Hampshire welcomes home all three ser...

Hampshire welcomes home all three services

29 Jan 08

More than 3,000 people have lined the streets of Winchester to welcome home Hampshire-based servicemen and women from the Army, Royal Navy and the RAF who have recently returned from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

More than 3,000 people turned out to support Hampshire's troops as they paraded through Winchester's streets
[Picture: Corporal Adrian Harlen RLC]

The parade, which took place today, Tuesday 29 January 2008, was one of the first occasions on which a British county has welcomed home personnel from all three Services in recent times.

Troops from HMS Richmond, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, The Kings Royal Hussars, 4 General Support Medical Regiment, The Rifles, and RAF Odiham marched to the beat of three military bands through the centre of Winchester to a special reception in the historic city's Great Hall.

A flypast by two Chinooks from RAF Odiham took place at noon and while troops assembled at King Alfred's statue on Winchester's Broadway, the bells of the Cathedral rang out across the City, courtesy of bell ringers from the Winchester & Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers led by the Cathedral's Tower Captain, Carrie Eisenhauer.

The bell ringers delivered a perfect Quarter Peal. The English style of bell ringing involves ringing changes not tunes, and a Quarter Peal requires the ringing of the bells for about 45 minutes in a complex but precise sequence of changes that demands a high level of concentration and stamina from the ringers.

Veterans and schoolchildren stood side-by-side in Winchester today to support Hampshire's homecoming troops
[Picture: Richard Watt]

The leader of Hampshire County Council, Ken Thornber, said it had long been his desire to see the service of all returning regiments recognised in this way:

"Service personnel and their families are greatly valued in Hampshire. Recently they have faced great hardship on our behalf on active service in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"The Armed Forces have already been welcomed back through the individual towns in which their barracks are based. Now it is the turn of the County to mark their safe return and record our thanks to them for their duty and sacrifice."

Brigadier Miles Wade, the Commander of 145 (South) Brigade, is the Senior Military Commander in Hampshire.  He said that events such as today's are very important for the Armed Forces:

"We really appreciate the morale support that we get from people. It's terribly important when you're on operations to know that what you're doing is supported by the people you're representing, and to have expressions of support really does help morally in underpinning what you're doing."

RAF Odiham personnel march through the historic streets of Winchester during Hampshire's homecoming parade
[Picture: Cpl Ian Lang]

Lance Corporal Robert Keenan served as a Company Medic with the British Army in Afghanistan. He explained that having his service recognised by the public in this way was a tremendous boost to his morale:

"I feel honoured, and I'm sure the rest of the British Army feels the same," he said.  "There was times that we were told that the British population wasn't behind us, and when we're out there we need that backing to help us do our job, to feel appreciated and to move forward."

Commander Piers Hurrell of HMS Richmond said:

"Today is a tremendously proud day for the Armed Forces of Hampshire. The numbers that turned out to support us so warmly and with such genuine enthusiasm have taken us all by surprise."

LCpl Stacy Miles from 4 General Support Medical Regiment, also based in Aldershot, has just returned from Afghanistan where she was the commander of an ambulance troop in Camp Bastion retrieving casualties from the front line:

"It was a very busy tour," she said.  "We were out dealing with casualties every day so it was hard, but this event today has been really special. It makes you really proud to realise you're appreciated for what you do!"

Crowds line the historic streets of Winchester to pay tribute to Hampshire's armed forces
[Picture: Richard Watt]

Guardsman Carl Woods from the Aldershot-based Irish Guards, who returned from Iraq just before Christmas, said:

"I didn't expect so many people to turn out on such a cold winter's day. I felt so proud to march through the city of Winchester today. Thank you Hampshire! "

The public support in Winchester today exceeded all expectations and Hampshire County Council gave the following statement:

"The people of Hampshire have responded with pride, respect and admiration. They are quietly proud and are quiet too often - but they know what you have given, and the sacrifices you have given in the name of freedom. You have paid the price but at least now you know how well the people of Hampshire think of you."

Army Hero, Cpl. Mark Wright's death

Army Hero, Cpl. Mark Wright's death COULD have been prevented

"A British war hero who bled to death after being injured in an Afghan minefield died because of a catalogue of failures, incompetence and equipment shortages, a military inquiry has found.

 

Cpl Mark Wright, who was posthumously awarded the George Cross after rescuing an injured colleague, could have survived if a properly equipped helicopter had been available, it ruled.

 

A copy of the report, which has been obtained by The Sunday Telegraph, adds that the rescue operation was dogged by confusion, delays, poor communication and a shortage of maps showing the location of minefields.

 

Last night, Bob Wright, the soldier's father, said he was furious with the Ministry of Defence, which he accused of "trying to hide the truth"." The Daily Telegraph, 14th January 2008

 

To read the whole article from the Daily Telegraph online click here.

 

Thanks to EpicScotland for permission to post this photograph of a very brave man.

