FrontLine Magazine - September 2012

FrontLine — September 2012 — The Family Issue — No.6

September 2012

The Family Issue No.6

FrontLine — September 2012 — The Family Issue — No.6

We are enormously grateful to The Bonita Trust, which has

Thank you to Danny Purton and his wife Debbie from Sutton

pledged a generous donation of £100,000 to help fund

who have led the fundraising efforts in their community

mature student bursaries and vocational course fees so that

and, with the support of friends and colleagues, have raised

former soldiers can gain the skills and qualifications

over £10,000 for the Charity.

necessary to ensure their successful transition to long-term

Mark Asplin held his Big Curry in his local curry house.

employment in civilian life.

Getting his family involved and organising a fantastic Thank you to the Lord Mayor’s Diamond Jubilee Big Curry

raffle all contributed to his staggering total of £5,645.

Chairmen and Committee. Their commitment and hard work produced a fantastic Lunch and £230,000 for the

Thank you to Tamesis Chamber Choir who are donating

Charity’s Current Operations Fund.

profits from sales of their new CD, Remembrance, to us.

We have received great support from Barclays Armed Forces

We thank Maj Gen Stephen Andrews CBE for his valuable

Community Investment Project. Thanks to this partnership,

contribution as a Trustee since 2007, in particular

which began in early 2011, together we will significantly

with his active involvement on the Grants Committee.

change the future prospects of wounded, injured and sick

We wish him well with his new career in Qatar.

soldiers leaving the Army.

Thank you also to two outstanding Regional Directors Since 2010, BAE Systems has been supporting The Soldiers’

of Fundraising. In the East Midlands, Jack Tarr leaves

Charity by funding an educational and vocational bursary

us after eight and a half tremendously successful years.

scheme for wounded, injured and sick soldiers. So far through

Under Jack’s inspiring leadership, the annual income for

the partnership we have helped over 30 soldiers, making a

his Region has almost quadrupled. In the North West,

significant impact on their futures outside the Army.

Philip Aindow is retiring after seven years’ wonderful service.

Philip has done so much for the Charity including being

Thank you to Katherine Garrett-Cox and Alliance Trust PLC

the driving force behind our highly successful partnership

for their incredible support of The Cateran Yomp.

with BAE Systems. Our thanks also go to Penny Brown, our regional project manager, who has departed after nearly

Thank you to Lt Col Seb Pollington, the staff and cadets at

four years. Her charisma and sheer dogged determination

Cambridge UOTC for their unending support for the Charity.

meant that events like Soldier Ride and Challenge 66 were great successes.

Huge thanks to Glos ACF for their efforts in raising fantastic

Norman Butler, a huge thank you for the last 25 years of

Revision Military Challenge Trophy. To enter the 2012

fundraising and support on the Isle of Man. You and your

competition go to soldierscharity.org and download an

committee have raised so much for us over the years –

application form.

Norman we salute you.

Following previous success, AFC Harrogate romped to

John Parham has been a West Sussex Committee member

victory again, winning the prestigious Carrington Drum

for over 24 years during which time he has been a true

Award 2011/12, raising over £68,000 for the Charity. Can

stalwart, raising well over £100,000 for the Charity.

money

for

the

Charity

and

winning

the

you beat that? The competition is open to all units, Regular and TA. Download an application form from our website.

Following the birth of her baby daughter in March, we bid a fond farewell to Emma Harvey, who was with the Charity for

A big thank you to the amazing staff and pupils at

five years, latterly as the Director of National Fundraising

St George’s School in Harpenden who raised over £41,000

and Communications.

with the Great Curry Run and Big Curry Day. Thank you to those members of staff in the National Office Many thanks to our London Marathon Team Soldiers’ Charity

who have recently moved on: Charlotte Bird, our highly

and an especially big thank you to Adam Crook who raised

effective Financial Controller who was with us since 2010;

an outstanding £25,493.

Mary Wilson, who led the Individual Giving Team with great distinction for the last 18 months; Sheila Lutchanah,

Eighty-year-old Mrs Trish Wagstaff raised a whopping

who ably led the Corporates, Trusts and Events Team for

£14,500 by abseiling off Portsmouth’s Gunwharf Quays

some two and a half years; Henny Gregg, who made such a

Spinnaker Tower in June – what an inspiration!

great impact working with Soldier Challenge and other events.

September 2012

The Family Issue No.6

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03

04

Dedication

Editor’s Letter

Dates for Your Diary

In honour of

Everyone’s part of the Army family –

Find out what charity activities

Private James Prosser

we’re loyal, strong, positive and determined

are happening in your local area

04 – 05

06 — 07

08 — 17

News

The Big Picture

Your Army Family

Catch up on some of the latest

The King’s Troop at the

Meet eight members of the Family,

Soldiers’ Charity headlines

British Military Tournament

all connected to the Army in different ways

18 — 21

22 — 23

24 - 25

The British Rose

Bill Speakman VC

In My Own Words

Partnering with Pandora to celebrate,

Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee

by Sgt Abbas Salihu

honour and remember our soldiers

with HM The Queen

First-hand account of the Olympic Games

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27

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Hairy Bikers

Top 10 Ways

Opinion: Dr Hugh Milroy

Talking curry in honour of Big Curry month

Some great ides to support

CEO of Veterans Aid on why the work of

with BBC cooks the Hairy Bikers

our soldiers this holiday season

The Soldiers’ Charity is so important

Editor Sara Vanore Contributors Henny Gregg Kirsty Irvine Special Thanks Dr Hugh Milroy Sgt Abbas Salihu

FrontLine

Cover & Main Feature Photography by Thomas Lohr Page 22-25 Portraits Photography by Scott Trindle Pandora Event Photography by Maurits Sillem

Design and Art Direction Pete Black Ltd Print and Print Management The Colourhouse

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Registered Office: Mountbarrow House 6-20 Elizabeth Street London SW1W 9RB

Illustrations James Graham

Telephone 020 7901 8900 Facsimile 020 7901 8901 info@soldierscharity.org soldierscharity.org

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a charity registered in England and Wales (1146420) and in Scotland (SC039189).

