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Afghan Villagers – Brits Please Stay

Jul 28

Posted by red devil in Military | No Comments

News that British troops are leaving Sangin has been met with dismay by Afghan village elders who have called on military commanders to reverse the decision.

An Army spokesman confirmed that the leaders had turned up at a forward operating base and called for an impromptu shura – or meeting – to take place. The 14-strong group had then pleaded with commanders to have the decision for troops to be withdrawn and redeployed into central Helmand re-thought. Another delegation of up to 50 people put the same request to the district governor.

As reported on MoDOracle.com, British troops – led by 40 Commando Royal Marines – are leaving Sangin in the coming months to make way for the US Marines. In announcing the changes to Parliament, Defence Secretary Liam Fox said the move would better reflect the circumstances on the ground following the division of Regional Command (South) into two separate areas.

Plans to withdraw from Sangin have also caused controversy on British soil as the notorious area of southern Afghanistan has claimed a number of soldiers’ lives.

Part of the argument raised by Afghan village elders was that they had remained loyal to NATO’s International Security Assistance by rebuffing Taliban demands. They pointed out that people in their areas had planted water melons and peas and not corn, which would have given insurgents cover to conduct ambushes. British commanders said they understood how brave the civilians had been.

Maj Mark Totten (RM) added: “I recognise the courage of the people and it is appreciated – co-operation such as this is the way to defeat insurgents.”

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So, according to certain pacifist, left wing, anti war, pinko sources, we are not wanted in Afghanistan? British Forces are helping to keep these good people safe and they appreciate it.

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Surprise Bloody Surprise

Jun 16

Posted by red devil in Military | No Comments

The Prime Minister has profoundly apologised for the shootings of Bloody Sunday after a long-awaited report found all those killed were innocent. Addressing The Commons, David Cameron said the findings of the Saville Report had been shocking and he was “deeply sorry” for what had happened.

http://www.modoracle.com/news/PM-Apologises-For-Bloody-Sunday_20725.html?category=all

So, these were supposedly ‘unlawful’ killings and now the floodgates will be open to make several families in Northern Ireland multi millionaires? And the PIRA did not fire? Crap!! There was the distinctive use of Thompson machine guns heard in the vicinity of Roseville flats, an IRA stronghold. The Army does not use Thompsons, so who did? PIRA of course.

I do not dispute that innocent people were possibly killed in the confusion and melee but the blame has to fall squarely on the PIRA for initiating the conflict. The results of this 12 year, £191 million waste of time was never going to be in doubt, in todays political and social climate the Army were never going to be found innocent, thats politically incorrect and B Liar, PM at the time, only ordered the inquiry to appease irish republicans and kiss their arses.

I was in Northern Ireland at the time but not in Londonderry. I was stationed at the Maze Internment Camp but I worked in the Intelligence Cell and saw signals and such on this incident and all related quite clearly to the FACT that British soldiers were being fired upon. As the Tompson has a maximum limited range before losing effectiveness, it was only to stir the troops into action as it could hardly have killed troops at that distance, in that respect, the PIRA tactic worked.

Lets not forget that stupid ideas like decency and Geneva conventions do not exist in the world of hate and terror. And the use of civilians is an added factor, to hide behind.

Should the troops have been there, no, they should have left the march to fizzle out in disinterest and lack of media response but the terrorist had other ideas, lets use it to ferment a conflict!!

Now that the soldiers have been found ‘guilty’ of unlawful killings can we expect another tribunal to find that all the soldiers that have been killed in Northern Ireland were the victims of UNLAWFUL killings and that all their respective families have due claims against Dublin for their loss?

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Support The Troops – Armed Forces Day

May 19

Posted by red devil in Military | No Comments

The build-up to Armed Forces Day 2010 has begun in earnest with the event’s Facebook group smashing through 250,000 members and a new TV ad launched nationally.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday 26 June and is an opportunity for the nation to show its support for all those in the Armed Forces Community past, present and future, including serving troops, Service families, cadets and veterans.

Many people are already getting involved by showing their support on the Armed Forces Day Facebook page which has 255,000 members and rising, allowing people to easily spread the word that they are supporting our Armed Forces Community.

Air Vice-Marshal Murray, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Personnel), said “Armed Forces Day is a fantastic opportunity for the nation to show its support for the men and women of Britain’s Armed Forces. This day is not just about serving personnel, it is a celebration of everyone who is involved with the Armed Forces; their families, veterans and cadets.

“I would encourage everyone in the UK to get behind our Forces and take part in one of the many events taking place across the country.”

Across the county people are getting involved; communities are holding local events and businesses are showing their support.

On the day itself, the national event will be held in Cardiff, but many more events are being held around the country.

Communities are encouraged to think about organising their own events on or around 26 June.

Events already planned include a Family Fun Day in Ross-on-Wye on 19 June, with lots to try out and look at, including the inflatable assault course, tanks and weapons of the Queen’s Dragoon Guards and a tug-of-war competition.

