You may be interested in reading this petition and supporting it. 

The recent Forces Pension Society newsletter tells of an RPI/CPI e-petition which has been established hoping to reverse the Government's decision to link pension increases to CPI instead of RPI.  The Government will debate e-petitions that achieve 100,000 signatures, so please can you pass on the following link to ex-servicemen that you know in the hope that they'll sign it, as it affects all of us.  The link is:

Armed Forces Day - Free carvery meal for heroes

We’re serving up carveries fit for heroes in our pub restaurants during the week leading up to Armed Forces Day on 25th June. From Monday 20th to Saturday 25th June inclusive, we’re inviting all Service people, past and present, to enjoy their favourite roast dinner on us.

Are you Armed Forces? Print your voucher

Enjoy a meal out on us
We plan to salute the thousands of Service people enlisted to Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, by offering them a free carvery meal at a Crown Carvery of their choice. The offer is also open to all forces veterans.

Get your free carvery
Enjoying your free carvery meal couldn’t be easier. If you are Armed Forces past or present:

• Download & print your voucher
• Find your nearest Crown Carvery
• Bring along your current ID card (or veteran lapel badge)
• Enjoy a carvery main course on us

You can also download and print a voucher from our Facebook page.

It really is that simple. The hard part is choosing between roast beef, gammon or turkey, or a vegetarian alternative.

And don’t forget you can just drop by at your local Crown Carvery, there’s no need to book. Just don’t forget your voucher!

Terms & Conditions
• Offer valid from 20th June to Saturday 25th June 2011 inclusive
• Offer open to over 18’s only
• A valid Services ID or veterans badge must be shown with the voucher
• Only one ‘free carvery meal’ voucher can be redeemed per ID card or veteran’s badge
• We reserve the right to remove this offer at any time
NOTE: The Ashbank, Stoke-on-Trent will be closed to the public on Monday 20th June

Foxnwolf comments;

Here is the original link in case you think this is a Wind-up....... "Crown Carvery"

Dear Peter

A friend of both you and I, Keir Hardie (RM ret'd) suggested that I contact you to see if you might be willing to help the above cause by publicising it through your network of contacts/websites.

A recent post - He took a job knowing he would never get rich. He's missed out on many holidays and special occasions in order to protect lives. He was expected to lay down his life or take a life if necessary. It has been proven that his life expectancy is shorter than yours because of everything he went through. And some think he's not deserving of his pension, or health care benefits. (This also applies to service ladies, of course.)

Mick Clarke an ex-RLC Sergeant has had a pretty rough time of it and is suffering badly from the consequences of his long service career. He has found life very tough since being leaving the mob and started the cause on Facebook to try and help others like him as much as for his own benefit. There are many ex-servicemen and women that deserve better having given so much for their country (and other countries!) and they seem to be at the bottom of the heap when it comes to support from the government - the druggies, the  spongers and the scroungers seem to fare much better having given nothing...

The aim is to try and recruit 100,000 members and then try to convert them a quickly as possible to signatories to a Westminster petition (once it is launched). The window for the e-petition is limited and if it can get 100,000 signatories then apparently a question must be raised in parliament. We also would like to locate well-known faces that have a military career/background be they sports/media/entertainment/politics/etc - anyone willing to help to bring the cause the attention of the media.

I have suggested that a formal parade of ex-servicemen could be organised in London (taking the route of the Remembrance Day parade) - though given recent peaceful protests being hijacked I'm not so sure. However, it could be possible and the event could pay it's respects to the fallen as it would pass the Cenotaph. It may not be easy to mobilise ex-servicemen but if there's a potential financial benefit to them all it may just prove possible.

For my part I served in the RAF for 21 years as an aircraft technician reaching the dizzy heights of Sergeant in 1989 and serving on until 1997. I saw this cause and decided to get involved as I am fit (?) and able unlike many of our former colleagues.

Please take a moment to visit this website and if you can assist in any way, no matter how small your support would be much appreciated.

http://www.causes.com/causes/525673-make-forces-pensions-past-present-tax-free?m=1f955714

Kindest Regards

Tez Watson

Foxnwolf comments;

Thanx Tez for contacting me, I fully support this cause (not that I need the cash but for rightly those that do) If there is anything else you want me to post just let me know.......

PMPT & Semper Fi.......

SENIOR RAIL CARDS

A member sent this in.  I have not been able to confirm it, but he is an excellent source:

 

To those of you that have - and use? - a Senior Rail Card, thought you might like to know, when it comes to renewing for a further twelve months discount, instead of purchasing the card from your local Train Station, through the Internet or over the phone [I've used all three methods in the past] at a cost of £26.00, try going through your local council.
 
I contacted my local council yesterday [Cheshire West & Chester] and was told I can purchase the same 'Senior Rail Card' through my local council office for £18.00 a saving of eight pounds over the above, I renewed mine this morning!

British Services get a bum deal re PENSIONS

Sergeant Matthew Telford of the Grenadier Guards was promoted to that rank in June 2009. In November of that same year, Sergeant Telford was one of 5 British soldiers killed when a rogue Afghan policeman opened fire on them. His wife and family will only receive a Corporal's pension since he only held his rank of Sergeant for less than a year. However, he was killed on operations by the enemy whilst wearing three stripes of a Sergeant on active service.

Please sign the petition below to support a change in the rules that deny a hero’s widow the pension she deserves.