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609).

Please join us on Facebook and Twitter On the Front Cover Sarah Adams and Emma Betts

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Private James Prosser, Afghanistan 2009

Dedication

2

September 2012

Editor’s Letter

Everyone is part of the Army family Forget the traditional notion of what a family looks like. It’s not the nuclear family model we’re talking about here.

The reach of the Army family goes far beyond that.

Because what our soldiers, former soldiers and their families put on the line – what they sacrifice – is something they do for all of us.

And in return, we’re here for them with a hand-up when they’re in need. Because that’s what families do – they look out for each other. We are forever loyal and can depend on one another in even the toughest of times.

While some members of the Family have a long history with the Army, others are newcomers passionate about the cause.

No matter what the connection, what we share is a commitment to our soldiers.

What’s more, you never know when you may find yourself closer to the Army than you may have expected.

Take Emma Betts and Sarah Adams.

Before James (Emma’s brother and Sarah’s son) they had no previous experience of the Army.

James joined in 2007. Two months into his first tour, he was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan. That was exactly three years ago this month. James was only 21 years old.

Despite the devastating circumstances, Emma, Sarah and Josh (James’s brother), have remained true to James’s love of the Army. They have proudly dedicated themselves to fundraising for The Soldiers’ Charity and raising muchneeded funds to benefit the Army family.

The Family is strong. We are positive and ever-enduring. We are determined, soldiering on with integrity and grit that at times is too astonishing to even believe. These qualities are exemplified by people like Emma and Sarah – that’s why they’re our leading ladies in this issue of FrontLine.

Modest and courageous, the Army family is people like former soldier and Victoria Cross holder Bill Speakman.

It’s people like Sgt Abbas Salihu – honest, hard-working individuals who do us proud. And it’s those too, who have passed on, who remain close to our hearts, an inspiration and never forgotten.

In honour of Private James Prosser (1988-2009) – Sara Vanore

FrontLine

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Dates for Your Diary

October (cont.)

Curry Lunch, Officers Mess,

14

November (cont.)

18

Suffolk Committee Curry Lunch,

18 22

Curry Lunch, Truro Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp 2013 registration opens Winter Reception, Swithland Hall Curry Lunch, Officers’ Mess

29 Regt RLC, South Cerney

October The Soldiers’ Charity Big Curry month Irish Guards Band Concert,

01-31 02

Bangor Elim Church Co. Down 05

05-06 06

Deadline for Virgin London Marathon applications to run for Team Soldiers’ Charity Ascot Races with Band of The Rifles Tamesis Choral Concert, Wellington College

09

Bedfordshire Committee Annual Curry Lunch, Chicksands, DISC Golf Tournament for teams of 4,

10

Clay Pigeon Shoot , West London

07

26-27

Liverpool Marathon Three charities reception, Preston Everest Book Launch Autumn Lecture, speaker Sir Max Hastings, Arborfield Para 10K, Colchester Garrison Curry Lunch Bristol and Clifton Golf Club Kings College talk, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles KCMG LVO Christmas Card Sale,

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Curry Lunch Merville Bks,

28 30

Hertfordshire Committee Curry Lunch Evenlode Jazz, The Troubador,

14 19 20 21 21 21 26

12

Race Course 12-14

Rotary District 1030 Annual Conference, North East & Yorkshire Rotary

13 13

Autumn Band Concert: Grantham with The Band of The Irish Guards Bi-annual Ball-Barn Dance in conjunction with Shire Heroes, Park Hotel, Northampton

Prince William of Gloucester Bks, Grantham Sinfonietta Concert, Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury

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KRH Officers and NCOs talk about their tour in Afghanistan,

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Crown Hotel Blandford

Officers Mess

December

West London 08-09

Shooting School

Red, White & Blue Day, taking place at schools across the UK Auction of Promises, Fakenham

23 25

Broadfield Court, Hereford

South Wilts Golf Club

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Wattisham Airfield, Suffolk

November 03 04 04

Charity Dinner, Stirling Lines Curry Lunch, Corston House Festival of Remembrance,

08

Christmas Fair, Powderham

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Remembrance Service,

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Durham Cathedral Curry Lunch, Bicester Garrison Officers Mess, Abingdon

Barnstaple Castle, North Exeter

11 11 13

British Military Tournament Earl’s Court, London Family Carol Service, Royal Hospital Chelsea Grand Christmas Draw, Regional Office Chilwell Christmas Concert, St Botolph’s Church Colchester

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Christmas Carol Service & Curry Supper, Clifton College, Bristol Christmas Carol Party, Cardiff

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Christmas Concert, All Saints

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Carol Concert, Hereford Cathedral

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Country Club Garrison Church

News

Our New President: General Sir Mike Jackson GCB CBE DSO

Image by Ben Stansall, AFP, Getty Images

“ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the Army’s national charity, providing support for the brave men and women who willingly risk their lives for our nation in order to maintain peace, security and stability. I am proud and honoured to be the Charity’s President.”

On the 1st of April, we welcomed General

the General Staff (CGS) from February 2003

Sir Mike Jackson GCB CBE DSO as our new

to August 2006, after a highly distinguished

President. With the Army going through

career in the British Army spanning more

what may be the biggest upheaval it has

than four decades. Prior to his appointment

seen since the 1950s, with unprecedented

as CGS, he had been the Commander in

change and reductions ahead, we are very

Chief Land Command, Commander Kosovo

glad to have General Jackson to help guide

Force, Commander Allied Command

the Charity forward.

