MoD to issue "veterans badge" to service leavers.
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eurinengeer,
sorry for the spelling on Sliema. We went on to Manoel Island where they now make Phoenecian glass. What a scruffy yard now. When we went on a boat ride round the harbour however we approached the landing on the east (?) and up above was an old destroyer lattice mast.
All over Malta it was as if we had just left, left long enough for the dirt to move in, but 20 years on the Malts had still not taken over many of the barracks etc. Bighi was still abandoned. Tigne barracks were just being used possibly by squatters. Up near Gozo, can't remember the name of the beach, was an abandoned army camp.
Sad.
sorry for the spelling on Sliema. We went on to Manoel Island where they now make Phoenecian glass. What a scruffy yard now. When we went on a boat ride round the harbour however we approached the landing on the east (?) and up above was an old destroyer lattice mast.
All over Malta it was as if we had just left, left long enough for the dirt to move in, but 20 years on the Malts had still not taken over many of the barracks etc. Bighi was still abandoned. Tigne barracks were just being used possibly by squatters. Up near Gozo, can't remember the name of the beach, was an abandoned army camp.
Sad.
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In New Jersey visiting friends about 2 weeks ago, I was going into the cinema with my mate and her husband when the till attendant happened to notice my RN ID in the transparent part of my wallet. She then said all three of us could go in for free. I don't think we deserve any special treatment; we are all volunteers....but I found the shift in attitude toward service people compared to the UK an interesting one.
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bad livin'
Yet again the Spams out do us. Military discount is a fact of life there. Hotel rooms are cheaper. Rounds of golf are cheaper. On holiday last year SWMBO had managed to exceed the available case space available by judicious purchasing. For the new suitcase, I went to the Samsonite store in the Prime Outlets Mall in Orlando and got an extra 20% off on production of my 1250.
Whereas the Forces Discount Brochure offers deals that are more expensive than those you can negotiate yourself!! Bit like Hire Cars, CHBS etc
Yet again the Spams out do us. Military discount is a fact of life there. Hotel rooms are cheaper. Rounds of golf are cheaper. On holiday last year SWMBO had managed to exceed the available case space available by judicious purchasing. For the new suitcase, I went to the Samsonite store in the Prime Outlets Mall in Orlando and got an extra 20% off on production of my 1250.
Whereas the Forces Discount Brochure offers deals that are more expensive than those you can negotiate yourself!! Bit like Hire Cars, CHBS etc
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bad livin',
I think you have hit the nail on the head as far as recognition is concerned with the emphasis on attitudes.
The Americans really do show their collective appreciation to both serving and ex serving types, including Brits.
Perhaps it is the character of the British though, the stiff upper lip kind, which still gives out the "shut up and put up" culture amongst our fellow countrymen.
I still think that the public need educating about what the forces do, after all, the civvies know more about the workings of Tesco's than how the forces work. Mind you , that may not be a bad thing.
Exleckie
I think you have hit the nail on the head as far as recognition is concerned with the emphasis on attitudes.
The Americans really do show their collective appreciation to both serving and ex serving types, including Brits.
Perhaps it is the character of the British though, the stiff upper lip kind, which still gives out the "shut up and put up" culture amongst our fellow countrymen.
I still think that the public need educating about what the forces do, after all, the civvies know more about the workings of Tesco's than how the forces work. Mind you , that may not be a bad thing.
Exleckie
>Perhaps it is the character of the British though, the stiff upper lip kind, which still gives out the "shut up and put up" culture amongst our fellow countrymen.<
The days of the stiff upper lip are well and truly over. Witness all the flowers placed on roadside verges at the scenes of fatal road accidents. The mountains of floral tributes/soft toys and messages of condolence piled high after a violent crime.
I think the touchy, feely, tree huggers now typify the British character. Bulldogs are only for Crufts!
The days of the stiff upper lip are well and truly over. Witness all the flowers placed on roadside verges at the scenes of fatal road accidents. The mountains of floral tributes/soft toys and messages of condolence piled high after a violent crime.
I think the touchy, feely, tree huggers now typify the British character. Bulldogs are only for Crufts!
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Good comment Brakedwell.
Okay, that was my quote, but you have a brilliant point there, I didn't think of that. Do you think that it became like that because of the Princess Di thing where everyone threw flowers everywhere?