 

 

Best Regards 

AFPG Ltd. Director - Membership Secretary

MPs Block Military Covenant

Friday, February 18, 2011

Labour rounded on the government after ministers blocked a proposal to enshrine the "military covenant" into law. The Royal British Legion had led calls for David Cameron to keep a promise he made in June to codify the covenant, the bond between a nation and its armed forces, into a legal document. But the coalition government has decided that the covenant can be covered in an annual report to parliament, and does not need to be put onto the statute books.

Labour tried to get ministers to change their minds, and used an opposition day debate on the armed forces bill to demand a U-turn. This was defeated by 86 votes. Jim Murphy, the shadow defence secretary, said: "This has been a bad week for our armed forces. Soldiers have been sacked by email, RAF trainees sacked by media leak and now the government has broken its promise to enshrine the covenant in law. "Ten months in and they have lost the courage of their convictions. The charities and families who wanted a legally defined covenant and will be deeply disappointed. We will judge this government on actions not words and we will continue to campaign for a legally enshrined military covenant." During the debate the defence secretary, Liam Fox, told MPs that the government would improve and develop the covenant. But he added: "It cannot be a wish list separated form the economic reality in which we find ourselves." He said the covenant could not "ignore the financial predicament" and went on to criticise the economic legacy Labour left the coalition – and its treatment of the military during its 13 years in power. Fox added: "Their response to equipping our forces was often too little too late, their spending priorities were wrong and there was too much waste and inadequate budgetary control." Last week the Royal British Legion said the government had backtracked on its promise over the covenant, and accused it of significantly watering down its proposals. Chris Simpkins, the charity's director, told the Guardian: "I don't doubt them when they say they care about the armed forces. The challenge for them is to demonstrate it. Their proposals for the military covenant feel like a U-turn."

“Mr Crane has today pleaded guilty to defrauding the Commonwealth and ordered to pay back more than $413,000 for falsely claiming he was a prisoner of the Japanese during the Second World War,” Mr Snowdon said.

Mr Crane has been sentenced to four years jail and can be released after serving six months upon entering a good behaviour bond for four years.  He was also ordered to pay the Commonwealth more than $413,000 in falsely claimed pension.

“The Australian Government takes very seriously the recognition and respect of those who have served our country and has no tolerance for those who fraudulently claim that recognition,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The Department of Veterans’ Affairs works hard to ensure that veterans receive their lawful entitlements.  All allegations of fraud are investigated thoroughly.”

The Department has a dedicated compliance section that investigates all suspected cases of fraudulent activity.  Other ongoing measures that act as a deterrent are proof of identify checks, and departmentally initiated reviews.

“Incidences of fraud are very isolated and today’s sentence should be a warning about the serious penalties involved in defrauding the Commonwealth,” Mr Snowdon said.

p.s. my protest is a silent protest because if I start ranting at people I`ll lose it, probably start swearing and I dont want to demean the dignity of the memorial. I would appreciate any support, whether here or directly to the MOD.......

I am writing to ask if any of your reader`s know what will become of the commemerative stain glass church window in the Church at RAF Kinloss and how will relatives be able to retain the connection with their bereaved ones if the station is closed?
Regards Keir.

Save the Gurkha Regiment Campaign

The campaign continues to grow but we still need so many more to back the issue.  We are using the Internet well, but it is critical that the campaign gets your help to get new followers too. So please spread the campaign website address to all your friends, colleagues and family and get them to complete the on-line form at the website:  www.savethegurkhas.co.uk. 

The Campaign is on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. And, if you have an account with the key Social Networks, please link, follow and comment on the campaign from your own accounts. These additional connections will help drive your followers to support the Campaign.

Please note though, only 1 signature per person on the on-line petition. You can also download a petition form to get hand written signatures at your office, business, shop, school and anywhere suitable and where those supporters without Internet access can support the campaign too. The form can be downloaded from the website www.savethegurkhas.co.uk.

---

Here are the campaign connection details to send to all your contacts, friends, family, colleagues.

1. Petition Website:  www.savethegurkhas.co.uk  to lodge support on-line
2. Join the Facebook Group called: Campaign to Save the Brigade of Gurkhas from being axed  and also -Follow the profile- Peter D Carroll
3. Follow the Campaign on Twitter. The Twitter profile is called: savethegurkhas
4. Visit YouTube videos of Peter Carroll being Interviewed by BBC and SKY: http://www.youtube.com/user/GurkhasCampaign
5. LinkedIn Group: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=3376053  -Save the Gurkha Regiment Campaign-
6. Email Contact: savethegurkhas@whynotcampaign.co.uk 

Asking friends to watch Forever Young A song for Wootton Bassett is an important way to raise awareness and recruit more people to National Airplay for Forever Young: A song for Wootton Bassett so keep up the great work and invite more friends to watch!

"Click Here to Support the Original Link"

Originally Performed by: Peter, Paul & Mary.

 

Lyric:

 

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.

May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
And may you stay forever young.

Chorus:
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the light surrounding you.

May you always be courageous
Stand up right and be as strong
And may you stay forever young.

(chorus x2)

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.

May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
And may you stay forever young.

(chorus x2)

May you grow up righteous and true,
See the light surrounding you
May you grow up righteous and true,
See the light surrounding you
May you ...(repeating) with (chorus)

Shrinking The USMC

August 15, 2010: The U.S. Marine Corps is again threatened, this time with a sharp reduction in its size. In response, marine commanders say they would prefer to be a smaller force, one that concentrates on its main mission; amphibious operations. The marines were unhappy with the way they have been used as an army auxiliary over the past decade. The marines consider themselves specialists, while the army are generalists (and, for example, carried out more amphibious operations than the marines did during World War II). But by law (which specifies the minimum size of the Corps, a law that could be changed) and determination (of generations of marines), the marines have come to comprise a quarter of America's ground combat forces. That's active duty, when you could the much larger army reserve force, the marines are 18 percent of ground combat forces. The marines never wanted to be just another part of American ground combat forces.