Europe Rapid Reaction Corps and Director

He brings tremendous knowledge and experience of the Army and the Defence

The General has seen considerable

sector, which will be of immense benefit to

active service around the globe. He

the Charity as we navigate the challenging

commanded at company and brigade level

times in the years ahead for our soldiers,

in Northern Ireland, as a NATO divisional

former soldiers and their families.

commander in Bosnia and as the Corps

General Sir Mike served as the Chief of

News

General Development and Doctrine.

commander in Macedonia and Kosovo.

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News

Red, White & Blue Day is nearly here

Red, White & Blue Day is a national fund–

the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and

raising event for schools taking place on

are hoping that even more schools will join

Friday, the 12th of October. This day is all

in. We have increased our target to £100,000.

about raising money for Forces personnel and

One easy way to get involved is holding

their families, with particular focus on the

a non-uniform day where children can

170,000 Forces children living in the UK today.

donate £1 and wear red, white and blue to

Red White & Blue Day has evolved from

school. It’s a simple but effective way for all

last year’s TenforTen Campaign, which

school children to show their support, not

acknowledged the country’s tenth year in

only for all of our Armed Forces but also for

Afghanistan. More than 175 schools took

their friends and peers whose parents have

part raising a fantastic £45,000. We were

dedicated themselves to serving our country.

one of two Forces charities who benefitted from the initiative.

This year we have joined forces with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and

Find out more at redwhiteblueday.co.uk where you can download posters, read stories, enter into a competition, plus discover lots of other ideas for your Red, White & Blue Day.

More than 1,000 guests gathered at The

News

Guildhall on the 26th of April to enjoy

The Lord Mayor’s Diamond Jubilee Big Curry Lunch

The Lord Mayor’s Diamond Jubilee Big Curry Lunch. The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Wootton, welcomed guests including Olympic medal winners Colin Jackson CBE and Adrian Moorhouse MBE and charity beneficiaries including Paralympian Pte Derek Derenalagi. The lunch raised £230,000 taking the total raised by the five Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunches to date to over £860,000. We look forward to breaking the £1 million mark next year on

Image by Miranda Perry

News

Military Honour to Company Sergeant Major Neil Lawrie

News

Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp Success

the 18th of April.

The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) is

As the CSM for Left Flank, 1st Bn Scots

awarded to members of the military who are

Guards during Op Herrick 12, Neil says:

“of irreproachable character with at least

“During the tour we had a number of

20 years of service”. Company Sergeant

casualties, very serious injuries and some

Major Neil Lawrie is one of a select number

fatalities throughout our duty. It was mainly

of recipients of this prestigious award. Among

the troops on the ground that conducted all

his many achievements, Neil is an outstanding

the hard work for which I am extremely

supporter of The Soldiers’ Charity and his

grateful. It was after this when I got posted to

loyal efforts have been recognised in awarding

F Company Scots Guards in Wellington

him the MSM. Not only has he motivated his

Barracks London when I got working with

soldiers to volunteer and get involved in

The Soldiers’ Charity. I had two triple

challenges like our charity skydives, runs and

amputees on the tour, and the Charity has

collections, he’s also got involved personally

transformed their and their families’ lives.

including running the 2012 Virgin London

That’s why we started the fundraising and

Marathon for the Charity.

why I try to inform others about their work.”

This Armed Forces Day saw 480 supporters join together, taking over 36 million steps across 18,000 miles to complete this year’s Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp. Smashing our fundraising target and raising £350,000, the Yomp challenged walkers of all abilities in a survival of the fittest set against a stunning Perthshire backdrop.

Yomping home in first place – shaving three hours off the 2011 record – was a team from Alliance Trust, winning Gold in 11 hours 34 minutes. The quickest military team, Gurkhas from QOGLR, came in a

Image by Malcolm Cochrane Photography

FrontLine

close second. We’ll be yomping again next year on the 15th and 16th of June.

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Main Feature

Your Army Family Everyone is part of the Army family. Whether you’re a soldier or former soldier. A spouse, a mum or dad, a sister or brother, a friend or neighbour. We’re one big Army family. So let’s get to know each other. Here are four very different stories that show just how diverse the Family is.

Article Title

Help us grow The Army Family online at: facebook.com/soldierscharity

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Micky & Jody Micky lost both legs from an improvised explosive device (IED) on the 1st of July 2010 while serving in Afghanistan with 25 Engineer Regiment. He and Jody met in 2006, which was Jody’s introduction into the Army, and were married last May. Micky will be leaving the Army next year, after having joined when he was just 16 years old at his local recruitment office in Edinburgh. Micky was the first in his family to join the Army.

We gave Jody a grant for a vocational course and Micky a grant for equipment.

Micky “I went on tour in May 2010 as Royal Engineer Search Advisor doing counter IED training and work over there.

I had been out on tour for eight weeks when I got blown up.”

Jody “If we weren’t in the Army and we were going through something like this, you wouldn’t have anyone else who you could speak to. Being part of the Army family, there’s always someone you know you can turn to if something goes wrong.”

FrontLine

M: Being in the Army, how to describe it, I’d

I got injured. You’re always helping me.

say interesting, rewarding and tough.

And making me laugh. You’re pretty funny,

J: Yeah, I suppose I see it from a different

you know?

perspective though. I don’t get the reward.

J: You’ve just got on with it. You’re in the

Just the tough. You’re pretty resilient aren’t

gym everyday aren’t you now? Getting back

you because obviously when you got injured

into the weight lifting you used to do.

you could have taken it a lot worse but

M: Yeah, I’ve now managed to achieve

you’ve just got on with it, haven’t you? Quite

my goal of being part of the GB team to

cheery aren’t you really?

compete in the Commonwealth Games.

