Ghurka Rifleman PUN VC. Triumph! (Merged)
Thought police antagonist
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See below for media support. 
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/com...cle1845263.ece
By a remarkable coincidence,this Sat BBC2 has a repeat of Jeremy Clarkson's excellent prog on VC winners. Whilst ( regretably ) it will not be possible for those who made this decision to be made to sit down and view the prog, maybe they should be "advised" to do so and then have a simple Qand A session to follow.....something along the lines of "now do you understand what the award means and why that congealed lump of gristle between your ears purporting to be brain is clearly unfit for purpose? " should suffice.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/com...cle1845263.ece
By a remarkable coincidence,this Sat BBC2 has a repeat of Jeremy Clarkson's excellent prog on VC winners. Whilst ( regretably ) it will not be possible for those who made this decision to be made to sit down and view the prog, maybe they should be "advised" to do so and then have a simple Qand A session to follow.....something along the lines of "now do you understand what the award means and why that congealed lump of gristle between your ears purporting to be brain is clearly unfit for purpose? " should suffice.
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Petition Signed
I Welcome all Gurkhas into the UK. They deserve it!
I Welcome all Gurkhas into the UK. They deserve it!
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Is there a dedicated petition up yet?
I can't tell you how this disgraceful episode makes me feel; but if you have ever seen the T-shirt "When all else fails, vote from the rooftops" you'll have an idea!
If in doubt BANG OUT.
I can't tell you how this disgraceful episode makes me feel; but if you have ever seen the T-shirt "When all else fails, vote from the rooftops" you'll have an idea!
If in doubt BANG OUT.
Boiiiing! The oaf who caused all this outrage has perhaps done us, and the Gurkhas, a favour. Never ones to plead their own case, it takes a cause celebre such as WO1 Pun's to realise the shabby way in which the Gurkhas have been treated over the years by this nation. In my book if they are good enough to fight, and often to die for it, they are good enough to live in it! Aye, and on a full pension to!
Further Borneo tales: said chum who was ALO pleaded with his Gurkha oppo Captain/Subeder to let him accompany them on a patrol. Great reluctance only overcome by reminding him of embarrassment of "overload" incident if it ever emerged, i.e. blackmail. Resulting agreement heavily hedged with conditions, principal one of which that he would have a Corporal/Naik minder for the entire patrol, who would stay with him and was to be obeyed without question. For the ensuing fortnight he was accompanied throughout by the same guy who was never more than two paces away, even for calls of nature!
LET HIM IN!
Further Borneo tales: said chum who was ALO pleaded with his Gurkha oppo Captain/Subeder to let him accompany them on a patrol. Great reluctance only overcome by reminding him of embarrassment of "overload" incident if it ever emerged, i.e. blackmail. Resulting agreement heavily hedged with conditions, principal one of which that he would have a Corporal/Naik minder for the entire patrol, who would stay with him and was to be obeyed without question. For the ensuing fortnight he was accompanied throughout by the same guy who was never more than two paces away, even for calls of nature!
LET HIM IN!
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If he could get to Mexico and swim the Rio or Canada and walk South, we'd be proud to help him! Hell, I'll drive up to Canada and bring him back accross!
Last edited by Dan Reno; 27th May 2007 at 18:12.
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WO1 Pun VC
I have never posted before, but this thread has enraged me to such a pitch that I must say something.
I can only offer a more recent example of working with Ghurkas. I came back from a tour in the Falklands last year, and while I was there i spent a week on 'facility improvement duty' with a group of Ghurkas. After a hard day lugging stuff about, digging, etc; i'd go home and lie down shattered, and they'd go to the gym to 'keep fit' (their words)! I have never met such a hard-working, devoted and cheerful bunch of chaps. They even put the loyalty and behaviour of our own servicemen to shame at times (not said easily).
The situation concerning WO Pun is unforgiveable. As for not sending him his own VC, surely the wishes of the original recipient outweigh the historical significance suggested by the museum. It sounds blunt, but surely they'll have it for years after he's gone. I hope the Museum is ashamed of its narrow-minded comments.
It goes without saying that e-mails are enroute, and the general petition is signed.
I would like to thank all the previous posters for bringing this to our attention.
I can only offer a more recent example of working with Ghurkas. I came back from a tour in the Falklands last year, and while I was there i spent a week on 'facility improvement duty' with a group of Ghurkas. After a hard day lugging stuff about, digging, etc; i'd go home and lie down shattered, and they'd go to the gym to 'keep fit' (their words)! I have never met such a hard-working, devoted and cheerful bunch of chaps. They even put the loyalty and behaviour of our own servicemen to shame at times (not said easily).