 

Corporal Darryl Gardiner killed in Afghanistan

Corporal Darryl Gardiner killed in Afghanistan

22 Jan 08

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Corporal Darryl Gardiner, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), in southern Afghanistan on Sunday 20th January 2008. He was serving attached to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery and 52 Brigade's Reconnaissance Force.

Cpl Darryl Gardiner
[Picture: MOD]

Corporal Gardiner was taking part in an operation to disrupt enemy forces and reassure local Afghans three kilometres north of Musa Qala district centre in Helmand Province. Shortly after 1530 hours local time the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by a roadside mine strike.

Corporal Gardiner was evacuated by helicopter to the field hospital at Camp Bastion for medical treatment but sadly he did not survive. Five other soldiers were injured in the explosion and they are now receiving medical care. There were no enemy forces involved.

Corporal Darryl Gardiner

Corporal Darryl Gardiner, aged 25, was born in Germany on 25 January 1982. He was from Salisbury in Wiltshire and was known to his friends as 'Daz'. He deployed to Afghanistan on 19 October 2007 with 52 Brigade. He was attached to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, which works with the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment as part of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force; providing information for Task Force Helmand, based in Lashkar Gar. As an armourer, Corporal Gardiner provided essential support to the Brigade Reconnaissance Force both on and off patrol.

Corporal Gardiner was a keen skydiver and member of the Army Parachute Association. He represented the Army in parachute competitions and was also an accomplished parachute instructor. He leaves behind a girlfriend, Lucy.

A family statement read:

"The family are deeply proud that Darryl served his country. The family asks at what is a very difficult time for them, that their privacy is respected."

Major Tony Phillips, Officer Commanding of Task Force Helmand's Brigade Reconnaissance Force, said:

"Corporal 'Daz' Gardiner was an exceptional young man and a man that the Brigade Recce Force will miss so much. His death has been a bitter blow to us all.

"We in the Brigade Reconnaissance Force have lost a good friend, a courageous soldier and a remarkably skilled tradesman but we are only too aware that his family has lost so much more, it is they who are at the forefront of our minds.

"Corporal Gardiner occupied a position at the very hub of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force. As the armourer he was key to maintaining our battle-worthiness. Prior to deploying on each operation the force would undertake a weapons check on the ranges and there would always be the odd problem for Corporal Gardiner to deal with.

"He would hurry up and down the line of vehicles with his toolbox, or as he joked his 'collection of different sized hammers', fixing and tweaking the problem weapons. He faced a real professional challenge, due to the nature of our deployments his "workshop" was the desert floor, yet he persevered and, despite the battering the weapons took, he would work miracles to keep things up and running.

"Corporal Gardiner had proved himself under fire on a number of occasions during this tour, he epitomised the cool, calm and courageous modern soldier. He even enjoyed momentary fame when he was part of a small team that defeated a vehicle-borne suicide bomber in Gereshk in October 2007.

"Corporal Gardiner was a very accomplished parachutist. Just prior to deploying to Afghanistan he ran a parachuting expedition in California. He discussed the possibility of running another expedition in summer 2008 for personnel from 4/73 Battery. I agreed to this, in principle, only to discover that he had virtually organised and planned the whole thing already. How could I fault such enthusiasm?

"Corporal Gardiner drove the Battery Sergeant Major's vehicle and this brought additional responsibilities. Some were less glamorous than others; for example running the 'tuck shop'. He was reliant upon the Brigade Reconnaissance Force team in Camp Bastion for his stock and I recall his dismay when they despatched 'Yorkie Bars' for him to sell. Yorkie bars, of course, are freely available in the ration packs. Only 'Daz' could get away with selling a bar on the basis that 'these ones taste different to the issue bars'!

"Corporal Gardiner had spent 3 months living and operating in the harshest of environments, yet despite such constant adversity he always soldiered on in the most pleasant and good natured manner. Corporal Gardiner was good to be around, he was a gentleman, we will all cherish the time we had with him."

Captain James Ashworth, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, and Operations Officer of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, said:

"It is with enormous sadness that we have lost Corporal 'Daz' Gardiner. Professionally we have lost a bright and talented soldier who was first class at his job, a man who prided himself on getting things done and who took great pleasure in his work.

"On a personal level we have lost far more. He showed a rare sensitivity and compassion for others and his warmth of character has been of comfort to many. He has demonstrated an enduring courage and loyalty to his friends and colleagues. Underpinning his quality was desire not to let others down; he never did. It is testament to his character that his last actions were helping others. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts and prayers are especially with his family and girlfriend, Lucy."

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Mike Smith, Former Commandant of the Joint Services Parachute Centre and Chairman of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Parachuting, said:

"'Daz' Gardiner started parachuting with the REME Parachute Team in 2001. He was a most enthusiastic and capable student parachutist who in a very short space of time developed into an outstanding parachute instructor. His love of the sport knew no bounds. He made a huge contribution to the Army Parachute Association and his Corps as a tandem instructor, accelerated free fall instructor, static line instructor and display parachutist.

"He was looking forward to his return to UK where he was to instruct on an adventurous training expedition, taking soldiers off to California to teach them to skydive. With his helpful and friendly nature he was always able to put his students at ease and encourage them to make their first jump.