Perhaps you are right though, instead of "stiff upper lip" and "put up and shut up", has the nation gone soft in American proportions?????????
Sentiments are good, but there are so many who just get on with it.
Cracking point made though, BW has got me thinking, however, have I answered my own questions based upon the observations of others?
Perhaps it is the character of the British though, the stiff upper lip kind, which still gives out the "shut up and put up" culture amongst our fellow countrymen.
Perhaps you are right though, instead of "stiff upper lip" and "put up and shut up", has the nation gone soft in American proportions?????????
Sentiments are good, but there are so many who just get on with it.
Cracking point made though, BW has got me thinking, however, have I answered my own questions based upon the observations of others?
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Did anyone notice how many medals Smiler had? Wounded, cavalry charges, Cambrai and he had just THREE medals.
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Unfortunately, only in death does the public recognise such a great man.
Still, they probably won't understand what his service to others meant.
The man deserved more than a badge from a government who won't remember.
Still, they probably won't understand what his service to others meant.
The man deserved more than a badge from a government who won't remember.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
exleckie, I had to lecture to a group of 14-18 yr olds about the cold war. I guessed there may be some difficulty so I created a time line to show where they fitted in in the 20th century.
Unsurprisingly they had never heard of the cold war and I didn't have time to see if they knew of any other miles stones. To their credit they did recognise a Badger, Bear, SA 2, SA 3 and the Vulcan and Victor. Sorry Valiant men, in service and out again too soon.
Their chance of reading the obituary and linking that old soldier to WW1 and cavalry charges was zero.
Unsurprisingly they had never heard of the cold war and I didn't have time to see if they knew of any other miles stones. To their credit they did recognise a Badger, Bear, SA 2, SA 3 and the Vulcan and Victor. Sorry Valiant men, in service and out again too soon.
Their chance of reading the obituary and linking that old soldier to WW1 and cavalry charges was zero.
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Brakedwell
There is a huge difference between those of us who genuinely care about our fellow human beings and the consequences of our actions on them and the 'touchy feely tree hugging brigade'.
Are all the people who laid wreaths, floral tributes and genuine messages of condolence outside the gates of RAF Lyneham following the crash of XV179 to be tarred with your brush.
If giving a damn about your fellow man, mourning their passing and showing your feeling publicly brings us towards a better more caring society then bring it on.
Are all the people who laid wreaths, floral tributes and genuine messages of condolence outside the gates of RAF Lyneham following the crash of XV179 to be tarred with your brush.
If giving a damn about your fellow man, mourning their passing and showing your feeling publicly brings us towards a better more caring society then bring it on.
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C130 Techie,
I don't think Brakedwell was having a dig, (or me for that matter) , but merely pointing out a change in trends towards life events.
I don't think anyone can begrudge the laying of wreaths etc. In fact, we do it every armistice day.
However, I think that you will agree that the British psyche and persona has changed.
Exleckie
I don't think Brakedwell was having a dig, (or me for that matter) , but merely pointing out a change in trends towards life events.
I don't think anyone can begrudge the laying of wreaths etc. In fact, we do it every armistice day.
However, I think that you will agree that the British psyche and persona has changed.
Exleckie
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When I PVR'd my exit date was 7 days before issue of Golden Jubilee Medal..... Didn't plan that well did I? 
I was delighted to receive my Long Service and Good Conduct Medal via Royal Mail and Canada Post! I was amazed that 2 totally inept mail services could have got it to me in one peice! Thank you to Steve in PSF at Valley for not getting me to come back for it for a parade!
Badge for vetrans.... away with you all, what everyone needs is access to same discounts and deals as you got as a serviceman and a vetrans card giving you free prescriptions and medical treatment...... after all most injuries and illness are service related anyway!
Oh, and some respect from that idiot you re-elected as President (oops sorry Dictator, oops sorry I meant Prime Minister!)
(Mind you look at the Prime Minister here in Canada..... Mr Sleaze and cash in pocket for Cronies!)
Hoist to Crew Winching over and OUT!!!
I was delighted to receive my Long Service and Good Conduct Medal via Royal Mail and Canada Post! I was amazed that 2 totally inept mail services could have got it to me in one peice! Thank you to Steve in PSF at Valley for not getting me to come back for it for a parade!