The marines are also concerned with their relationship with the U.S. Navy, which has now formed another ground combat force. To understand how this came about, you have to understand the relationship between the navy and the marines. The marines are not part of the navy, as they are often described. Both the navy and marines are part of the Department of the Navy. The Department of the Army and Department of the Air Force each have only one component.

Over the years, the marines have acquired more and more autonomy from the navy. When the U.S. Marine Corps was created, over two centuries ago, marines were sailors trained and equipped to fight as infantry, and they were very much part of the navy, and part of ship crews. This changed radically in the late 19th century, when all-metal steam ships replaced wooden sailing ships. The new "iron ships" really didn't need marines, and there were proposals to eliminate them. In response, the American marines got organized and made themselves useful in other ways. For example, the marines performed very well as "State Department Troops" in Latin America for half a century (late 19th century to just before World War II), where American troops were frequently used to deal with civil disorder abroad, and nation building. During World War I (1914-18), they provided a brigade for ground combat in Europe, where they demonstrated exceptional combat skills.

During the 1930s, as World War II approached, the U.S. Marine Corps really ran with the ball when the navy realized they would have to use amphibious assaults to take heavily fortified Japanese islands in any future war. Thus, once the U.S. entered World War II, the marines formed their first division size units, and ended the war with six divisions, organized into two corps.

The Marine Corps was no longer just a minor part of the navy, but on its way to being a fourth service. Over the next half century, it basically achieved that goal. But in doing that, the navy lost control of its ground troops. Navy amphibious ships still went to sea, with battalions of marines on board. But because the marines are mainly an infantry force, and the war on terror is basically an infantry scale battle, the marines spent a lot more time working alongside the U.S. Army.

Thus, over the last five years, the new U.S. Navy has built a new ground combat force, staffed by 40,000 sailors. This is NECC (Navy Expeditionary Combat Command), which is capable of operating along the coast and up rivers, as well as further inland. NECC units have served in Iraq, and are ready to deploy anywhere else they are needed. The 1,200 sailors in the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) teams are particularly sought after, because of increased use of roadside bombs and booby traps by the enemy. NECC has also organized three Riverine Squadrons, and these served in Iraq. NECC basically consists of most of the combat support units the navy has traditionally put ashore, plus some coastal and river patrol units that have usually only been organized in wartime.

This new navy organization, and the strategy goes with it, still comes as a surprise to many people, especially many of those in Congress who were asked to pay for it. It came as a surprise to many NECC sailors as well. The navy even called on the marines to provide infantry instructors for the few thousand sailors assigned to riverine (armed patrol boat) units. The navy already had infantry training courses for Seabees (naval construction personnel) and members of EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) teams. Now it's combining all that in the new Expeditionary Combat Skills (ECS) course, which will be conducted at a base in Mississippi.

With the marines appropriated by the army for land combat, the navy still wanted and needed land forces. So the navy has created NECC. The navy still considers the marines its primary "infantry force", but the NECC will contain sailors trained and equipped for land operations the navy believes it should be involved in. Some of these are still on the water, like "riverine operations" (small gunboats and troop carriers to control rivers and coastal waters against irregulars), and "naval infantry" to defend navy land bases in hostile territory.

The U.S. Marine Corps has mixed feelings about NECC, for the marines have long been the navy's ground combat troops. The navy says that the USMC mission will remain. Thus the marines want to shrink so they become small enough to handle anticipated navy amphibious operations, and not large enough to have troops available for large scale support of army operations.

In effect, the American marines want to be more like the British marines. That's interesting, because British marines are called Royal Marine Commandos, and are quite different. Britain, which invented the modern concept of the commando, disbanded it's ten army commando's (as the battalion size commando units were called) at the end of World War II. The Royal Marines, however, saw the commando concepts as a welcome addition to their own amphibious doctrine and retained three of their nine Royal Marine Commandos. Since World War II, the Royal Marines have maintained at least three commando battalions (called commandos, instead of battalions.) Artillery and engineer units are supplied by the army.

Like the U.S. Marines, the Royal Marines realized that assault from the sea was always a commando like operation, requiring special training, bold leadership and an aggressive spirit. The Royal Marines, like their American counterparts, continued to innovate. In 1956, it was a Royal Marine Commando that launched the first helicopter assault from ships against a land target (during the invasion of Egypt). The Royal Marine Commandos were used extensively to keep the peace in Ireland during the 1970s and 80s. In 1982, it was two Royal Marine Commandos and one parachute battalion that did most of the fighting to retake the Falkland Islands from Argentina. The Royal Marines have performed peacekeeping duty in the Balkans and Africa, and served as an amphibious fast reaction force.

While the U.S. Marines made a name for themselves with multi-division amphibious operations in the Pacific during World War II, the Royal Marines stuck with the commando type operations that characterize what marines spend most of the time doing between major wars. Remember, the last large scale amphibious operation took place sixty years ago (Inchon, Korea in 1950). Since then, the typical marine mission has been a quick assault using a small (usually battalion size) force.

