afghanistan since October 2001, three of them in action prior to the current deployment, three as a result of bomb blasts in Kabul and four as a result of illness or non-combat related accidents. Who is to say that over time, the number killed won't surpass the 176 who have died so far in Iraq?
The Iraq War was immensely unpopular in Britain and there is a danger that as a result, we will forget that our troops don’t decide where they fight. They fought in Iraq and Afghanistan because the politicians we voted in decided that is what should happen. The soldiers are in fact merely doing the politicians’ bidding, and therefore our bidding. Whether or not you supported the war in Iraq or the current campaign in Afghanistan, do not blame the British servicemen and women who are dying on your behalf.
[Photograph: Keith Waldegrave]
May all of these brave British personnel rest in peace, whatever the circumstances of their death, and may their families and friends find comfort in the knowledge that they were decent, honourable people simply serving their country. These are the names of those killed in action in southern Afghanistan.
Captain Jim Philippson of 7 Parachute Regiment RHA died at Sangin on Sunday 11 June 2006.
Captain David Patten of the Special Reconnaisance Regiment died at Sangin on 27 June 2006.
Sergeant Paul Bartlett of the Special Boat Service died at Sangin on 27 June 2006.
Corporal Peter Thorpe of 14 Signal Regiment died at Sangin on Saturday 1 July 2006.
Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi of 14 Signal Regiment died at Sangin on Saturday 1 July 2006.
Private Damien Jackson of 3 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment died at Sangin on Wednesday 5 July 2006.
Captain Alex Eida, of 7 Parachute Regiment RHA died at Musa Qala on Tuesday 1 August 2006.
2nd Lieutenant Ralph Johnson of the Life Guards died at Musa Qala on Tuesday 1 August 2006.
Lance Corporal Ross Nicholls of the Blues and Royals died at Musa Qala on Tuesday 1 August 2006.
Private Andrew Barrie Cutts of 13 Air Assault Support Regiment died at Musa Qala on Sunday 6 August 2006.
Lance Corporal Sean Tansey of the Life Guards died at Sangin on Saturday 12 August 2006.
Corporal Bryan James Budd of 3 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment died on Sunday 20 August 2006 of wounds sustained at Sangin.
Lance Corporal Jonathan Peter Hetherington of 14 Signal Regiment died at Musa Qala on Sunday 27 August 2006.
Ranger Anare Draiva of the Royal Irish Regiment died at Musa Qala on Friday 1 September 2006.
Flight Lieutenant Steven Johnson of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Flight Lieutenant Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Flight Lieutenant Gareth Rodney Nicholas of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Flight Lieutenant Allan James Squires of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Flight Lieutenant Steven Swarbrick of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Flight Sergeant Gary Wayne Andrews of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Flight Sergeant Stephen Beattie of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Flight Sergeant Gerard Martin Bell of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Flight Sergeant Adrian Davies of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Sergeant Benjamin James Knight of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Sergeant John Joseph Langton of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Sergeant Gary Paul Quilliam of the RAF died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Lance Corporal Oliver Simon Dicketts of 1 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, part of the Special Forces Support Group, died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Marine Joseph David Windall of the Royal Marines, attached to the Special Boat Service, died at Chil Khor on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Lance Corporal Paul Muirhead of the Royal Irish Regiment died on 6 September 2006 of wounds sustained at Musa Qala.
Lance Corporal Luke McCulloch of the Royal Irish Regiment died at Sangin on 6 September 2006.
Corporal Mark Wright of the 3 Battalion, Parachute Regiment, died at Kajaki on 6 September 2006.
Marine Gary Wright of 45 Commando, Royal Marines, died at Lashkar Gah on 20 October 2006.
Marine Jonathan Wigley of 45 Commando, Royal Marines, died at Garmsir on 5 December 2006.
Marine Richard Watson of 42 Commando, Royal Marines, died at Nowzad on 12 December 2006.