The situation concerning WO Pun is unforgiveable. As for not sending him his own VC, surely the wishes of the original recipient outweigh the historical significance suggested by the museum. It sounds blunt, but surely they'll have it for years after he's gone. I hope the Museum is ashamed of its narrow-minded comments.
It goes without saying that e-mails are enroute, and the general petition is signed.
I would like to thank all the previous posters for bringing this to our attention.
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WO1 Pun
Posted to museum curator:
Sir
If what I read in the papers is correct, that you are refusing Mr Pun the opportunity to again wear his medal then you are of the same ilk as the individual who has refused him residency in this country. It would be within the realms of your ability to facilitate this great mans wish, especialy at a time when the government of the nation he served appears to have turned its back on him. In your shoes I would pay for him to be flown to the most convenient battalion, where he could take the salute at a formal parade wearing his medal. If this was in the UK I would join the long queue to buy him a drink and shake his hand.
If the story is true, I regret that the Regimental museum does not uphold the standards of sacrifice and integrity Mr Pun and his comrades display.
If the story is untrue please accept my most profound appology. I have never been so incensed as I am about Mr Pun's treatment which excedes the shoddy treatment of the veterans of the Brigade as a whole.
Yours aye
Andrew Sayers
Major BW (rtd) and formerly Pte
Sir
If what I read in the papers is correct, that you are refusing Mr Pun the opportunity to again wear his medal then you are of the same ilk as the individual who has refused him residency in this country. It would be within the realms of your ability to facilitate this great mans wish, especialy at a time when the government of the nation he served appears to have turned its back on him. In your shoes I would pay for him to be flown to the most convenient battalion, where he could take the salute at a formal parade wearing his medal. If this was in the UK I would join the long queue to buy him a drink and shake his hand.
If the story is true, I regret that the Regimental museum does not uphold the standards of sacrifice and integrity Mr Pun and his comrades display.
If the story is untrue please accept my most profound appology. I have never been so incensed as I am about Mr Pun's treatment which excedes the shoddy treatment of the veterans of the Brigade as a whole.
Yours aye
Andrew Sayers
Major BW (rtd) and formerly Pte
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Well done to Sycamore for bringing this to our attention over at the 'Rotorheads' forum.
Thank you so much. I have signed the petition and hope that something positive will come of all your efforts.
Thank you so much. I have signed the petition and hope that something positive will come of all your efforts.
This just highlights the state our country is in!
I intend to highlight this case to my Boss (a Lord and employer of Gurkhas) in the hope that he can rattle some cages.
I also intend to print it out and gve it to the Pole I had an argument with yesterday over her right to live in the UK and her right to all the benefits that go with it.
I am outraged!!!!
FNW
I intend to highlight this case to my Boss (a Lord and employer of Gurkhas) in the hope that he can rattle some cages.
I also intend to print it out and gve it to the Pole I had an argument with yesterday over her right to live in the UK and her right to all the benefits that go with it.
I am outraged!!!!
FNW
This is the man everyone should be emailing. I see that like most of the government he has neither military service nor had a proper job. Once I calm done I will be sending Mr Byrne an email.
[email protected]
Liam Byrne - minister for immigration and asylum
Liam Byrne MP is Minister of State for immigration and asylum.
Responsibilities
Liam Byrne MP is responsible for:
immigration
asylum
nationality, naturalisation and citizenship
e-borders
ID cards
departmental reform
He is also the Ministerial Adviser on management issues.
Biography
Liam Byrne previously spent a year as Under-Secretary of State for Care Services at the Department of Health.
Liam Byrne joined the Labour Party when he was 15 and was elected to the seat of Birmingham Hodge Hill in the by-election in July 2004. He lives in Birmingham with his wife Sarah and three children.
Liam was educated at Manchester University where he graduated with first class honours and was elected leader of the Student’s Union, and Harvard Business School where he was a Fulbright Scholar. He advised the Labour Party on general election organisation between 1996-7 before managing Labour’s national business campaign.
Liam began his career at Andersen Consulting and worked for NM Rothschilds before starting a venture-backed technology company in 2000. Liam is the author of Local Government Transformed (1996); Information Age Government (1998); New Strategies for Full Employment (2001); and Britain in 2020 (forethought, 2003). He was also co-editor of Reinventing Government Again (2004).
Liam is a member of Amicus, the Christian Socialist Movement, the Fabian Society and was formerly an Associate Fellow of the Social Market Foundation.
[email protected]
Liam Byrne - minister for immigration and asylum
Liam Byrne MP is Minister of State for immigration and asylum.
Responsibilities
Liam Byrne MP is responsible for:
immigration
asylum
nationality, naturalisation and citizenship
e-borders
ID cards
departmental reform
He is also the Ministerial Adviser on management issues.
