December 2006

Xmas Parcel Appeal

2,437 parcels sent this year - full reports on the Xmas Parcels page!

Interview with World War 2 Bomber Pilot

Alastair has notified us of his website for Captain Donald Macintosh - Royal Air Force bomber pilot of a lancaster bomber in 1944. Alastair interviewed Captain Macintosh for 36 minutes on his experiences. You can read or / and listen to what he went through. It's quite a unique interview as you can imagine. (He was on the squadron that sank the Tirpitz.) www.worldwarbombers.com

A Soldiers Song

Anthony Paolini has very kindly forwarded details of a song he has written for all our soldiers.  This can be found at 'A Soldier's Song'

Remembrance Day Song

Nigel Turnbull has sent details of a new Remembrance Day Song -

FOR THAT TOMORROW

I stand here alone

with loved ones to hand;

my tributes to lay

on this salient land.

The voices within

as mem'ries unfold

of a comrade at peace now

who shall grow not old

The song sheet and music file can be downloaded from

www.remembrancedaysong.com/

Please forward this to anyone you think would be interested in it

October 2006

Freepost for Christmas Announced

Finally the news we've all been waiting for -

There will be a Free Postal Packet Service for delivery of postal packets to authorised overseas operational theatres for Christmas 2006. The scheme will operate between 10 November 2006 and 08 December 2006 only.  Full information available on the BFPO website.

Well it's a start but we maintain our stance that postage should be free on a permanent basis and NOT just for Christmas!  See information on our Free Postage Petition above!

The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross

On Friday 6th October The Queen awarded The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross to The Royal Irish Regiment in recognition of 36 years continuous operational service and sacrifice in Northern Ireland by The Ulster Defence Regiment and the Home Service battalions of The Royal Irish Regiment.  This was notified to us by a very proud Gary Duggan in Newtownabbey and further details can be found on the MOD website

Gunner Lee Thornton

Helen O'Pray, the fiancee of Gunner Lee Thornton killed in Iraq, has published Lee's final letter to her.  Lee's body was flown home on the 14th September and his funeral took place in Marton yesterday, September 26th. This is so very moving and our hearts go out to Helen and all of Lee's family.  Please also see Blackpool Today

"Hi babe,

I don't know why I am writing this because I really hope that this letter never gets to you, because if it does that means I am dead.

It also means I never had time to show you just how much I really did love you.

You have shown me what love is and what it feels like to be loved.

Every time you kissed me and our lips touched so softly I could feel it.

I got the same magical feeling as our first kiss. I could feel it when our hearts get so close they are beating as one. You are the beat of my heart, the soul in my body;

you are me because without you I am nothing.

I love you Helen, you are my girlfriend, my fiancee and my best friend.

You are the person I know I could turn to when I needed help, you are the person I looked at when I needed to smile and you are the person I went to when I needed a hug.

When I am away it is like I have left my soul by your side.

You have shown me so much while you have been in my life that if I lost you I could not live. You have shown me how to live and you have shown me how to be truly happy.

I want you to know that every time I smile that you have put it there. You make me smile when others can't, you make me feel warm when I am cold.

You have shown me so much love and so much more. I want you to know how much you mean to me. You are my whole world and I love you with all my heart, you are my happiness.

There is no sea or ocean that could stop my love for you. It is the biggest thing I have ever had.

When I say I love you I am trying to say ... that you make me feel warm and great about myself, you make me smile and laugh every day; you make time to talk to me and listen to what I have to say.

I know God put me and you on this earth to find each other, fall in love and show the rest of the world what true love really is.

I know this is going to sound sad but every night I spent away I had a photo of you on my headboard.

Each night I would go to bed, kiss my fingers then touch your face. I put the photo over my bed so you could look over me as I slept.

Well, now it is my turn to look over you as you sleep and keep you safe in your dreams.

I will always be looking over you to make sure you're safe. Helen, I want to say something and I mean this more than I ever did before. You were the love of my life, the girl of my dreams.

Just because I have passed away does not mean I am not with you. I'll always be there looking over you keeping you safe.

So whenever you feel lonely just close your eyes and I'll be there right by your side. I really did love you with all I had, you were everything to me.

Never forget that, and never forget I will always be looking over you. I love you, you are my soulmate.