Lance Bombardier James Dwyer of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, died at Garmsir on 27 December 2006
Marine Thomas Curry of 42 Commando, Royal Marines, died at Kajaki on 13 January 2007
Lance Corporal Mathew Ford of 45 Commando, Royal Marines, died at Garmsir on 15 January 2007
Lance Bombardier James Dwyer of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, died at Garmsir on 14 February 2007
Marine Jonathan Holland of 45 Commando, Royal Marines, died at Sangin on 21 February 2007
Lance Bombardier Ross Clark of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, died at Sangin on 3 March 2007
Lance Bombardier Liam McLaughlin of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, died at Sangin on 3 March 2007
Marine Benjamin Reddy of 42 Commando, Royal Marines, died at Kajaki on 6 March 2007.
WO2 Michael Smith of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, died at Sangin on 8 March 2007.
Private Chris Gray, 1 Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, died at Nowzad on 13 April 2007.
Guardsman Simon Davison, 1 Battalion, The Grenadier Guards, died at Garmsir on 3 May 2007
Lance-Corporal George Russell Davey, 1 Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, died at Sangin on Sunday 20 May 2007
Guardsman Daniel Probyn, 1 Battalion, The Grenadier Guards, died at Garmsir on 26 May 2007
Corporal Darren Bonner, 1 Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, died near Hyderabad on 28 May 2007
Corporal Mike Gilyeat, the Royal Military Police, died at Kajaki on 30 May 2007
Lance-Corporal Paul Sandford, 1 Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, died at Gereshk on 6 June 2007
Guardsman Neil "Tony" Downes, 1 Battalion, The Grenadier Guards, died at Sangin on 9 June 2007
Drummer Thomas Wright, 1 Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, died at Lashkar Gah on 24 June 2007
Captain Sean Dolan, 1 Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, died at Sangin on 30 June 2007
Sergeant Dave Wilkinson, 19 Regiment Royal Artillery, died at Gereshk on 1 July 2007
Guardsman Daryl Hickey, 1 Battalion, The Grenadier Guards, died at Gereshk on 12 July 2007
Lance-Corporal Alex Hawkins, 1 Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, died at Sangin on 25 July 2007
Guardsman David Atherton, 1 Battalion, The Grenadier Guards, died at Mirmandab on 26 July 2007
Sergeant Barry Keen, 14 Signals Regiment, died at Mirmandab on 27 July 2007
Lance-Corporal Michael Jones of the Special Boat Service died in Nimruz on 29 July 2007
Private Tony Rawson, 1 Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, died at Sangin on 10 August 2007
Captain David Hicks of 1 Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, died at Sangin on 11 August 2007
Private Aaron James McClure, 1 Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, died at Kajaki on 23 August 2007
Private Robert Graham Foster, 1 Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, died at Kajaki on 23 August 2007
Private John Thrumble, 1 Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, died at Kajaki on 23 August 2007
Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge, 51 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, died at Kandahar on 30 August 2007
Private Ben Ford, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), died north of Lashkar Gah on 5 September 2007
Private Damian Wright, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), died north of Lashkar Gah on 5 September 2007
Sergeant Craig Brelsford, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), died at Garmsir on 8 September 2007
Private Johan Botha, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), died at Garmsir on 8 September 2007
Lance Corporal Ivano Violino, 36 Engineer Regiment, died at Gereshk on 17 September 2007
Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman, 4th Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, died at Gereshk on 20 September 2007
Private Brian Tunnicliffe, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), died at Gereshk on 20 September September 2007
Major Alexis Roberts, 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, died at Kandahar on 4 October 2007
Lance-Corporal Jake Alderton, 36 Engineer Regiment, died at Sangin on 9 November 2007
Captain John McDermid, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, died at Sangin on 14 November 2007
Trooper Jack Sadler, The Honourable Artillery Company, died at Sangin on 4 December 2007
Sergeant Lee Johnson, 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), died at Musa Qala on 8 December 2007