M: You’re the strong one, definitely the

Then hopefully the Olympic Games in Rio

strongest person I know, and definitely in

in 2016. It’s great, being able to get back into

our family. Because when I got injured you

how things were before. It’s assisted in my

took so much stress on and not just from

rehab as well. It’s got me a lot stronger and

what’s happened to me and how it’s changed

a lot fitter. So actually the weights [from

our life but from my mother too, taking

The Soldiers’ Charity] were a godsend when

care of her. You had to change your job when

they came.

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Ollie & Blaki Soldiers’ Charity enthusiasts and former officers in The Light Dragoons, Ollie and Blaki became the best of friends after meeting at university and commissioning from Sandhurst together. Ollie now works in London, and Blaki left the Army just last month, now adjusting to civilian life. Their comrades, The Light Dragoons, are currently on tour in Afghanistan, which is one reason why they identify so strongly with the Charity. Both Ollie and Blaki served as troop leaders in Helmand Province. Their great sense of humour is characteristic of the Army family.

O: You were slightly ahead of me at Sandhurst

country has to offer: British Army soldiers.

weren’t you?

These are men and women who define

On a slightly more serious note, we asked Ollie and Blaki what they think of the Charity.

B: Yeah, I was one term ahead, which means

the very ideas of loyalty, service, duty

O: By supporting The Soldiers’ Charity you

I’ve kept a certain level of seniority over you.

and honour; the few who truly put others

send a clear message to tens of thousands

O: It’s a seniority that you didn’t maintain

before themselves. As the sun set over the

of men and women who have served, bled

whilst we were in the Army though. Because

Afghan horizon, I knew that no amount of

and suffered on your behalf. That’s why

by dint of the experiences and the senior

prestige, money or grandeur could ever

I support.

command posts I had in the field of battle,

equal the privilege of leading those recce

B: Soldiers are the salt of the earth, seriously.

I was promoted above you.

soldiers on operations.

It makes doing the job well so much easier

B: You remained junior to me always.

O: I have a note from Her Majesty... which

B: Aww Ollie, you’re going to make me cry.

when you have the knowledge that there is

says otherwise.

These two are proving to be quite the entertainers.

strength of relationships and friendships

O: How I’d sum up my time in the Army...

B: Three little words. Work hard, play…

that are built in the Armed Forces, it is

hard.

extends this group of friends, making it

O: That’s four words.

B: I know, I worked that out half way through.

something of a family, and will always be

Taking a walk down memory lane, Ollie and Blaki trade in their jokes for a bit of nostalgia.

O: There I was, a young man in my 20’s.

I was surrounded by the very best that our

Main Feature

public support for your endeavours. Given the

refreshing to know that there is a charity that

there to help whatever the circumstances.

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Ollie “I commissioned into The Light Dragoons – recently identified as the most popular Cavalry Regiment for England’s most eligible young bachelors!”

FrontLine

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Ollie about Blaki “On meeting Blaki, you can’t but admire his chiseled physique and natural athletic grace.

Trained in the dark arts of Thai kick boxing during his gap year he went on to seek spiritual and physical enlightenment from the Tibetan Monks of Gansu. He is the kind of man who makes Bond look common and Bourne look camp.”

Watch Ollie & Blaki’s video online, plus videos from other members of The Army Family: facebook.com/soldierscharity

Article Title

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Blaki about Ollie “Ollie is 30 going on 60. Although, I did teach him everything he knows. The only thing I did not teach him, however, is how to correctly position your covert observation post. It was for this reason that Ollie found himself on a Regimental Exercise facing 180 degrees the wrong direction and reporting back to his headquarters about ‘enemy activity to his front’ which needless to say were his own troops.”

Ollie in reply: “Junior to me in rank – as well as looks and physique – Blaki was not privy to the Colonel’s personal request that I create confusion to simulate the fog of war.”

FrontLine

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Article Title

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Sarah & Emma Sarah’s son and Emma’s brother, 21 year-old Private James Prosser of The Royal Welsh, was killed in Afghanistan on the 27th of September 2009 when his vehicle hit an IED. They each wear a locket with James’s picture inside, and youngest brother Josh wears dog tags engraved with his initials, JJP. Before James joined, they had no connection with the Army.

Sarah, Emma and Josh have dedicated their fundraising for the Charity in honour of James.

Emma about Sarah “Mum is very caring and loving. She has always done everything possible to make us happy and make sure we have everything we need. She is very passionate about helping the soldiers and ensuring they get everything they deserve.”

Sarah about Emma “Emma is beautiful inside and out.

So very proud of her from the day she was born, all 8lb 12oz of her! She has grown up before my very eyes into a lovely young lady, wife and new mum to Riley James, and I couldn’t be prouder. She is my best friend as well as my daughter.“ FrontLine

S: James was always happy and smiling,

E: The Army family for me is this – people

with an infectious personality from a very

who you probably never would have thought

young age – that never left him.

you’d have a connection with. Even though

E: I remember James once tried to see how

you’ve never met them before, you feel quite

many washing line pegs he could get on his

close to them. You support one another.

face! They were everywhere, his cheeks, lips,

S: The more people I meet within the Army

eyebrows, ears. And he used to play Barbies

and the battalion he was with, the more of an

with me, however, he always denied this. But

understanding I get of what James was dealing

there is a photo of it somewhere!

with and why he enjoyed the Army so much.

S: He was a talented lad. And he never

E: I think that fundraising for The Soldiers’

followed the crowd, James. He made his own

Charity has helped a lot, focusing our energy,

decisions, and I supported him and respected

doing good from something so horrendous.

him. He caught the train from Newport on

S: And knowing someone else will benefit in

the 27th of July 2008 then passed out on the

some way and in James’s memory, I think

6th of February 2009.

that’s a good thing.

E: And then he went to Afghanistan in July.

S: 27th of July 2009.

E: To the soldiers out there now, stay safe.

S: Lots of love.

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Alistair (Ally) McKinney and his dad, Frankie, are both former soldiers who served with The Royal Irish. Frankie is from Northern Ireland. Both he and Ally each served for 22 years.