Love always and for ever, Lee"

Tributes to Gary Quilliam

I've been contacted by Ian Bramwell, a friend of the late Gary Quilliam.

Gary was tragically killed in the Nimrod crash on the 2nd September and a tribute page has been set up on the Urmston website which is where Gary grew up.

As Ian says "I would like to link to that website so that anyone who reads my post can make an entry on that forum. It would mean a lot to those that know Gary Quilliam for he was a character and hence a bit of a legend."

The website is www.urmston.net. Please do take a look.

Probably the best commercial in the world ever!

This is a fantastic ad.  Can't see the same thing happening in the UK unfortunately!

To view click here

August 2006

Kindly sent by Robert W Newson, a tribute to the Canadian Troops -

You and Him

Your alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10 minutes.
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your 'Anti war/Don't support the troops' shirt, and go meet up with your friends.He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told.

You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gunfire.

You sit there and judge him, saying the world is probably a worse place because of men like him. If only there were more men like him!

The Canadian troops are doing a fantastic job and need our support!

May 2006

6th May 2006 - Five Personnel in Basra helicopter crashed named

It is with very great sadness and regret that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the names of five British personnel missing presumed dead following the crash of a Lynx helicopter in Basra City on Saturday 6 May 2006. They are Wing Commander John Coxen RAF; Lieutenant Commander Darren Chapman RN; Flight Lieutenant Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill RAF; Captain David Dobson AAC and Marine Paul Collins.

April 2006

16th April 2006 - Lt Richard Palmer of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards killed in Iraq

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lieutenant Richard Palmer of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards following an attack in Southern Iraq on Saturday, 15 April 2006.

March 2006

'Aviva Weekend to Breakthrough Breast Cancer'

This is not specifically related to this site but I felt it appropriate to include, I hope you agree. A very good friend of mine lost her mum to breast cancer seven years ago.  The loss changed Kim's life completely and she is determined to help do all she can to help research into breast cancer.  She will be taking part in the Aviva Weekend over the 15th to 17th September and walking 60kms across London, and in doing so hopes to raise £1,500 for the Charity.  Further details can be found by clicking here and if anyone would like to make a donation I'm sure it would be most gratefully received by Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Penpals

We receive many kind emails from people wanting to write to soldiers serving in Iraq.  Whilst we realise that everyone has the very best intentions unfortunately we cannot release details of currently serving personnel for security reasons.  Over the past years we have hopefully built up trust with the Ministry of Defence and part of that trust has been gained by the knowledge that any information that we do hold is not publicly released. What we are able to say is that many of the lads and lassies do log into the site on a regular basis so by posting a message on the forum you could very well receive a response.  We hope you understand that safety and security are of the utmost importance and we hope to see lots of penpal requests in the forum section!

Repatriation

The bodies of Captain Richard John Holmes and Private Lee Ellis, both of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, were repatriated to RAF Brize Norton on Thursday 9 March 2006

Captain Holmes and Private Ellis, from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, were attached to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Al Amarah, Maysaan Province. They were killed when a roadside bomb exploded as they conducted a routine patrol on 28 February 2006.

Major General Mark Mans, Deputy Adjutant General, was the senior Army representative at the ceremony, also attended by families and relatives of the soldiers.

A bugler from the Band of the Parachute Regiment played the Last Post and Reveille as the coffins of his fallen comrades were carried from the aircraft by members of the Regimental Bearer Party. The various ceremonial elements were coordinated by WO1 (RSM) Donald of the Scots Guards, Regimental Sergeant Major All Arms Drill Wing.

February 2006

14th February 2006 - Valentines Package for Number 10

To mark Valentines Day, the Support Our Soldiers team travelled to London to present the freepost petition to Tony Blair.  No red roses, no red ribbon, just a brown parcel containing all the signatures received to date. These were gathered from people not just in the UK, but across the globe and we must thank everyone for their tremendous show of support.

Accompanying us at number 10 were Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley and Sandra Osborne, Labour MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock. We are extremely grateful to have received cross party support and must express our thanks to Philip and Sandra for attending on the day and for their support throughout.

Sandra had just a few weeks previously visited Iraq and saw first hand the situation there.  You can see photos of her visit and view a full report by clicking here.