Corporal Darryl Gardiner of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, died at Musa Qala on 20 January 2008
Corporal Damian Lawrence of the 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, died at Kajaki on 17 February 2008
Corporal Damian Mulvihill of 40 Commando, Royal Marines, died at Sangin on 20 February 2008
Lieutenant John Thornton of 40 Commando, Royal Marines, died at Kajaki on 30 March 2008
Marine David Marsh of 40 Commando, Royal Marines, died at Kajaki on 30 March 2008
Senior Aircraftman Graham Livingston, Royal Air Force Regiment, died at Kandahar on 13 April 2008
Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment, died at Kandahar on 13 April 2008
Trooper Robert Pearson of the Queen's Royal Lancers, died at Camp Bastion on 21 April 2008
Trooper Ratu Babakobau of the Household Cavalry Regiment died north of Nowzad on 2 May 2008
Trooper James Thompson of 23 SAS Regiment died at Musa Qala on 19 May 2008
Marine Dale Gostick, of 3 Troop Armoured Support Company, Royal Marines, died at Sangin on 25 May 2008
Private Nathan Cuthbertson of 2 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, who died in the Upper Sangin Valley on 8 June 2008
Private Daniel Gamble of 2 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, who died in the Upper Sangin Valley on 8 June 2008
Private Charles David Murray of 2 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, who died in the Upper Sangin Valley on 8 June 2008
Private Jeff Doherty of 2 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, who died in the Upper Gereshk Valley on 12 June 2008
Lance-Corporal James Batemen of 2 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, who died in the Upper Gereshk Valley on 12 June 2008
Corporal Sarah Bryant of the Intelligence Corps, who died in Lashkar Gah on 17 June 2008
Corporal Sean Robert Reeve of 23 SAS Regiment, who died in Lashkar Gah on 17 June 2008
Lance-Corporal Richard Larkin of 23 SAS Regiment, who died in Lashkar Gah on 17 June 2008
Lance-Corporal Paul Stout of 23 SAS Regiment, who died in Lashkar Gah on 17 June 2008
WO2 Michael Williams of 2 Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, who died in the Upper Sangin Valley on 24 June 2008
Private Joe Whittaker of 4 Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, who died in the Upper Sangin Valley on 24 June 2008
Warrant Officer 2nd Class Dan Shirley, Air Assault Support Regiment, who died near Camp Bastion on 27 June 2008
Lance-Corporal James Johnson of 5 Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who died at Lashkar Gah on 28 June 2008
Corporal Jason Barnes of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who died at Kajaki on 22 July 2008
Lance-Corporal Kenneth Rowe of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, who died in the Upper Sangin Valley on 24 July 2008
Sergeant Jonathan Matthews of 4 Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who died at Lashkar Gah on 28 July 2008
Private Peter Joe Cowton of 2 Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, who died at Musa Qala on 29 July 2008
Corporal Barry Dempsey, 2 Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who died at Gereshk on 18 August 2008
"They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
From For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon
My late father ( a regular airman from 1936 to 46) saw no glory in war, listening to him you might have thought he had leaning towards pacifism. As my years advance I too struggle with the sense of these wars we are engaged in. I knew none of these servicemen and women and yet I know them all, they offered all and sadly, unselfishly gave all.
Listening to the early morning news (radio) the death of three of our own, rates as an "oh and by the way" news item. I would wish to remind the MoD and politicians, that whilst you play your political games, three more mothers weep !
Posted by: William29 | 9 Jun 2008 05:17:34
Mick,
Something changed today. The news of this crash has sent shockwaves out into the RAF and beyond. This is a devastating event. Until today I did not believe that the deaths of British servicemen would change anything. I am not so sure now. Deepest sympathies to those involved, terrible days ahead, I am so sorry......
Originally Posted by: nigegilb | 3 Sep 2006 03:30:17
Posted by: NigeGilb | 9 Jun 2008 19:08:44
Mick~ May the grace of time console the family and friends of these fine servicemen. I am unable to find the appropriate words to express my sympathy.
Originally Posted by: Karen Tabaka | 3 Sep 2006 23:55:40
Posted by: Karen Tabeka | 9 Jun 2008 19:09:38
Mick,
Deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.