Ally was shot in the head while on tour in Afghanistan in 2006, resulting in brain damage and paralysis down the left-hand side of his body. The Charity gave a grant for a tricycle to aid his rehabilitation, which Ally fondly refers to as his bike. Frankie and Josie (Ally’s mum) are his main carers. They moved from Scotland, where Josie is from, to Shropshire to be with Ally.

A: Doctors gave me a 99.9% likelihood of

So you didn’t want to come to the 1st, which

dying – I am that 0.1% to survive it.

is the best? My regiment...

F: What do you feel about that?

A: To be that 0.1%, not many people can be

A: No! I thought about it, but there were a lot

F: What is it used for?

A: It builds the muscle up in my left leg.

F: Your mum has been a big help and

of kids I know in the 2nd so it made sense.

inspiration too. Without her backbone and

that. When the guys came and visited me in

pushiness to get you the extra rehab...

It’s obvious that Ally and his dad have a great relationship, joking with one another and speaking so easily.

A: Yeah, exactly. Mum’s made a big difference,

F: So what’s the difference between your tie

what’s your next adventure, Alistair?

I always wanted to be in the Army, and

and my tie?

A: Scuba diving. In Egypt.

then finally I was old enough. They offered me infantry, the Tank Regiment, Army

A: This is the real tie.

F: The real tie? Why, what history have you

Air Corps and Signals. I joined the Army

got in that tie?

Air Corps because the helicopters appealed

A: Where would you like me to start? From

to me. I thought maybe one day I’d get to

1992, I’ve been to Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia.

fly one.

F: Then you transferred. What made you

F: What about the bike from the Charity?

A: It gives me more freedom. I can go out

join The Royal Irish Rangers, 2nd Battalion?

and have a blast on the bike.

hospital, they didn’t know what to say to me because they didn’t expect me to be alive.

F: What made you join the Army?

A: It seemed to be the right thing to do.

Main Feature

and you too.

F: So, you were just skiing in France – now

Text ARMY FAMILY to 70004 to donate £3.

Increase your donation by texting ARMY FAMILY £5 or ARMY FAMILY £10 *

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* Text costs your donation amount plus network charge. ABF The Soldiers’ Charity receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payers permission. Customer care 08448479800.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and in Scotland (SC039189). Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609).

Ally & Frankie

Frankie about Ally “I’m very proud of Alistair from where he’s come from. Obviously through the dramas and everything else… We actually had to come down from Scotland. If we hadn’t done that then he would have gone into a home, and there was no way I was going to allow that to happen.”

FrontLine

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Feature

The British Rose: A new partnership

What do soldiers and jewellery have in common?

More than you may think...

Introduction

Celebrity supporter Joanna Lumley OBE

When Pandora told us that their customers

Actress and former model Joanna Lumley

were crying out for a charm to benefit

is a proud supporter of our partnership

about William Reid Jr on

soldiers, we thought what a brilliant idea.

with Pandora:

the way, due in November

With so many women – mothers, wives,

From top left corner Joanna striking a pose; Claire and Joanna excited

sisters, daughters, friends and neighbours From middle left

– who are such fantastic supporters of

Claire and Lorraine;

the Charity, we knew this would be a

Kate and Lorraine –

great success.

Kate was the first female

It was important that the partnership

British soldier to lose

could represent all these special women

a limb in Afghanistan

who are part of the Army family. So we asked Major Kate Philp, an ambassador of

From bottom left corner

The Soldiers’ Charity, Claire Reid, wife of

Emma proud of her design;

former soldier, beneficiary and charity

Claire begins designing

ambassador Andy Reid, and super-star

her bracelet with the British Rose charm

fundraiser Emma King, to be “the faces” of this new partnership.

With Joanna Lumley and Lorraine

FrontLine

“I simply love the idea of the brave and the sweet put together like this. So much of soldiering is actually family life as well – I think what The Soldiers’ Charity does to support soldiers and their families is so important.”

“I’ve got so many charms for this beautiful Pandora bracelet. Pride of place is this completely enchanting three-faced

Kelly coming on board to show their

rose. I also have a tiny suitcase for all the

support too, it was a fantastic afternoon

travelling I do; a set of drums because my

when we celebrated our exciting new

husband is a musician; and a cup of tea,

venture at Pandora offices on the 26th of

always at the ready. There is a sort of

June. Just in time for Armed Forces Day,

symbolism in the charms, and I love the

each of the ladies got to design her own

idea that you can collect them, that each

bracelet with the British Rose charm.

little piece might mark a part of your life

Here’s what they had to say.

that means something special to you.”

19

The British Rose charm retails for £40 15% of the retail price of the British Rose charm (790897EN07) will be donated to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Up to a limit of £100,000

Celebrity supporter Lorraine Kelly OBE

while having fun is really good and very

Emma: This cupcake reminds me of today,

Television presenter, Honorary Colonel of

special. Talking to some of the women

all the gorgeous cupcakes and all these

the Black Watch Cadets, and loyal supporter

here today, this means the world to them.”

wonderful ladies coming together in support

of The Soldiers’ Charity Lorraine Kelly was

of The Soldiers’ Charity. I also chose a cup

thrilled to get involved. Jewellery to help

Telling their stories through their designs, we

and saucer charm because it goes with my

soldiers – what’s not to like?

asked Kate, Claire and Emma what does the

cupcake! It makes me think of afternoon tea,

British Rose charm mean to you?

which is just classically British.

Emma: I would have had a bracelet with all

Claire: Mine are about me and Andy. The

of these if I could have! It’s so pretty and for

wedding cake reminds me of our special

such a worthy cause. This charm is the

day last September when we got married.

most important one to me. It reminds me

I also chose the little boy charm, as we’re

why I’m here. I want people to ask about it

having a baby boy, William, so this charm

so I can explain what the Charity is all

is perfect.