In anticipation of this, the U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) was created over the last few years. In that time, it has sent some of its 2,400 personnel on over thirty deployments (in South America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Southeast Asia). MARSOC is organized into a headquarters, a two battalion Special Operations Regiment, a Foreign Military Training Unit, and a Marine Special Operations Support Group. There are 3-4 Special Operations companies in each battalion. The marines basically lost two of their four Force Recon companies (one of them a reserve unit) in order to build MARSOC. Meanwhile, more troops have been added to division level reconnaissance units, to take up some of that slack. The Special Operations companies (with about 120 personnel each) can provide Force Recon capabilities to marine units they are attached to.  The two Special Operations Battalions provide a combination of services roughly equal to what the U.S. Army Special Forces and Rangers do, as well as some of the functions of the Force Recon units. Eventually, there are to be nine companies in the two Special Operations Battalion.

All the other services, except the marines, contributed to the formation of SOCOM (Special Operations Command) in the late 1980s. The marines finally got around to working with SOCOM in 2005, when it was agreed that they would create a marine special operations command (MARSOC). The Marine Corps had long resisted such a step, largely because of its belief that marines are inherently superior warriors, capable of highly specialized missions. This attitude began to change during the fighting in Afghanistan, when marines were assigned to support SOCOM troops there.

 As a result of that experience, marines were attached to SOCOM for liaison and observation purposes. In 2004, the marines organized a company sized unit of commandos, "Detachment One", using volunteers from their Force Recon troops, the closest thing the marines had to commandos. Detachment One was sent to Iraq, where it's performance convinced SOCOM that marines could operate at the SOCOM level.

The marines see their future as a smaller (by a up to a third, or more), even more elite, force, and better equipped force. The marines want to get back to sea, and the reduction in force (RIF) can be done without losing a lot of the valuable combat experience the marines have gained in the last nine years. Recruiting will be reduced for a few years, and some marines can transfer to the navy (in jobs that both sailors and marines handle), especially the NECC force. Marines have long moved over to the army, and the army would be glad to get an infusion of combat experienced marines, especially NCOs and officers. The marines may also expand their reserve force, and marines who decide to get out, can simply move over to the reserves.

The marines who remain with the Corps will probably continue the more extensive training marines have been getting for several decades now. This makes the marines an even more elite force, which is what many marines are fine with.
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htamph/articles/20100815.aspx

Foxnwolf comments;

Why does the UK & US governments want to "shaft" their Marine Corp ???

Troops returning from Helmand pay for own flights

Veteran fury at Blackpool memorial sex act

War veterans are calling for a woman who urinated and performed a sex act on Blackpool's war monument to be jailed.

Wendy Lewis was convicted in her absence of outraging public decency at Blackpool Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The 32-year-old, of Princess Street, who failed to appear in court, was caught on CCTV relieving herself before performing a sex act on a man on 7 May.

Ian Coleman, president of the town's British Legion, said: "It's a sacrilege to those who didn't come home."

He called for the magistrates to jail her and not just "give her a slap on the wrists".

'Respect for mankind'

"In the past two years we have had at least four incidents when the memorial has been desecrated.

"Swastikas have been daubed by the names of our brave men who fought to give us the freedom we have today - a freedom which some, unfortunately do not deserve."

Several ex-servicemen and women gathered outside Blackpool Magistrates' Court to show their disgust at Friday's hearing.

They have also stood on the court steps in honour of their fallen comrades in response to other court cases involving the desecration of war monuments in the town.

Mr Coleman added: "We want the court to set an example to stop this from happening again.

"A few years ago we had rangers patrolling the area near the monument but now we just have CCTV.

"To be honest, we just need people to have a decent attitude and respect for mankind."

A warrant has been issued for Lewis' arrest.

(scroll down to read further and action yourself)

Foxnwolfs comments;

This keeps on happening and these lowlife keep getting a handslap and told to go away. Proper punishment now needs to be metered out. The last (student) who did this received nothing (because it would affect his future), well blow me down and apologize for wasting the courts time... 

Respect and Decency have just been erroded , lets start learning what it means again.

MAKE YOUR COMMENTS KNOWN;

In writing

Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters
PO Box 77,
Hutton,
Preston,
Lancashire,
PR4 5SB

By email

lancashirepolice@lancashire.pnn.police.uk

By telephone

0845 1 25 35 45

To contact your local policing team (Blackpool)

0845 1 25 35 45

MoD Announcement on the issue of Veteran's ID Cards

Foxnwolf comment;

Your full support is needed on this one, "Gongdonkey" will no doubt lead the way. And hopefully you will follow.......

Just because the governments changed does not mean this issue gets swept under the carpet. PM Cameron says he wants to honour and serve our service men and women, lets hope he can and does.......

The family of a Teesside man who was jailed in Afghanistan on fraud charges are pressing ahead with their campaign to secure his release

Anthony Malone, a 37-year-old former paratrooper from Billingham, was arrested in January 2008.

He's now served six months longer than his two-year jail sentence at Puli-Charkhi prison.

The issue was raised in the House of Commons last week by Stockton South MP James Wharton.

'Fear of his life'

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham has joined in by giving his backing to the Malone family:

"It's absolutely intolerable that a British man from my constituency languishes in an Afghan prison.

"He's actually in fear of his life and yet there is no legal basis for holding him because it is against international law to detain someone for reasons of debt".

'No legal representation'

Meanwhile Anthony's father Patrick Malone has told BBC Tees his son should be free by now:

"Anthony was arrested in 2008 for allegedly owing money and was tried by an anti corruption court in Kabul.

"We don't know the charges. At the actual trial he did not have any legal representation, no interpreter and we don't think anyone from the embassy was there. He had no help whatsoever."

The Malone family are now pinning their hopes on a lawyer who secured the release of a fellow British inmate from the same jail earlier this month.