Originally Posted by: The 3rd Column | 4 Sep 2006 10:36:30
Posted by: The 3rd Column | 9 Jun 2008 19:10:53
My heart goes out to their families. As the mother of a soldier killed in Northern Ireland I know the devastation the families face in their loss. I campaigned for some recognition of loss of life in our armed forces through war, peacekeeping or terrorist acts, in the form of a medal similar to the American Purple Heart but was told that death has never been a criteria for a medal, only campaign or bravery. This when others were getting gongs through the honours lists for doing their well-paid jobs. The MOD would not even agree to a Memorial Cross for the widow and mother as in Canada and New Zealand. Our forces fight alongside those of the US and Canada yet British lives given in the service of our country do not merit similar recognition. It is disgraceful.
Originally Posted by: Rita | 10 Sep 2006 11:28:23
Posted by: rita | 9 Jun 2008 19:11:36
my mate gaz q died on sept the 2nd, whatever the media or the military say he was a hero who died in conflict, i miss him and feel so strong for the family i never met and he unfortunately left behind but rayna and his daughter will always know they will never be left alone, it wasnt garys way. god bless you "q" and all your fallen shadows xxx see ya soon
Originally Posted by: christian gilbride | 16 Sep 2006 04:03:45
Posted by: Christian | 9 Jun 2008 19:12:17
miss u all 2 :(
Originally Posted by: | 4 Oct 2006 07:31:55
Posted by: Unnamed | 9 Jun 2008 19:12:58
never got to say goodbye. Will never forget the times we spent together. You were a very special person. RIP Paul x
Originally Posted by: michelle | 29 Oct 2006 21:59:52
Posted by: Michelle | 9 Jun 2008 19:13:32
I do not entirely share Mick's surprise at the lack of response to these grim and sad details. For most, it is probably easier to express rage than grief. And if one looks over previous comments it is nearly always the case that controversy and anger lead to large numbers of responses - some, as many will have noted, remarkably extreme.
This posting is perhaps one of those occasions when all are united in mute grief. How can anyone adequately express the heartache and poignancy of such a simple and telling memorial? In every town and city, each of us regularly passes these silent reminders of the sacrifices of our men and women, and their kith and kin. It is fitting - particularly at this time in the year - that we should ignore our daily preoccupations and spend a moment or two considering our losses.
Originally Posted by: Chuck Unsworth | 5 Nov 2006 10:54:23
Posted by: Chuck | 9 Jun 2008 19:14:13
As an American war veteran, allow me to offer my condolences to all the brave British men & woman who have given their lives, in this on going war.
They are truly the finest, and the bravest.
My heart also goes out to their families, and friends.
I too feel, that each brave man, or woman that falls, should recieve a special medal & ribbon of honour. And that the medal & ribbon should be presented to their families.
Again, My heartful sympathies go out to each family. And, as a former soldier, I solute each and every fallen comrade.
Originally Posted by: Tucker | 6 Nov 2006 15:44:16
Posted by: Tucker | 9 Jun 2008 19:15:09
You are heroes; you are heroes; you fought and died in a just and noble cause. Your sacrifice was not and will never be in vain because God Almighty recognises it and He knows your hearts were true. Death to the Taleban.
Originally Posted by: Len Angel | 15 Nov 2006 08:50:39
Posted by: Len Angel | 9 Jun 2008 19:15:57
Perhaps the reason people do not respond to your piece regarding the Memorial, is because most people do not see our servicemen as having dies for our Country.
Instead they may well see it as having died for the greater glory of Teflon Tony Blair's ambition to be remembered in posterity as a great Statesman.
Originally Posted by: Stuart | 24 Nov 2006 22:12:32
Posted by: Stuart | 9 Jun 2008 19:16:45
Hello Mick ... Keep it up, great writing.
Have a look at my website Above
http://www.palacebarracksmemorialgarden.org/
Posted by: Unknown | 9 Jun 2008 19:17:35
It say's it all ... me ex Para Regiment
and now drive a London Cab
Take care out there
David
Originally Posted by: David Smart | 18 Dec 2006 09:42:32
Posted by: David Smart | 9 Jun 2008 19:18:13
Mick,
We don't forget them either.