“Apart from being an absolutely beautiful design and a gorgeous present, it’s such a great way to show your support for a fantastic charity that does so much for our Armed Forces and also for their families.”

about and get them involved too.

Kate: This is very patriotic to wear and apt

The British Rose has done extremely well,

for the Diamond Jubilee year.

selling out at over 20 stores nationwide.

“It’s a great way to show your support. You

Claire: I’d pick this one anyway because of

But not to worry, stock can be replenished.

can buy yourself one or you can get somebody

what it signifies, as Andy’s just left the

to buy it for you, knowing that some of the

Army – it’s gorgeous.

money is going to help such a worthwhile cause. It’s fantastic,” says Lorraine.

“I think it’s a great partnership, a great

What other charms did you choose and why?

Kate: I have this beautiful blue Murano

fit. And to be honest, anything that is going

glass charm. It’s another patriotic one!

to help our Armed Forces and anything

Because I have a strong Scottish heritage

that is going to give people a chance to

and my brother is in the Black Watch, it

say thank you in a really practical way

seems very appropriate to have.

Feature

Don’t forget to leave a message of support on our partnership microsite: pandora.net/en-gb/explore/ campaigns/UK/abf

20

Interview

Bill Speakman VC Bill, who served 22 years with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, is one of only eight living Victoria Cross holders, and celebrated the Diamond Jubilee with Her Majesty The Queen.

Article Title

22

Keystone/Hulton Archive, Getty Images

Pool/Anwar Hussein Collection, Getty Images

Above Crowds in his home town of Altrincham welcoming Bill home, 1952 Top right With HM The Queen and other VC and GC holders, 2006 Right Bill with his mum after receiving his VC, 1952

Monty Fresco, Hulton Archive, Getty Images

Bill Speakman VC and Her Majesty The Queen go back a long way.

by a member of the Royal family. As president of the VC and GC

They first met in 1952 when Bill, aged 24, was the first individual

Association, HRH Prince Charles frequently attends the reunions.

to receive the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest and most prestigious

There are only three living holders of the Victoria Cross in England

military decoration for gallantry, from the then newly crowned

with the remaining five currently residing overseas.

Queen Elizabeth II. Bill remembers that day fondly: The celebrations were an opportunity for Bill to meet the newly “When I came home from Korea, I went to the palace to receive my

decorated VC holder Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, who is a serving

VC. I remember she said to me, ‘Are you alright now?’ and I said,

soldier with the Australian SAS. Bill says: “He’s taller than I am,

‘Yes, ma’am.’ I think we were both shy, both a bit nervous. But it

if you can believe that. He’s about 6ft 7in.”

was a very special moment. She has blossomed into a wonderful person. Sixty years and she has done a spectacular job at it.”

Thinking back to when he first found out about his VC, Bill says: “I remember I was in a camp in Japan during the Korean War,

“She’s there for us, and we are there for her. She has, without a doubt, put Britain back on the map.”

and I was sent for by the Camp Commandant and I thought, ‘gosh, what have I done now’ because I was always getting into mischief.

He gave me the ribbon and I looked at it and said, ‘well what is it, Sir?’ because I didn’t know, I honestly didn’t know.”

For this year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, along with the other

Bill retired from the Army 45 years ago, but his loyalty and sense

VC and George Cross (GC) holders, Bill was on Thames River

of pride for his Queen and country remain as strong as ever:

Boat “Sapele” as part of the Royal Flotilla. As honourary guests,

“When I joined the Army, with thousands of others, we swore

they were very much involved in the various functions happening

allegiance to our monarch. That allegiance is very sacred to us.

throughout London.

We will always be there. Not only for The Queen, but the country and all the people on this little island of ours – the English,

Bill saw first-hand the grace and good nature of Her Majesty and

the Irish, the Welsh, the Scots, those in the Channel Islands –

was very much impressed, as he always has been with The Queen:

all of us.”

“It was raining down on the boat and other places we went. Do you know that girl, she just walked in the rain like everybody else. And while riding in the car, with the crowds along the route, she would stop and talk to the kids. She’s a wonderful person.”

Every two years the VC and GC holders meet, which Bill says

Did you know? The Soldiers’ Charity gave Bill a grant earlier this year for a scooter to aid his mobility and help him maintain his independence.

“is very important”. On these occasions, they are often joined

FrontLine

23

In My Own Words

by Sgt Abbas Salihu An Olympic Judo Coach and member of Team Army Judo, Abbas tells us his story of the 2012 Games.

Article Title

24

Above Abbas serves with 9 Regt Royal Logistics Corps Top left Abbas & his wife, Lovelyn, striking a Bolt pose Bottom, from left Abbas with Dwain Chambers; Abbas doing “the Mo”

“This was my first Olympic experience and what an experience it was.

the hard work, dedication and all the sacrifices they made to get

I was like a kid in a sweet shop, very excited. The atmosphere was

here, which is really important to recognise and appreciate.

fantastic and the crowd was brilliant! I can’t believe the amount of people that came out to support the Games. There was just such

This Olympics was something that the whole family will remember.

great energy everywhere.

My wife, Lovelyn, volunteered as a Games Maker in wrestling, which she was really excited about, and she got to see most of the

As an EJU (European Judo Union) qualified coach, I was there as

competitions in the Excel Centre. She loves sport, having competed

the IJF (International Judo Federation) Supporting Coach to some

herself in Olympic Judo in Sydney 2000. My daughter, who also

of the less-developed Judo nations. I was supporting the Pacific

watches quite a bit of sport, said the Olympics was the best she has

Island of Nauru and Barbados throughout their stay in Bath for

ever seen – every competitor was at their finest.

their final preparation stage until the Games.