Meanwhile, in Blackpool, a whole week of events is planned, from a ’1940s tea room experience’ to a concert entitled ‘Music for Heroes’ at Blackpool’s famous Winter Gardens.

Nationally, an Armed Forces Day flag-raising event will take place on 19 June, and reservists and cadets are encouraged to wear their uniforms to work, school or college on 25 June.

Veterans will be encouraged to wear their Veterans Badges with pride during the Armed Forces Day period.

A variety of famous names have already signed up to support the day, including ‘Forces’ Sweethearts’ Dame Vera Lynn and Katherine Jenkins, stars such as Ray Winstone and Jason Statham, the manager of the England rugby union team, Martin Johnson, and the England World Cup football team.

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American ‘Cowboys’ Fire on Civilians

Apr 7

Posted by red devil in Military | No Comments

The incidents of american ‘blue on blue’ fire is well documented and readers may recall the incident in Desert Storm where an Apache helicopter took out a British Warrior and killed the occupants. In fact Britain suffered more casualties then from American bullets than Iraqi. There is a video currently being discussed around the world, in differing forums, regarding the shooting of unarmed Iraqi civilians who were simply standing or walking on the street. Audio is provided and the airmen can be heard discussing targets. At no time did I see any weapons being fired at or pointed to the helicopter. The civilans were not alarmed by its presence and were not taking evasive action. The airmen had no stress in their voices and were not being attacked from anywhere. Suddenly the gun is heard to open up , a voice says ‘Go On Shoot’ and civilians fall dead and dying in the street.

A van arrives and begins to pick up wounded. On the front seat are two children. The helicopter opened fire on the van, wounding the two children, it is not known if they survived.

This is a free meal to terrorist recruitment organisations and this video will undoubtedly cause a sharp rise in terrorist actions and involvement. These stupid murderers in uniform should be tried and convicted, in Iraqi courts, of this war crime because that is what it is. And we wonder why people support terrorism – this is why! Youtube have added a caveat that people can be eaisily shocked by viewing this tape. Easily!! Thats an understatement.

Brilliant Bikers Honour Wootton Bassett

Mar 14

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Wootton Bassett Bikers

Motorcyclists are riding to Wootton Bassett to honour the people of the Wiltshire town – and the soldiers killed in Afghanistan. Each of the 10,000 bikers is paying £5 to take part, with the proceeds going to the charity Afghan Heroes. The bikers congregated at Hullavington Airfield in Wiltshire earlier. The first batch of 500 riders left the airfield at 1100 GMT to ride to Wootton Basset via the M4 motorway. The event will last all day. About 10,000 bikers registered to take part, but the number at the scene is thought to be higher. Riders are leaving in batches of 500 at 30-minute intervals.

Sue Sullivan, from Gloucestershire, is one of those taking part.She said: “We rode at 1130 GMT and I’ve never seen so many bikes.”I’m one of thousands of people who support our girls and boys.” Local MP James Gray said people in the town appreciated the gesture and were “very supportive of it indeed”.The Conservative member for Wiltshire North said: “Initially when I heard about this I was worried about it because I thought, ‘Well, it’s going to be an enormous amount of noise’. “But what people said to me was, ‘Well, look, this is going to raise something like £75,000 altogether for this brilliant charity, Afghan Heroes.’”

Denise Harris, the founder of Afghan Heroes, said troops on the front line had sent her e-mails backing the event. She told the BBC: “It boosts morale for them.”I mean they just are so grateful to the general public for their support, and their kindness.” The Bike Run was the idea of 18-year-old biker Elizabeth Stevens.

Ms Stevens, a mechanics student at the Central Bedfordshire College, had only planned to ride through the town with a few friends. “Our local bike club was throwing around the idea of a bike run,” she said in January, “so I decided to make a Facebook page, and it’s just taken off”. Ms Stevens, who is riding pillion on her partner’s 1200 Harley Davidson Sportster, is one of the riders leading the run. Ch Insp Owen Gillard of Wiltshire Police said the force was working with the Ministry of Defence and Wiltshire Council to ensure public safety. The last riders are expected to arrive at Wootton Bassett at about 1800 GMT.

The Highways Agency said motorists would encounter increased traffic throughout the day, especially around junctions 16 and 17 of the M4. A police spokesman said there might be traffic delays throughout the day.

BBC News

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Merlins Arrive in Afghanistan

Dec 4

Posted by red devil in Military | No Comments

Merlin Helicopter

Merlin Helicopter

The first RAF Merlin helicopter has arrived in Afghanistan to provide reinforcement to the heavily stretched air support for British forces there. It will be reassembled and tested at Camp Bastion in Helmand province before being available for combat use within weeks, the Ministry of Defence said.

A total of six Merlins will arrive by the end of the year, the MoD added. The government has been criticised for delays in helicopter deployment, which some say have contributed to UK deaths. The Merlins have undergone a £42.5m upgrade since returning from Iraq in order to prepare them for the different conditions encountered in Afghanistan, including high altitudes and very wide temperature fluctuations.