'Volatile prison'

Kimberley Motley, negotiated the release of Bill Shaw, a 52-year-old former Army officer from Leeds who was found guilty of bribery charges in March but has since been acquitted.

She says both have had their human rights violated:

"It's a very volatile prison, it's very close quarters. There are almost 5000 inmates at Puli-Charkhi... you're mixing with Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

"It's a very very dangerous environment especially for the likes of those that are internationals and those that have past military experience."

Kimberley says she is set to visit Anthony in the next few days but insists he's in good spirits:

"He's just trying to get through this period.

"He's also very hopeful he'll get out soon and he's very appreciative of all the assistance he's getting from family and friends."

Original Link

THE Prime Minister

Has pledged help for a North East man left to languish in a violent Afghan prison

DESPERATE FOR NEWS: From left, Veronica and Patrick Malone, with daughter Maria Blades

Former paratrooper Anthony Malone, from Billingham, Teesside, has served six months longer than his two-year jail sentence at Pul-i-Charkhi prison – dubbed the Afghan Alcatraz – after he was arrested on fraud charges in January 2008.

Yet the 37-year-old is being refused his freedom by the Afghan authorities until he has paid off alleged debts of $75,000 (£49,000).

Now Mr Malone’s plight has been raised in the House of Commons, after James Wharton, MP for Stockton South, told of Anthony’s situation at Prime Minister’s Question Time this week.

PM David Cameron said the Government is in discussions with the Afghan Attorney-General about why Anthony Malone continues to be detained. He asked: “Given that his imprisonment is potentially in breach of international law, will the Prime Minister put pressure on the Afghan Government to secure Mr Malone’s release?”

The Prime Minister replied: “My Honourable Friend is absolutely right to raise this case, which is worrying.

“I can assure him and Anthony Malone’s family and friends that the British embassy continues to raise this case with the Afghan authorities.

“The ambassador in Kabul has raised the case with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and we are in discussions at the moment with the Afghan Attorney-General about why Anthony Malone continues to be detained.”

Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, had already written to the minister with responsibility for Afghanistan asking him to intervene personally in Anthony’s case after speaking to his family. He said he is still waiting for a reply.

Anthony is the only Briton amongst more than 1,000 prisoners in Pul-i-Charkhi, after fellow inmate and former British Army major Bill Shaw was acquitted of bribery charges by an Afghan court and released earlier this month.

The overcrowded, rat-infested prison houses captured Taliban fighters, jihadists, African drug smugglers, Russians accused of spying, Iranian criminals, Chinese people-traffickers and murderers.

Anthony is housed in the maximum security wing of the prison, separated from the other blocks by a huge steel and razor-wire fence. He has been threatened and had knives held to his throat during his time there. It is believed he had gone to Afghanistan with a former girlfriend to set up a security-and-logistics business.

The former pupil of St Michael’s School in Billingham, who served in Northern Ireland with the Paras in the 1980s, is reported to have said he had been “abandoned” by the British Embassy. Back home in Billingham, his 62-year-old parents Pat, a retired Army medic, and Veronica, a cleaner with Stockton Council, and sister Maria Blades, 36, are desperately trying to raise Anthony’s profile and secure his release.

Maria said the family were pleased with the Prime Minister’s response. “We know now he’s aware of Anthony’s plight,” she said. “We see it as the first step to what we want.”

She said the family were also amazed at the response to a Facebook site “releaseanthonymalone”, which has already seen three-and-a-half-thousand people sign up.

Embassy Contact(s)

Address:	British Embassy, 15th Street Roundabout, Wazir Akbar Khan, PO Box: 334 Kabul, Afghanistan
Opening Hours:	Sunday - Thursday  08:30  to 16:30 local time
Telephone:	(93)  (0) 700 102 000 (Switchboard)
Fax:	(93)  (0) 700 102 250  (Management)
E-mail:	BritishEmbassy.Kabul@fco.gov.uk

Anthony Malone is on Facebook

Pass this Picture of Anthony to everyone you know

Embassy Contact(s)

Address:	British Embassy, 15th Street Roundabout, Wazir Akbar Khan, PO Box: 334 Kabul, Afghanistan
Opening Hours:	Sunday - Thursday  08:30  to 16:30 local time
Telephone:	(93)  (0) 700 102 000 (Switchboard)
Fax:	(93)  (0) 700 102 250  (Management)
E-mail:	BritishEmbassy.Kabul@fco.gov.uk

E-NEWSLETTER No 5 of 2010

 

Dear Members 

AGM

Your AGM took place on 2 June in the Victory Services Club. Well attended by over 90 members and guests, it was a stimulating occasion. The Chairman's report to the Society, together with the full accounts for FY 09, is in our website members' area.

FPS Open Day

The first ever FPS Open Day took place in the National Liberal Club (near MOD Main Building) on Monday 7 June. We were accompanied by several of our affinity partners too. About 100 potential new members from MOD came to see us and several signed up on the spot. All in all it was a successful experiment and we will do it again next year, taking account of the useful lessons learnt.

House of Lords Defence Group

Another first. We briefed the HoL DG on Tuesday 15 June, accompanied by COBSEO and Veterans' Aid. About a dozen members of the group were present and we left a pack of information for them and for their colleagues who could not be there. It was an important occasion which helped us all raise our profiles with a very influential group.