Meeting the likes of Michael Johnson, Mo Farah, Usain Bolt, As a young coach, it can sometimes be intimidating working with

Dwain Chambers and many other athletes was very cool. Just

the elite athletes. However, as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer

being a part of the whole experience was one of the best feelings

in the British Army, I have no problem with confidence.

in the world, truly incredible.

Leading the Olympic athletes in training was amazing, especially

I have been to so many international sporting tournaments,

on the final week before departing to London when more countries

but I think the Olympics Games is in a league of its own.

visited our training ground. It was a privilege to lead the training

I am very proud to have been a part of it.”

session with such a talented group of people.

The training was really hard. We trained for two hours, between two to three times a day, six days a week. The programme was planned as a periodazation training, which means we do a combination of lots of sparring, different drills on tactics and strength and conditioning.

I always reminded the athletes that they are Olympians, and as the world’s greatest sporting event, the Olympic Games is a once

Last summer, the Charity gave a grant to cover flight costs for Abbas and his wife to attend a close family member’s funeral. Abbas says: “It wasn’t only me and my wife you supported, it was all of my family because for us to be there, at that time, was very important for all of us.”

in a lifetime opportunity. I talked to them about their journey,

FrontLine

25

Celebrity Q&A

Photographer Sven Arnstein

Talking Curry with BBC cooks the Hairy Bikers

We spoke to Simon King (more fondly known as Si) and Dave Myers, hosts of the much-loved Hairy Bikers cooking programme on the BBC to find some cooking inspiration and get us in gear for Big Curry month happening this October. All very timely, as we talk cooking for the Queen, curry tips and most importantly why supporting our soldiers, former soldiers and their families is a cause they think people should care about. The larger than life Northern duo don’t hold back – here’s their hilarious interview exclusively for The Soldiers’ Charity.

layered with spice, and there are certain techniques that are used to make it, so you can taste the spice. Don’t forget, curry’s not about heat. It’s about spice – those layers of spice and those layers of flavour. Less sometimes with curry is more.

What are your favourite curries?

Dave: My favourite is Saag Gosht. That’s the lamb and spinach. I find it hard to get beyond that when it’s cooked properly.

Si: I suppose a Tandoori for me. It’s me absolute, absolute favourite. You cannot beat it, love it.

Dave: We also do a Mutton Gosht. I like it when the mutton’s cooked longer with

If you were asked to cook for HM The Queen,

fresh spinach, not canned – it’s belter.

what would be on the menu?

“Whether it be from the Second World War or now, I think society owes our soldiers an enormous debt.”

Dave: I’d cook a Kedgeree; use a good

Why do you think it’s important to support our

Scottish salmon, a little bit of curry powder

soldiers, former soldiers and their families?

and spices from the Commonwealth. It

Dave: I think it’s important to support those

would be a one-pot wonder that she’s not

people who literally do put their neck on

going to have a kerfuffle with – if done

the line ultimately for the sake and

properly it’ll taste lush.

protection of the rest of us. Whether it be

Si: And we’d have to make sure there wasn’t

from the Second World War or now, I think

any bones because that’s always not very

society owes our soldiers an enormous debt.

clever for the Royal family, bones.

Si: It’s about the lads and lasses who are out

Dave: Don’t kill a granny, that’d be wrong.

in the field and in theatres of war, regardless of how that war manifests itself.

The Soldiers’ Charity’s big fundraiser in October

It never ceases to amaze me what humans

is the Big Curry. What are some Hairy Biker tips

will sacrifice for one another. It’s a dangerous,

for making a Big Curry?

dangerous circumstance out there, and the

Si: My advice is get a good curry book,

injuries can be horrendous. It’s important

and we happen to have one out around

that respect and reverence is given.

about October time!

Dave: We’ve got a chapter in the book called ‘Curries for Crowds’ which are curry recipes good for cooking for a lot of people.

Si: Also, what’s really important is to remember that actually a curry is just a stew in some way, shape or form.

It’s a casserole or stew that happens to be

Celebrity Q&A

The Hairy Bikers filmed an episode with The Soldiers’ Charity beneficiary and ambassador, Andy Reid, and his wife, Claire. Look out for it in January 2013.

26

The Soldiers’ Charity

Top 10 Ways to Support at Christmas

FrontLine

Buy our charity Christmas cards

Take the family to the BMT

Buying our charity Christmas cards not

The British Military Tournament is

only benefits us financially, but also helps

happening on the 8th and 9th of December

spread the word. Call 01948 831 032 or visit

at Earl’s Court, London. Buy tickets online:

soldierscharity.org/christmas to purchase.

britishmilitarytournament.com

Online holiday shopping

Volunteer at a local collection

This Christmas season, why not try

Contact your local office to find out how

Give As You Live and donate every time

you can volunteer this holiday season.

you buy. Retailers include John Lewis

The Charity’s regional office details can be

and Amazon. Visit giveasyoulive.com

found at: soldierscharity.org/contactus

Leave a message of support online

Hold a holiday dinner

Facebook.com/soldierscharity

Invite your friends and family along for a

Twitter: @soldierscharity

holiday dinner in aid of the Charity. Good

LinkedIn: search The Soldiers’ Charity

food, good company, good cause. Now

Flikr.com/groups/soldierscharity

that’s a good idea!

Remember someone special

Attend a charity Christmas concert

You can remember a loved one who may

There are Christmas concerts happening all

not be with us this holiday season by

around the country with tickets and collections

giving an in-memory donation.

to benefit the Charity. For the latest on events,

Contact fundraising@soldierscharity.org

go to soldierscharity.org/events

Give a British Rose charm

Become a regular giver

To celebrate, honour and remember our

This New Year, make your resolution one

soldiers this Christmas, buy a British Rose

for our soldiers. Set up a standing order or

charm, with a percentage of each sale

become a payroll giver. To find out more

benefitting the Charity.

telephone 0207 901 8908.