"He represented his Corps and the Army in parachute competition and was one of the leading competitors in the Armed Forces.

"'Daz' was a very popular and likeable soldier. He leaves behind many military and civilian friends in the world of skydiving who will miss him dearly."

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said:

"The death of such a capable soldier as Corporal Gardiner is very sad. It is clear that he will be deeply missed, not only as a courageous and exemplary professional but also as a kind friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in their time of loss."

UKNDA

UKNDA Ltd. Reg No. 6254639

UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL

DEFENCE ASSOCIATION

You will have read in the papers and seen on the

television how our Armed Forces are over-stretched

and under-resourced. In Iraq, Afghanistan and

elsewhere they defend us and our national interests at

great risk to themselves and too often at the cost of

their lives

The UK National Defence Association (UKNDA) has been created to…

…. campaign for sufficient, appropriate and fully funded

Armed Forces that the Nation needs to defend effectively its

people, their security and vital interests at home and worldwide.

The UKNDA contends that the following issues must be addressed

because, as a former Prince of Wales once famously declared:

"Something must be done!"

1. 'Defence' is too low in the Nation's list of priorities and therefore the

Armed Forces are under resourced (under funded) for the tasks they are set.

2. This results in inter-Service wrangles over an inadequate budget.

3. Over tasking and under resourcing leads to our Armed Forces being

over-stretched and, from time to time, to suffer from equipment

shortages and/or failures. These factors can, and do, result all too often

in unnecessary casualties.

4. All of the above lead to increasing pressures on the most important element

of our Armed Forces – the serving men and women (and their families)

who do the work, face the threats and risk their lives to defend us.

Have YOU ever served in the Armed Forces?

Are YOU related to anyone who is serving or has served?

Are YOU concerned about the effective Defence of our country and our people?

(You do NOT need to have been in our Armed Forces to join the UKNDA)

Said "Yes" to any of these questions? Then the UKNDA needs YOU.

JOIN THE UKNDA NOW

Our web-site www.uknda.org will tell you all about the

UKNDA and you can 'sign up' there - or you can write to

UKNDA Ltd. PO Box 819, Portsmouth, PO1 9FF

HELP DO THAT 'SOMETHING' THAT MUST BE DONE

Support our Armed Forces!

Support our Armed Forces!

by

Winston S. Churchill

President of the UK National Defence Association

While families across the UK have been gathered

round the Christmas tree and celebrating the New Year,

spare a thought for our Armed Forces – especially those

serving overseas, far from family and friends, for whom

mortal danger is a daily companion.

Let us salute their courage and dedication to duty. But

let us be clear about one thing: Our Servicemen and

women did not volunteer to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan –

they signed up to defend our homeland.

It was Government and Parliament, who took the

grave step of committing them to wars in far away

countries. I am not saying it was wrong to do so. But when

our political masters take such life-and-death decisions, it

is incumbent on them to will not only the ends, but also the

means – something they have conspicuously failed to do.

If our young men and women are being sent to war in

equipment often 20, 30 or even 40 years old (viz. the RAF

Nimrods) – and their lives put at risk in consequence – that

is due to the under-funding of Defence.

---

Page 2

2

If their tours of active service duty come round every

15 months, instead of every 2 years as promised, if their

pay is less than a home-based policeman, and if their

accommodation, for all too many, is scandalously

substandard – it all comes down to the under-funding of

Defence.

British lives lost in current conflicts already exceed the

255 sacrificed regaining the Falklands, and thousands have

been injured, many critically. It is no exaggeration to say

that, in all too many cases, the men and women of our

Armed Forces are being asked to pay with their lives for

the under-funding of Defence, which has become a

national scandal.

That is why the UK National Defence Association

(www.uknda.org) has been founded to demand a massive

increase of at least 40% in Defence expenditure to 3% of

GDP, so that our Armed Forces have the modern

equipment they need and the terms of service they deserve.

Before our Defence Secretary, 'Part-time Des' Browne,

twitters on about providing a 1.5% per year increase in

Defence funding (while Overseas Aid is getting 11%), it is

important to point out that the cost of defence equipment is

increasing at a rate of 7-10%, leaving a 5% 'Black Hole' in

the Defence budget each year.

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Page 3

3

This cannot be allowed to go on, our Armed Forces are

literally bleeding through under-funding, and shrinking

year by year both in manpower and frontline strength.

If, like me, you feel passionately about our Armed

Forces, there are three things you can do:

1. Write to your MP demanding that he/she personally –

and their party – commits to increasing Defence

expenditure to a minimum of 3% of GDP;

2. Join the UKNDA's Support our Armed Forces

campaign (UKNDA, PO Box 819, Portsmouth, Hants. PO1

9FF); and

3. Give generously to the Service charity of your choice.

Never forget that for our Future, our Armed Forces are

willing to sacrifice their Today. They deserve not only our

gratitude, but also our fullest support, now and for the

future. Support Our Armed Forces today!

END