The British Forces Broadcasting Service came along to film the handover and also ran interviews with Agnes and myself.  And once again the Press Association forwarded their coverage to local newspapers across the UK. Unfortunately we haven't as yet got any photos ourselves but as soon as these come through they will be posted!

Gary Duggan from Northern Ireland who has been a staunch supporter since the start of SOS very kindly contacted his local MP and received the following response:

"I am happy to give my support to the campaign to ensure that our soldiers in Iraq benefit from the reintroduction of the free-postal packet service that was withdrawn in April 2004.

I agree entirely with you that this decision was a major blow to the morale of our troops and their families and it is surely essential for the Government to review this decision.

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with me regarding this particular issue.  It is very much appreciated.

With kind regards.

Yours sincerely

ALDERMAN JEFFREY DONALDSON MP MLA

Lagan Valley"

That's a fantastic result, many thanks Gary, and we would encourage everyone to get in touch with their local MPs to generate further support.  Please do let us know if you have anything to report - we will include it in the latest update.

2nd February 2006 - Repatriation

Lance Corporal Allan Douglas, of The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons), Corporal Gordon Pritchard from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and Trooper Carl Smith of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's) were repatriated to RAF Brize Norton on 8 February 2006.

Comrades from The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) bear the coffin of Lance Corporal Allan Douglas.

Major-General Sebastian Roberts OBE, General Officer Commanding London District, was the senior Army representative at the ceremony, attended by families and relatives of the soldiers.

Lance Corporal Douglas died of his wounds on 30 January 2006, having been shot and mortally wounded whilst on a patrol in Al Amarah.

Corporal Pritchard died instantly when the vehicle he was commanding was struck by a roadside bomb whilst in Umm Qasr on 31 January 2006.

On the day of the repatriation, Corporal Pritchard's wife said:
"I am so very proud of Gordon. I love him and miss him so much. If he had to die, he died doing what he wanted to do, serving on operations with his Regiment.
"He wanted to be with them because he was so proud of the Regiment."

Trooper Smith died on 2 February 2006, as a result of a vehicle accident whilst on operations in Abu Al Khasib, south of Basra.

Pipers from the 1st Battalion The Highlanders and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards played as the coffins of their fallen comrades were carried from the aircraft by the respective Regimental Bearer Parties.

The various ceremonial elements were coordinated by WO1 (RSM) Donald of the Scots Guards, Regimental Sergeant Major All Arms Drill Wing.

2nd February 2006 - Trooper Carl Smith killed in Iraq

It is with great sadness and regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Trooper Carl Smith of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's) on 2 February 2006, as a result of a vehicle accident whilst on operations in Abu Al Khasib, south of Basra, Iraq.

January 2006

31st January 2006 - Corporal Gordon Alexander Pritchard killed in Iraq

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm the death of Corporal Gordon Alexander Pritchard from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards on 31 January 2006.

Corporal Pritchard died from injuries sustained as a result of an explosion at approximately 0534GMT in Um Qasr in Basrah Province.  He had been commanding the lead Snatch Landrover in a three-vehicle convoy on a routine rations and water run.

30th January 2006 - Lance Corporal Allan Douglas killed in Iraq -

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence can confirm the death of Lance Corporal Allan Douglas on 30 January 2006, in Iraq. 

Whilst on a routine patrol in Al Amarah, Lance Corporal Douglas was shot and mortally wounded.  Despite the best efforts of his comrades and the medical teams he later died of his wounds.

New Website Launch -

www.remewives.co.uk

A Private Friendship & Support Community for Reme Wives, Girlfriends, Dependants & Family of the UK Armed Forces (Wives from other Corps / Hubbies / Serving & Ex-Service Personnel also welcome!) Something for everyone! Photos, Forums, Games, News, Mail Box, Chat Room, Reviews, Help Resources, Memorial, Recipes, Jokes, & Loads of Links.....The list is endless. Tell us something about your relationship to the Armed Forces on application, as blank applications will be denied. Please hide e-mail address on application - Join Now!