It is just a pity that the lack of moral fibre in today's government shows in their lack of support for our troops and the nation they defend.
THE PRAYER OF THE AIRBORNE FORCE
May the defence of the most high
be above and beneath, around and within us,
in our going out and our coming in,
in our rising up and our going down,
through all our days and all our nights,
until the dawn when the
sun of righteousness shall arise
with healing in his wings
for the peoples of the world,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Originally Posted by: Jock Love | 23 Jan 2007 09:23:35
Posted by: Jock Love | 9 Jun 2008 19:18:57
" Mr Bryan James Budd of the 3rd Battalion the PARACHUTE Regiment, You were a great man, a professional, you were a joy to work with, your memory and your humour still stick with us, although your physical being is gone. The Training team miss you mate and we wish we knew how GOD could take such a true PARATROOPER from us, I am sure you are still as passionate about your Regiment and family as you always were, the Victoria Cross is an amazing achievement, but Bryan you were a superb soldier, and God do we miss you. You will be watching over us all and ensuring only the best wear the MAROON BERET, you set the standard for all the Junior Soldiers now joining 27 Pl, BRYAN YOU ARE A LEGEND"
"Every Man an Emperor"
AIRBORNE!!!
Thoughts go out to Lorena, Isobella & baby Imogen.
Originally Posted by: Robbo 216 (PARA SIGS) | 26 Jan 2007 22:13:10
Posted by: Robbo | 9 Jun 2008 19:19:47
Dear Mick,
I knew Sergeant Paul Bartlett when we were in our teens. He was an exceptional human being and always seemed invincible to me. I know that Paul wanted this way of life he loved his job. Even at 19 he told me he would be in the sbs and I never doubted him, but i never thought, never really thought that I would see a notice of his death. My main problem with this is that our boys go out there and they think that they are the ones made of teflon, whilst the reality that is that our second rate politicians are sending our first men out there.
Paul, u have been in my heart for 1/2 my life. u will stay there forever. Miff
Originally Posted by: Miff | 1 Mar 2007 11:58:39
Posted by: Miff | 9 Jun 2008 19:20:30
Mick,
I am the Fiancee of Sgt Benjamin James Knight of Crew 3,120 Sqn. He was killed on the Nimrod that exploded in Kandahar on 2nd Sep 2006. Crew 3 and everyone else that serves out there are true heroes.
Ben, you will never be forgotten, for all our tomorrows, Tania xxxxx
Originally Posted by: Tania | 2 Apr 2007 21:27:40
Posted by: Tania | 9 Jun 2008 19:21:14
Mick
As the widow of the late Flt Lt Gareth Nicholas, whom is mentionned in your 'in memorium' column, I would like to say thankyou for posting the photo of the memorial in Afghanistan. I had not heard about it nor obviously seen a photo. Your 'in memorium' column is very touching and is also, unfortunately, getting longer by the day. I would also like to thank you for highlighting the unbearable timescales for inquiries and inquests when loss of life occurs. My regards to all who have loved and lost their husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew or, most sadly of all, their father due to these terrible accidents. Gone but never forgotten are they. Helen and Athena.x
Originally Posted by: Helen | 22 Apr 2007 18:42:45
Posted by: Helen | 9 Jun 2008 19:21:52
Id just like to say to all serving personal and all the families of those killed whilst serving that the service people killed will always be remembered and loved and will always be heros in all our minds id especially like to say im trully sorry to Benjamin Reddy family as i trained with him and the 8 months i spent with him i got to know he was a strong, proud man and would do anything for his family and country it ws an honour to know him. thanks bithell s
Originally Posted by: Bithell s | 28 Apr 2007 17:44:46
Posted by: S Bithell | 9 Jun 2008 19:22:42
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.""
Unfortunately we don't. The british public of gone glassy eyed at the wars.