Badge for vetrans.... away with you all, what everyone needs is access to same discounts and deals as you got as a serviceman and a vetrans card giving you free prescriptions and medical treatment...... after all most injuries and illness are service related anyway!
Oh, and some respect from that idiot you re-elected as President (oops sorry Dictator, oops sorry I meant Prime Minister!)
(Mind you look at the Prime Minister here in Canada..... Mr Sleaze and cash in pocket for Cronies!)Hoist to Crew Winching over and OUT!!!
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what everyone needs is access to same discounts and deals as you got as a serviceman and a vetrans card giving you free prescriptions and medical treatment...... after all most injuries and illness are service related anyway!
If you so wish, you can subscribe to a veterans card,
Here
To apply for compensation under the War Pension Scheme, which may entitle you to free prescriptions if resident in the UK, priority treatment at an NHS hospital and a pro rata percentage payment for disability (one off or weekly allowance) War Pension
Fat Albert
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exleckie
The inference of Brakedwells post was that those who respond by overtly showing grief, sympathy or condolence are touchy feely tree huggers. He may not have meant that and I would welcome his comment.
There is a very big distinction between being a 'touchy feely tree hugger' and someone who generally cares about his fellow human beings.
The Bulldog spirit to which Brakedwell refers harks back to the values held by our fathers and grandfathers. It meant that they were patriotic and proud to be British. Indeed many thousands gave their lives for that belief.
Sadly those values have been eroded over recent years and I am sure that there are many reasons for this. One reason is the large increase in the ethnic groups who have settled in this country who have not taken up those 'British ' values. I am not a racist and don't want to get into that argument, however in this day and age it is often frowned upon to be overtly 'British' by the PC brigade who are frightened offending these ethnic groups many of whom are probably embarrassed by the fuss caused in their name.
At risk of being inflamatory, patriotism isn't the beer swilling football fans waving flags and singing in the streets of our european neighbours. It is the supporting of our 'British' traditions of which there are still many and displaying a solidarity when the nations' well being is under direct threat, something that we haven't experienced on a large scale for many years thankfully.
I for one am still proud to be British and support the retention of our traditions. I also believe that it is right to treat other people with the respect that you would expect them to show you. I am comfortable with expressions of public grief and sympathy where it is appropriate and I am definately NOT a touchy feely treehugger.
If we all always considered the consequences of our actions on others before acting and took responsibility for our actions the world would be a much better place.
The inference of Brakedwells post was that those who respond by overtly showing grief, sympathy or condolence are touchy feely tree huggers. He may not have meant that and I would welcome his comment.
There is a very big distinction between being a 'touchy feely tree hugger' and someone who generally cares about his fellow human beings.
The Bulldog spirit to which Brakedwell refers harks back to the values held by our fathers and grandfathers. It meant that they were patriotic and proud to be British. Indeed many thousands gave their lives for that belief.
Sadly those values have been eroded over recent years and I am sure that there are many reasons for this. One reason is the large increase in the ethnic groups who have settled in this country who have not taken up those 'British ' values. I am not a racist and don't want to get into that argument, however in this day and age it is often frowned upon to be overtly 'British' by the PC brigade who are frightened offending these ethnic groups many of whom are probably embarrassed by the fuss caused in their name.
At risk of being inflamatory, patriotism isn't the beer swilling football fans waving flags and singing in the streets of our european neighbours. It is the supporting of our 'British' traditions of which there are still many and displaying a solidarity when the nations' well being is under direct threat, something that we haven't experienced on a large scale for many years thankfully.
I for one am still proud to be British and support the retention of our traditions. I also believe that it is right to treat other people with the respect that you would expect them to show you. I am comfortable with expressions of public grief and sympathy where it is appropriate and I am definately NOT a touchy feely treehugger.
If we all always considered the consequences of our actions on others before acting and took responsibility for our actions the world would be a much better place.
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Thanks Exleckie,
I'll enjoy paying for that card with the War Pension I am awaiting to be awarded. I wonder if its tax deductable. The Veterans card should be given to you Gratis the day you hand in your F1250 or what ever its going to be called next.
Bit useless here in Canada, but might help for something.