They can carry up to 20 people and will be used for tasks such as moving troops and equipment around Helmand and resupplying bases. The Merlins, from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, will join the UK’s Chinook, Apache, Lynx and Sea King helicopters already in use by British forces in Afghanistan.

About bloody time too ……………………..

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Daughter’s Lament

Nov 14

Posted by red devil in Military | No Comments

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
          Her favourite dress tied with a bow.
          Today was Daddy’s Day at school,
          And she couldn’t wait to go.

          But her mommy tried to tell her,
          That she probably should stay home.
          Why the kids might not understand,
          If she went to school alone.

          But she was not afraid;
          She knew just what to say.
          What to tell her classmates
          Of why he wasn’t there today.

          But still her mother worried,
          For her to face this day alone.
          And that was why once again,
          She tried to keep her daughter home.

          But the little girl went to school
          Eager to tell them all.
          About a dad she never sees
          A dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,
          For everyone to meet.
          Children squirming impatiently,
          Anxious in their seats 

          Read the rest of this entry »

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England v Rest of World

Nov 13

Posted by red devil in Football, Military | No Comments

Last night at the stadium of Reading FC, a football match took place in aid of the charity Help for Heroes. This charity was born of of the reluctance of our Labour Government to help our wounded soldiers returning from abroad. The mere fact that this has escalated into one of the major charities in the country speaks volumes for the true feeling of the nation towards our Armed Forces, that of love and comradeship. The politically correct brigade tried to stifle anything to do with our Armed forces long ago, and to a certain extent were winning, but they have seen, rightly, that the nation will not tolerate their stance. We are by nature an apathetic nation, letting a lot slide by that we really should be fighting against, the political brigade fuel themselves on this and the country is dying as a consequence.

The match. Rules were very losely applied, the number of substitutions had got lost, even to the commentators, who included Joe Royle, and a great night was had by all. The undoubted star of the night was Paul Gascoigne. In a very enlightening and fun filled first half, he ran his socks off, feinged injury and rolled around the field to the amusement of the crowd and opposition and then, when standing on the field, and with the cameras full on him, he did a superb dive into the turf, rather like a swimmer off a diving board AND the referee gave him a free kick!! I rather think that this was Gazza’s view of the modern game and his opinion. Towards half time another player was subbed and he ‘stormed off the pitch, throwing his shirt into the ground’ – (all in fun I might add) another indictment of the modern game no doubt. Wonderful stuff indeed and the large crowd was highly entertained throughout.

I can recall former players, soldiers, sailors, airmen, celebrities, players of the past like Paul Walsh, Calzaghe, Mattheus, Fruend, Paul Jones, Dave Beasant, Andy Cole, Ian Dowie (had an excellent game), Poyet, Tugay (another excellent pair), Guy Whittingham ex Army and league player, Angus Deighton, Film producer Tony Hassan and his son, playing on opposite sides; Darren Gough, Mark Ramprakash, and many more.

Lothar mattheus opened the scoring for the RoW, with Ian Dowie adding a second and a third went in from Poyet, Guy whittingham pulled one back for the England team, all before half time. Following massive substitutions, the game began to settle into a kick about with some good touches and some calamities too! Another goal was added in the second half to take the final score 4-1 to the Rest of The World.

The Help for Heroes can be justifiably proud of the evenings proceedings and well done to everyone who took part and attended and thank you to ITV4 for showing the entire game (without adverts).

Alan Curbishley managed the England squad and Lawrie Sanchez the Rest of the World.

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MoD Bonus’ A Bloody Joke!

Nov 12

Posted by red devil in Military | No Comments

Bonuses worth over £47m paid this year to Ministry of Defence civil servants have been criticised by the families of some soldiers killed in Afghanistan. Defence minister Kevan Jones revealed the figure in a written reply to a Tory parliamentary question. Hazel Hunt, whose Army private son died in August, said the performance-related bonuses were “obscene”. But Home Secretary Alan Johnson told GMTV that MoD civilians did “difficult and sometimes dangerous” jobs. The MoD says 50,000 staff got bonuses under previously arranged pay deals, averaging less than £1,000 each. But the Conservatives said troops serving in Afghanistan would be angry to learn of the payments. BBC correspondent Helen Fawkes said the figures had been revealed at a sensitive time for the MoD, with casualties mounting in Afghanistan. ‘Out of balance’ Ms Hunt, whose 21-year-old son Richard was killed in a blast while on vehicle patrol, said the MoD was “not delivering”. “It is obscene they have got such bonuses while our troops are being short changed; not only in equipment but also in the fact that my son was barely on £17,000 a year,” she added. The lowest-paid Army privates earn £16,681 a year, with a six-month tax-free operational allowance of £2,380 if they are posted to Afghanistan. An MoD spokesman said: “These pay awards are met from within salary budget and have no impact on the operational or equipment budget.”

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