No one really knows what we are now doing in Afghanistan or Iraq, no one has any sense it's for us. And unfortunately ists the very professionalismof the soldiers that distances us from them. We no longer really see them in public, they are not part of our communities. They volunteer and are paid to fight in the eyes of many they are only one step away from mercenaries.
"The soldiers are in fact merely doing the politicians’ bidding, and therefore our bidding. "
Not true. The politicians do what they want and we haev little say in it, especially as the two main parties support the war and are largely indistinguishable.
The post bis a good one, but British public simply don't care and turn their backs on the whole thing.
Originally Posted by: Neil Murphy | 29 Sep 2007 20:33:41
Posted by: Neil Murphy | 9 Jun 2008 19:23:27
Honour, decency and service and may I add pride. Yes I am proud of being accorded the privelege to have served in HM forces. The general public can, I suppose, be forgiven to some extent for their views. They see self seeking politicians who see stating falsehoods as the accepted norm. I believe that most think that all of the establishment is now corrupt. Senior officers of the armed forces must accept that they have not been vocal enough in protecting those they command whilst ensuring they protect their own promotion prospects.
Originally Posted by: William 29 | 30 Sep 2007 11:00:15
Posted by: William 29 | 9 Jun 2008 19:24:23
Simonides of Ceos (After Battle of Themopylae):
"Go tell the Spartans thou passest by, That FAITHFUL to their precepts, here we lie"
Originally Posted by: william 29 | 30 Sep 2007 15:16:45
Posted by: William 29 | 9 Jun 2008 19:25:05
I'm not convinced that the British Public has actually forgotten these brave and honourable young men and women, nor the sacrifices of their wounded colleagues, nor those of their families.
Current press reports and comment is, generally, sympathetic. Whether there is sufficient public rage and disgust at the treatment of these young people is another question. I fear not.
However, there are some who are fighting another war - and that is against apathy and those politically driven apparatchiks who have nonchalantly placed our people in harm's way. It's nothing like as dangerous or damaging, of course, but necessary nonetheless.
Why should this 'communications' war be necessary, anyway? Quite simply it is because our people have not been and are not treated fairly or with honour.
And yet the armed forces have always acted honourably and with forbearance. Remembrance Day is only a few weeks away. It would be no bad thing if all of those with conscience took part in the parades and services which are held across the whole of Britain on that day, even if that is only to stand and watch and honour their servicemen.
Originally Posted by: Chuck Unsworth | 30 Sep 2007 20:24:34
Posted by: Chuck Unsworth | 9 Jun 2008 19:25:48
KIA - This at least bestows a dubious honour on the fallen - Killed by neglect, incompetence or penny pinching is unforgiveable. As I look up at the eroding names on a disgracefully neglected memorial, my emotions urge me to stand in apologetic silence. I know only to well when and where they fell but I struggle to convince myself why.
Originally Posted by: William 29 | 4 Oct 2007 07:04:49
Posted by: William 29 | 9 Jun 2008 19:26:32
Dear Mick,
I do fear that if your Roll of Honour is read within half a mile of parliament you could be contravening the Organised Serious Crime act 2005. Maya Evans was arrested and put on trial for reading out a list of the dead. We dishonour once again those who believed they were fighting for "freedom" including free speech.
Originally Posted by: William 29 | 4 Oct 2007 07:33:12
Posted by: William 29 | 9 Jun 2008 19:27:04
All these lads died doin somthing they enjoyed which is to help us in the future ty for loadin this picture its nice to know they dun that out there john thrumble was my bf and im goin to miss him very much aswell as other familys to there loss there is a song im preety sure every1 leavin comments on this page can relate to visit www.indiestore.com/paulandreas2006 why is it happening all money from downloads goes to help the injured soldiers x
Originally Originally Posted by: gemma | 20 Nov 2007 15:56:39
Posted by: gemma | 9 Jun 2008 19:27:38
They who think that you are gone,
Because no more your face they see,
Are wrong, for in our hearts you live
And always will in memory
Originally Posted by: xxx | 7 Jun 2008 02:21:47
Posted by: xxx | 9 Jun 2008 19:28:21