Armed Forces Day

Recently the Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said: "As a nation, we should be flying the flag for our Armed Forces and recognising all the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe. These men and women deserve our support and I would urge people up and down the country to get involved with all the many Armed Forces Day events that are taking place this week. They stand up for us; we must stand up for them." Your Society had a stand at the splendid national event in Cardiff on Sat 26 June. This was a tremendous (and blisteringly hot) occasion and Cardiff did the Armed Forces proud. The Prince of Wales was amongst the many visitors to our stand and we explained to him what we did.

RPI / CPI

As you know, Armed Forces pensions used to increase in April by the headline RPI of the previous September, but it was announced in the budget that they will now rise by the CPI of the previous September. Currently the CPI is 1.4% lower than the RPI, and this difference is likely to increase as/when interest rates rise. Hence our future pension increases are likely to be lower than was once the case, although if they had risen by CPI and not RPI this year we would have done better. Yer win some, yer lose some.  

Norton Fitzwarren Remembers

A member tells us that Norton Manor Camp is the home of 40 Commando RM, currently deployed in Sangin. At the time of writing they had taken 5 fatalities since April (since increased). In All Saints' Church a peace candle is lit at every service, as well as in other churches around Taunton. With every Marine's repatriation, the tower flag is half masted and a candle-lit vigil is held attended by representatives of every military and civilian organisation in town plus families, relatives and friends of 40 Commando. A eulogy is read whilst "Thou whose almighty word" is sung by candlelight. The service is recorded by local ITV and BBC TV.

Lancashire Remembers

A member tells us that the village of Myerscough & Bilsborrow in North West Lancashire flies the appropriate Service ensign/flag at half-mast for 24 hours to observe any Service death. Sadly the pole is rarely bare. It is sited at the war memorial alongside the A6 so passers-by are aware of the sad news.

Drivers Remember

A member tells us that he saw a cortege from Wootton Bassett making its way towards Oxford. He pulled off the very busy road to pay his respects and wondered what the traffic going the other way would do. When they saw the approaching out-riders everyone stopped and all drivers got out of their vehicles. This was reciprocated by the cortege which slowed to a crawl whilst it passed those stopped.

309 Remembered

As I write, we have suffered the 309th tragic loss of life in Afghan'. To this sad figure must be added the many wounded and the even larger number of bereaved and affected next of kin and families throughout out land. We must always remember all of them.   

 Unique Nature of Military Service

We have distributed many 1000s of DL leaflets describing the unique nature of military service. The leaflet will soon be given to (inter alia) all parliamentarians in both Houses, and they are available for members who may like to distribute them too. The text is also on our website (click the link on our home page).

Independent Public Sector Pensions Commission

John Hutton has been appointed Chairman of the IPSPC which will produce an interim report in September 2010 and full report in time for the 2011 budget. He will include the Armed Forces Pension Scheme in his review. Existing accrued pension rights will be protected.

Falkland Islands 14/6/82 - Thanksgiving and Remembrance

The annual service took place at the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel on Sunday 13th June. It was a truly impressive, moving and uplifting occasion, held in a beautiful setting, and attended by over 600 veterans, relatives and friends.18 Elizabeth Crosses were presented including one to Sara Jones, one of our Vice Presidents. I very strongly commend a visit to the chapel at Pangbourne College to anybody with (or even without) connections to the Falkland War. It is always open. 

COBSEO on the March

COBSEO is seeking to recruit an office manager. Initially part time but potential to increase. Central London. £22K - £24K pro rata. This will be an exciting role as COBSEO is developing fast. Visit www.cobseo.org.uk or call Lt Col Mike Bray the Secretary on sec@cobseo.btconnect.com . Closing date Fri 30 July. Interviews late August.

KartForce - Karting for Injured Troops

KartForce has been set up by disabled ex-Servicemen, Dave Player (Royal Engineers) and Phil Armes (Royal Navy) to facilitate karting events with hand controls that have been designed by KartForce. These unique controls can be fitted to any kart and operated by one hand (left or right) or both hands, so team events can be organised for different units where injured troops compete on equal terms with serving and ex-serving personnel. The inaugural event to launch KartForce is 12th & 13th Aug at Whilton Mill Kart track near Daventry, and many other events are planned all over the country, including a possible international against injured troops from USA, Canada, France, Russia and Israel. See www.KartForce.org . Show support by joining the KartForce Facebook page.

Malta

A member advises that to renew your British passport in Malta you must forward the application, with relevant documents, to the British Consulate General in Paris (oui - dans La France), but if you get it right first time it only takes about 10 days.

Cyprus - Little Red Book

Further to my last, I am informed that the correct name for the Little Red Book is the Electoral Booklet and it is also required when voting in EU elections which expatriate residents are entitled to do.

Far East POW Remembrance Service

Sunday 15 Aug at 1300, at Christ the King Church. 78 Queens Drive, Childwall, Liverpool, L15 6YQ. Led by Rev'd John Williams (ex RN), followed by parade at 1400 and buffet at 1430 in Christ the King Parish Centre, Score Lane, Liverpool, L16 6AW. Tickets £10. Please purchase by July 25th by visiting www.nesa.org.uk.

Flying Boats

In 1942 or '43, French aviators from West Africa were trained on the Sunderland Flying Boat at RAF Pembroke Dock by No. 308 Flying Boat Training Unit commanded by Wg Cdr Derek Martin OBE (President No.210 (Flying Boat) Sqn Assoc). They were then given new aircraft to form a squadron which returned to French West Africa to escort convoys between South Africa and UK. If anyone knows what happened to them after they left UK, Derek would very much like to hear from you at 01753 682 706 or b.martin123@btinternet.com

Tax

Too many members to list have told us about the shambolic, inefficient and dysfunctional manner in which HMRC has mismanaged their tax affairs. You have been warned !! 