27

Opinion

Dr Hugh Milroy OBE PhD

The CEO of Veterans Aid on why the work of The Soldiers’ Charity is so important

As CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy knows what it’s like to be in the frontline.

But like all frontline combatants, he often relies on others to provide his “ammunition”.

In this capacity, The Soldiers’ Charity couldn’t be more involved, giving grants to provide financial assistance in times of real need. For 80 years, Veterans Aid has been dealing with ex-servicemen and women in crisis. Real crisis. No one comes to this charity with a minor problem – homelessness, drug addiction, alcoholism, immigration issues – to name just a few. For many, Veterans Aid is literally their last chance, and help is sought from all over the world.

The Soldiers’ Charity/Veterans Aid model

“Funding for single issues is often a problem,”

supporting Veterans Aid, it is arming a

explains Dr Milroy, “because the problems we

specialist branch of a military unit,

deal with are diverse and our commitment

fighting to help its members. And just as

is to act immediately. The Soldiers’ Charity

importantly, in doing so, it is deeply involved

understands this and is one of our staunchest

in preventing bad personal situations getting

supporters.

worse. Having the capability to break a

ensures that this does not happen.

“Funding we receive from The Soldiers’ Charity benefits many people. The patio shelter it helped fund at our New Belvedere House hostel, for example, is a gift that keeps on giving. It is used by all the staff, residents and visitors and will be for years to come.

“Occasionally, it’s about having ready money for emergencies – like the case of 74-year-old Ted who was discharged from hospital after hip surgery to fend for himself alone in squalid lodgings. A swift decision by The Soldiers’ Charity meant we were able to get him specialist transport to Southampton and accommodation in a decent care home.

“The Soldiers’ Charity knows that in

“We think of the veteran community as a family. Like The Soldiers’ Charity we work closely with The Royal Hospital Chelsea and others, providing both practical support and friendship.

And at the end of the day, that’s exactly what it’s all about.”

“If a former soldier is desperate, they can’t be told to come back next week. Sometimes we have to address needs as basic as provision of

harmful cycle so swiftly is critical and is an approach we know works.

“We think of the veteran community as a

food and clothing before we can even start to

family. Like The Soldiers’ Charity we work

unpack an individual’s problem. The Soldiers’

closely with The Royal Hospital Chelsea and

Charity has always understood this and been

others, providing both practical support and

here to offer support through vital funding

friendship. And at the end of the day, that’s

when it is needed. We operate almost as a

exactly what it’s all about.”

delivery arm of the same body – each doing what it does best. The relationship between the two charities is symbiotic, based on years of interoperability, trust and positive outcomes.

“There is often replication in the military charity world, which means that funds are sometimes at risk of not being best used.

Opinion

Last year, The Soldiers’ Charity gave over 80 grants to specialist charities like Veterans Aid to support the wider Army family.

28

Dig in & dig deep for The Big Curry this October. It’s spice and easy.

And tasty too!

We’ve been helping to support soldiers, former soldiers and their families since 1944. This year, you can help too. Let’s do our bit to support the Army family.

Call us: 020 7811 3960

Register today and get started, just in time for Big Curry month

Follow us on Twitter: @BigCurryTSC

Image by Scott Trindle

Everyone loves a good curry, and the bigger the better. A Big Curry is a great way to have fun with family and friends while also raising vital funds for The Soldiers’ Charity.

Image by Ssgt Mark Jones, RLC; © UK MoD/ Crown Copyright 2012

Remember our soldiers in your will

Gifts left to us in wills are our biggest single source of income.

Without them, our work simply wouldn’t be possible.

By remembering ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in your will, you can ensure that those soldiers risking their lives for us today will have the support they need to deal with the lasting physical and mental scars of war.

For more information, please contact our Fundraising Team on 0207 901 8908 or fundraising@soldierscharity.org

Register now at: bigcurry.org

Email us: bigcurry@soldierscharity.org

Help us grow The Army Family on Facebook and show your support for our soldiers: facebook.com/soldierscharity

Help us support our Army family in their time of need I enclose a gift of: □ £50, which can help towards physio that a soldier needs to recover from injury

□ £75, which can help towards a soldier’s retraining upon leaving the Army

□ £100, which can help to pay for home modifications for a soldier wounded in action

□ Or I enclose my own choice of £

To make an instant donation, please log on to soldierscharity.org/donate or call 0207 901 8908 I choose the following payment method: □ I enclose a cheque/PO/CAF voucher made payable to: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity

□ Please debit my Mastercard / Visa / Maestro / Amex / CAF card (delete as appropriate)

Card Details: Card Number

Expiry date:

Valid From:

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Signature:

From:

(Please complete your details below)

Full name: Home address:

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Gift Aid is a tremendously valuable source of additional income to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. If you are a UK taxpayer, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity can make your gift work harder at no extra cost to you.

By simply signing your name and dating the declaration below, the Inland Revenue will top up your donations, providing ABF The Soldiers’ Charity with an extra 25p for every £1 you give. For example, a gift of £100 will be increased to £125, to help more people in their hour of need.

I would like ABF The Soldiers’ Charity to reclaim the tax I have paid on all donations I make today, have made in four years prior to this year and any donations I may make in the future, from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise. I am a UK tax payer. I have paid or will pay as much in Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax each tax year as the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year (6 April to 5 April).

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Please complete and return with your donation to: Freepost RRGY-GSCB-HTZX Major General Martin Rutledge CB OBE ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Mountbarrow House, 12 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RB

Help us grow The Army Family on Facebook and show your support for our soldiers: facebook.com/soldierscharity

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity will not pass your details to other organisations.

We will write to you occasionally through the year to keep you updated on current projects and appeals and how your support is helping to touch lives.

Please tick this box if you do not want this information to be sent to you. □ ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a charity registered in England and Wales (1146420) and in Scotland (SC039189). ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609). Registered Office: Mountbarrow House, 6-20 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RB FL 0912