A Soldiers Plea -

This email was received from Jamie Saylor whose brother was killed in Iraq on the 15th August 2005.  Please read through and visit Jamie's website at www.soldiersplea.com

My name is Jamie Saylor, and on August 15th of 2005 my brother, Sgt. Paul A. Saylor lost his life while fighting in Iraq. When my family received my brother's body we were told that we would not be able to view him, not because of injuries he sustained, but because the United States Army failed to even refrigerate his remains.   My family has started a website to try and make sure that fallen soldiers get the dignity and honor they deserve in going to their final resting place. The name of the website is www.soldiersplea.com On the website is a petition to try to make sure that policies are changed, so that this does not happen to another fallen hero.  If there is anyway you could put this as a link on your website, or please let as many as you can know about the petition it would be greatly appreciated.   God Bless All Coalition Soldiers

A Million Thanks Valentines Story -

TEEN SEEKS A MILLION VALENTINES FOR U.S. TROOPS

Founder of A Million Thanks Takes General’s Challenge “To Heart”

Shauna Fleming, 16, was recently challenged by Ret General Richard B. Myers, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to collect another million thank you letters for U.S. military members serving around the world.  With over 1.6 million letters, notes and emails already collected and distributed to members of the U.S. Armed Forces through her A Million Thanks.org campaign, Fleming’s new goal is to collect a million Valentine cards and messages in the next 30 days. Be reaching her goal, Fleming will have symbolically given a thank you to every man and woman actively serving in the U.S. military including Reservists. "Right now our soldiers and service members need a morale boost and what's better than sending them a heart of thanks," said Fleming. For full details visit www.ValentinesForTroops.com

Harp Therapy Helping the Armed Forces -

Myfanwy Gwyneth Hughes International Harpist & Vocalist Harp Therapist BMusHons.IHTP

My performing has been linked  with both UK & US armed forces in the past and some of the troops asked me whether I could help the with emotional stress that they were under. The first Harp Therapy CD ‘Tranquil Harp’ was created especially for this reason.

Tranquil Harp CD has also been used with sports professionals, Cancer, trauma victims, psychotherapists and stress management.

The CD was created to help: Lower blood pressure, Heart rate, Sleep deprivation, Stress management, Pain management,To block external sounds/ vibrations

For wounded soldiers it helps increase oxygenation in the blood, creates a calm environment, blocks out beeping hospital machines, and helps to change brain frequencies from Beta to Alpha. It can also comfort a soldier who may be experiencing pain, fear and anxiety. In a recent American Medical Research  documented, that 91% of 200 patients experienced relief and anxiety, 72% of cancer patients, found their pain lessened while harp therapy was being administered. Emotionally it can help: With relaxation, With difficulty of communication, Relieve tension and distress

As a harp therapist and International performer I am aware, when working with the armed forces. How much frequency and vibration has become part of our Wars, making it psychological warfare and their long term effects on the body and mind. Even the vibrations from submarines, tanks, ships and planes, effect the mental welfare of its passengers. My job is to know how to counteract these effects through music.

‘To the brave men & women fighting for freedom all around the world. A heartfelt ‘THANK YOU’ to each & every one of you for your courage, dedication & strength. You have placed your lives on the line to keep not just America & Britain safe, but to give other countries the right to the same freedom.This CD is dedicated to you, performing the harp for you is always an honour & this is my way of giving & helping you,’With love

For more information visit www.bethanmyfanwy.co.uk

A Song Called Soldier -

Hi, My name’s Jimmy, a Detroit musician / songwriter currently working on a project for a young female artist. Her name's "Tanya"   a "University of Michigan" music major, getting a lot of interest at the corporate level.

One of the songs recorded for her project, is called  “SOLDIER ". I wrote the tune for all the wives, and girlfriends of the men that may, or may not be coming home.I didn't want the song to be pro or anti war ...I just wanted to write a tune for all the loved ones waiting at home. In a general sense , its a love song. 

It was also written to be about any war....whether its Iraq, Afghanistan ,Viet Nam, or World War II.

The reason for the e-mail is just to get some feedback.

I'm interested in hearing how it goes over with anyone that may listen to it.

A song is such a small thing to give back for the sacrifices some make , but being a writer, its what I do. I just browsed the web to find some contact people that may appreciate this kind of music....    I wanna be sure I get it right, since the topic is extremely emotional

for so many. 

The tune and a picture of the singer Tanya can be found at www.tanyamusic.net

Thanks!

Jimmy from Detroit