The Final Escape

Raise your glass for bomber pilot Jack Harrison, who has died aged 97, the last survivor of the Great Escape from Stalag Luft 3.  As a camp gardener, Jack helped dispose of dirt excavated from the escape tunnels. He was 98th of 200 inmates designated to escape on 24 Mar 1944, but only 76 got away before the breakout was detected, which was celebrated in the 1963 film 'The Great Escape' starring Steve McQueen. Only 3 reached safety. Hitler had 50 escapers murdered, and 23 others were returned to custody. God bless them all.

Raising Funds

Great work goes on by all COBSEO member charities all over UK; meanwhile a Society member has asked us to remind you that The Royal British Legion spends some £6M per month on welfare support and that there are some 9.5M people who are eligible to call on that support. These are big numbers but the need is great. Let us remember too that great band of regimental charities and Service associations, both general welfare and for specific need, all of which continue their own work so diligently all over the country too.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, Fourth

The Fourth Afghan War is now in its 9th year. When the initial estimate was drawn up did the allied military and political strategists pause to reflect on our previous 3 Afghan Wars (1839-42, 1878-80 & 1919); none of which ended in glorious clear-cut victory. The Defence Secretary informs us that "most Afghans live in the 13th Century", but were the Americans truly mindful of our imperial history before the start line was crossed. Had the then Defence Secretary read of our history (and the more recent Russian experience) when he made his fatuous comment that he hoped we could get out without a shot being fired? And now President Obama sacks his General. Santayana had a view on all this with his law of repetitive consequences.

 (Royal) Tournament

ABF The Soldiers' Charity is reviving the (Royal) Tournament at Earl's Court on Dec 4 and 5. It will largely be an Army event but a junior version of the RN Field Gun race will be there too. See www.britishmilitarytournament.com .

Vuvuzela

O praise thy footie team upon the loud vuvuzela: praise it upon the high sounding vuvuzela. It didn't do us any good but the World Cup has introduced a new word to the Anglo-Saxon lexicon and a new sound into our musical experience. Don't you just love it? You can cheer on your Morris Dance side right merrily this autumn to the dulcet baaarp of the plastic vamping horn.

Social Advance

Somalia leads the way again in social development. Islamic militants banned people watching the World Cup because ".you will not get any experience watching mad men jumping up and down". Was he talking about the England team? 

H4H - BZ

Many congratulations to Bryn and Emma Parry for being appointed OBE in the Birthday Honours list for creating and leading Help for Heroes. How many other husband and wife pairs have both received the same award at the same time for the same reason?

Caveat Emptor

Be careful what you buy in Italian markets. Someone was fined ?1,000 for unknowingly buying a fake handbag (buying it not selling it !!) in a street market in Jesolo.

SPVA

Members continue to recount unhappy exchanges with SPVA. We most certainly do not engage in SPVA-bashing but it is only fair to point out that not all the information you receive from SPVA may be wholly correct and you should always check with us too. For example a member says... I have just received a reply from SPVA in which they quote that the service they used in the forecast was incorrect..... You are quite welcome to highlight this in the next newsletter that they are not to be trusted at face value and individuals should check and challenge if necessary.. Many thanks for your help in this matter and please keep up the good work on the behalf of all members of the Society.

Sailors' Families Society

A new member of COBSEO. The Sailors Families Society, formed in 1821, provides assistance to children of seafarers throughout UK. They provide financial, practical and emotional support to families who are on means tested benefit from RN, MN and Fishing Fleet backgrounds. They support one parent families and those where one is too ill or disabled to work and the other acts as full time carer.  They also support grandparents bringing up grandchildren. Call 01482 342331 or email info@sailors-families.org.uk

National Botanic Garden of Wales

The NBGoW is 10 years old this year and is holding an Armed Services Day on Sunday 18 July to say 'thank you' to the Armed Forces and offering free entry to all Service personnel and families that day. See www.gardenofwales.org.uk.

Beating Retreat

Apologies for not reminding you of the Household Division Beating Retreat on 9/10 June. It was a wonderful occasion as you would expect and Ye Drumme Major did advertise by beate of drum those required for watch. If you despair of telling which guardsman is which by his buttons, try this (ye foote soldiers know this well so may stoppe here). Consider the map of UK. Start in England and count anticlockwise. Ones (Grenadier): twos (Coldstream): threes (Scots): fours (Irish): fives (Welsh); which is also their order of precedence so what could be simpler? You only need one hand and remember to go anticlockwise.

Another Female First

No military connection here but a truly heroic effort. On 3 June, 22 year old Eilidh Macdonald, a vet's daughter from Tadcaster, swam the Little Minch in 9 hours 33 minutes. The Little Minch is 15 miles of icy water with stronger currents than the English Channel, and no one had ever done it before. A world record. What a star.  

FPS Benefits

Are you maximising the benefits of your membership of the FPS? Check out our exclusive health insurance scheme, our overseas money transfer scheme, our travel insurance scheme, and all the other attractive benefits of your membership - all on our website. Let your mouse do the walking.  

On Yer Bike

Our members get about: one recently emailed thus: Thanks for the e-mail - just picked it up here in Almaty, Kazakhstan, having spent four years cycling across Europe (done), Asia (half way), Australia, the Americas, and Africa. Perhaps members might be interested in how I've put my pension to good use? - see www.acrosscontinents.org .

Brampton Area Meeting

Numbers still looking a bit thin for this meeting on Wed 28 July - please sign in with Beverley on 0207 5820469 if you are able to come along.