A cloth badge Stating "I am a veteran" is not what is needed here.
Hoist to Crew Winching Over and OUT!!!!
I'll enjoy paying for that card with the War Pension I am awaiting to be awarded. I wonder if its tax deductable. The Veterans card should be given to you Gratis the day you hand in your F1250 or what ever its going to be called next.
Bit useless here in Canada, but might help for something.
A cloth badge Stating "I am a veteran" is not what is needed here.
Hoist to Crew Winching Over and OUT!!!!
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C130 Techie,
I think that you may have me all wrong,
I wasn't infering on the wreath laying, nor on the way that people conduct themselves in grief (XV 179 was one of my aircraft whilst still in) It was merely an observation that trends have changed and people are more open to showing grief.
Yes those values have been eroded and I think that our feelings are on the same wavelength. It is difficult to intonate on these threads so I am sorry if I caused you offence.
I don't think that I referred to you as a tree hugger, neither shall I.
After all, we are on the same side in all of this,
Regards,
Exleckie
dopeonarope, Have you applied for a war pension?????
I think that you may have me all wrong,
I wasn't infering on the wreath laying, nor on the way that people conduct themselves in grief (XV 179 was one of my aircraft whilst still in) It was merely an observation that trends have changed and people are more open to showing grief.
Sadly those values have been eroded over recent years and I am sure that there are many reasons for this. One reason is the large increase in the ethnic groups who have settled in this country who have not taken up those 'British ' values. I am not a racist and don't want to get into that argument, however in this day and age it is often frowned upon to be overtly 'British' by the PC brigade who are frightened offending these ethnic groups many of whom are probably embarrassed by the fuss caused in their name.
I don't think that I referred to you as a tree hugger, neither shall I.
After all, we are on the same side in all of this,
Regards,
Exleckie
dopeonarope, Have you applied for a war pension?????
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exleckie
My last post wasn't all aimed at you, much of it was general comment.
No offence taken and you're right we probably are on the same wavelength.
Incidentally I am currently a leckie so we may well have met if you served at Lyneham.
My last post wasn't all aimed at you, much of it was general comment.
No offence taken and you're right we probably are on the same wavelength.
Incidentally I am currently a leckie so we may well have met if you served at Lyneham.
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34 years service and all I got was a Falkland medal (with bar, of course) that was well earned I promise. My American counterpart will be staggering under the weight of medals after that amount of service, AND as has already been mentioned often on this thread, as a veteran, he is treated a whole lot better than I.
Recently I had occasion to sort out something for a fancy dress party. I've aquired a red coat (ex some silver band uniform I think) and decided to go along as some sort of hybrid victorian soldier. To finish off the rig I needed a chestful of medals. My one would have looked silly and I couldn't bring myself to wear the large selection of medals inherited from my father (deceased) who fought his arse off for every one in WW2 - it felt disrespectful somehow, and though I know he would not have minded, the fact is that I do.
I then spent many hours on the internet trying to source fake medals. I thought Theatrical suppliers etc would sell them by the yard. Wrong. I could not find ANY.
Back to the drawing board. I decided to try to buy a few (of any nationality) via the internet. And now the surprise. We the (ex) military may not value our medals very highly, but the collectors/spotters do. If you don't want that tarnished old AFC or LSGC exchange it for beer vouchers!!!!!!
Or, you could always post it to me for my fancy dress!!
Recently I had occasion to sort out something for a fancy dress party. I've aquired a red coat (ex some silver band uniform I think) and decided to go along as some sort of hybrid victorian soldier. To finish off the rig I needed a chestful of medals. My one would have looked silly and I couldn't bring myself to wear the large selection of medals inherited from my father (deceased) who fought his arse off for every one in WW2 - it felt disrespectful somehow, and though I know he would not have minded, the fact is that I do.
I then spent many hours on the internet trying to source fake medals. I thought Theatrical suppliers etc would sell them by the yard. Wrong. I could not find ANY.
Back to the drawing board. I decided to try to buy a few (of any nationality) via the internet. And now the surprise. We the (ex) military may not value our medals very highly, but the collectors/spotters do. If you don't want that tarnished old AFC or LSGC exchange it for beer vouchers!!!!!!
Or, you could always post it to me for my fancy dress!!