                                                                                                                                                                                              

Malcolm Farrow OBE FCMI

Captain Royal Navy

Assistant General Secretary

Forces Pension Society

www.forpen.co.uk
T: 020 7820 8225
F: 020 7820 7583

New recruits to the Australian Army are earning nearly twice as much as their British counterparts - even though they swear allegiance to the same Head of State

Despite David Cameron's recent announcement that British troops in Afghanistan are to have their allowances doubled, their pay still lags well behind their allies from Down Under, where application rates to join the Australian Army have jumped 13%.

With troops from both nations risking their lives in Afghanistan, the disparity in salaries will add weight to the arguments that British soldiers are poorly paid.

A new recruit to the Australian Defence Force earns $42,483; at current exchange rates that works out at around £24,200. By contrast, someone joining the British Army gets just £13,644.

At an enlistment ceremony in Parramatta near Sydney, we watched two dozen young men saying goodbye to their families before setting off for basic training. With a portrait of the monarch looking down, they promised to "well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her heirs and successors", and to "resist Her enemies."

Australian Army shares traditions with British allies - but not pay rates

But serving Queen and Country in Australia is more rewarding than in the UK.

When asked why they were joining up, many spoke of a sense of national pride or the spirit of adventure. But the generous pay on offer was clearly an important factor.

Alexander Dalglish had just left school. "Especially for someone quite young it's a good way to get a bit of cash going. Most of my friends are going to university and are stony broke," he said.

When Sky News told them that they were earning almost twice as much as their British counterparts, they were surprised.

"I feel pretty sorry for the British soldiers," said one.

Another recruit, Daniel Hodgkinson, said: "Sounds like they're getting ripped off, cause it's hard work."

Matthew Hull used to work in Australia's gold mines, and earned good wages before deciding to enlist. He said: "I think they deserve a little bit more money for what they do and they've lost a lot more lives. They do a darn good job."

Australian soldiers march ahead on pay

A group of soldiers who had completed basic training were taking part in a March Out parade, watched by friends and family.

Having made the grade, they will move up to a salary of $46,870 - the equivalent of £10,000 a year more than a British private.

And it is not just down to the exchange rate or comparative cost of living. An 18-year-old private in the Australian Army now takes home more than that earned by most newly-qualified doctors and lawyers.

The gap between British and Australian troops narrows as they rise through the ranks, but is still attractive enough for some British officers to transfer to the Australian forces.

Major Bob Stanton told me he originally took a pay cut to move from the Royal Signals regiment, but didn't take long to catch up. Bonuses for serving overseas - Aussies serving in Afghanistan get $200 a day tax free - are much better than when he was in the British Army.

Major General Craig Orme, the officer in charge of recruitment said the pay structure was a conscious effort by the Australian government to attract the very best recruits.

"The people who come to us see the suite of benefits between our salaries, our benefits, the health cover, the housing, the training we provide them and they see that as an overall package, the ADF is a pretty attractive place to serve."

At the weekend, two Australian soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan were flown home to their families in Brisbane.

Jacob Moerland and Darren Smith died when they and their bomb detecting dog were blown up an improvised explosive device.

It was the first time the Australian military has suffered a multiple fatality in a single incident since the Vietnam War.

Thirteen Australians have died in Afghanistan since 2002.

Foxnwolf comments;

They well and truly deserve it. Just as our soldiers do. But, why the discrepancy in looking after our soldiers pay. The Aussies get £10,000 a year more plus £200 per day tax free whilst serving overseas. Finally, we all have allegiance to serve HM Elizabeth II.......

Private	NZ $40,646

40,646.00 New Zealand dollars = 18,821.95 British pounds sterling

Exchange rate: 0.463070

Rate valid as of: 15/6/2010

South Atlantic Raiders Part 1/2

South Atlantic Raiders Part 2/2

South Atlantic Raiders Part 3/3

Former servicemen are furious over plans to start commercially letting homes on a Morden housing estate exclusive to ex-soliders.

Properties earmarked for the future use of soldiers undergoing rehabilitation from injuries sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan are being cleaned and repaired before being rented out privately.

According to Haig Homes, the properties are still reserved for soldiers undergoing treatment at Headley Court military hospital in Epsom and are only being let on a short-term basis.

But chairman of the Haig Homes residents association, Paul McDonnell, said: "It's a shambles. I find it disgusting that they're cleaning and refurbishing the properties so that they can rent them commercially but they're doing very little for the former servicemen living on the estate.

"Our claim is that there is no reason why they cannot move families of soldiers undergoing treatment straight into these vacant properties.

"We see this as a step towards commercialising the Haig Homes estate. This is supposed to be a charity exclusively for ex-service people in need of housing but they're doing this for profit."

He added: "There are a lot of issues here that are niggling and I'm angry with Haig Homes because they have dismissed everything that we have tried to say to them."

Residents are also concerned that the introduction of non-servicemen on the estate could cause an "unhappy mix" or even break up the community.

A spokeswoman for Haig Homes said: "Any commercial let will only be on a short term basis which is preferable to keeping the property empty as empty properties might, in turn, put pressure on other tenants' rents.

"Money being spent on putting the property into a condition to let, will also benefit the incoming Shackleton Project soldiers undergoing rehabilitation and is in line with any other void property preparation for re-letting."

She added that the top priority for Haig Homes is to meet the housing needs of severely injured servicemen and the only homes to be rented would otherwise be empty until the appropriate tenant moved in.

Original Link

Let your views and comments be known directly

Haig Homes
Alban Dobson House
Green Lane
Morden
Surrey
SM4 5NS