Biography
Liam Byrne previously spent a year as Under-Secretary of State for Care Services at the Department of Health.
Liam Byrne joined the Labour Party when he was 15 and was elected to the seat of Birmingham Hodge Hill in the by-election in July 2004. He lives in Birmingham with his wife Sarah and three children.
Liam was educated at Manchester University where he graduated with first class honours and was elected leader of the Student’s Union, and Harvard Business School where he was a Fulbright Scholar. He advised the Labour Party on general election organisation between 1996-7 before managing Labour’s national business campaign.
Liam began his career at Andersen Consulting and worked for NM Rothschilds before starting a venture-backed technology company in 2000. Liam is the author of Local Government Transformed (1996); Information Age Government (1998); New Strategies for Full Employment (2001); and Britain in 2020 (forethought, 2003). He was also co-editor of Reinventing Government Again (2004).
Liam is a member of Amicus, the Christian Socialist Movement, the Fabian Society and was formerly an Associate Fellow of the Social Market Foundation.
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Im incensed - something like this makes me ashamed to be British. Petition signed.
In terms of MPs to contact, what about that Veterans minister that was involved in the Veterans Statue programme last week? Maybe we could contact him too.
In terms of MPs to contact, what about that Veterans minister that was involved in the Veterans Statue programme last week? Maybe we could contact him too.
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I have never been so disgusted with a member of this country who is supposed to represent the interests of the British public. Mr Byrne and co have probably never been, like most of us here, in the kind of dreadful situations that WO Pun and his fellow countrymen must have found themselves in. If it wasn't for his and the bravery of many others, Mr Byrne would probably speaking a different language right now.
WO Pun and all his fellow countrymen, in agreeing to serve this country should have every right to be a British citizen and all the benefits that it brings.
Not to allow him in because he "failed to demonstrate strong ties with the UK" is just unbelievable. I'm just speechless, he couldn't have possibly shown any more. Putting yourself in a position where so many gave the ultimate sacrifice, well, you couldn't show more commitment if you tried.
It is not often that I find myself embarrassed to say that I'm British. If I was to ever meet WO Pun, then I don't think that I could look him in the eye knowing how much this country has let him down...
And as for the curator of the museum, shame on you sir...
Petition signed, e-mails on their way...
WO Pun and all his fellow countrymen, in agreeing to serve this country should have every right to be a British citizen and all the benefits that it brings.
Not to allow him in because he "failed to demonstrate strong ties with the UK" is just unbelievable. I'm just speechless, he couldn't have possibly shown any more. Putting yourself in a position where so many gave the ultimate sacrifice, well, you couldn't show more commitment if you tried.
It is not often that I find myself embarrassed to say that I'm British. If I was to ever meet WO Pun, then I don't think that I could look him in the eye knowing how much this country has let him down...
And as for the curator of the museum, shame on you sir...
Petition signed, e-mails on their way...
Last edited by Pilot Pacifier; 27th May 2007 at 22:19.
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"Liam is a member of Amicus, the Christian Socialist Movement, the Fabian Society and was formerly an Associate Fellow of the Social Market Foundation."
A F*&king Socialist, of course!!!
If he had his way all service-personnel would be deported as undesirables.
Expect no help from him... in fact, expect him to file a complaint against you.
A F*&king Socialist, of course!!!
If he had his way all service-personnel would be deported as undesirables.
Expect no help from him... in fact, expect him to file a complaint against you.
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General petition signed, is there a specific one yet? I can't find one.
I don't particularly care for the ministers we have, but we need them to work with us on this one.
Boiiing and thank you FNW, a friendly word of advice dispatched to dear Liam!
The various citations on this thread, including that of Rifleman Pun, VC, dwell rightly on the supreme courage of those Gurkhas. But there is another side that is also important to remember, and that is of their wonderful generosity and hospitality. Which leads me to my next tale!
A couple of years ago, Mrs C and I headed back down the M4 to the Cotswolds to attend a wedding. Having a little time in hand we made a slight diversion to an ex RAF base now occupied by the Army. We parked outside a house(MQ) that had been our first home, and made to take a photo or two before going on our way. The front door opened and a man came out asking if he could be of help. I realised at once that he was a Gurkha Officer, despite him being in civvies. We made our apologies, but explained that his home had been our home over 32 years previously. He immediately invited us inside. We demurred for it was 9 o'clock in the morning! He insisted, his wife appeared, she insisted, so we were ushered inside to an immaculate home that would have passed any AOC inspection, as though they had known of our visit for weeks! The house itself of course was at once familiar and different as any place not seen for so many years. We reluctantly had to leave as time was now short so exchanged details, and receive and send Christmas(!) cards to this day. Wonderful warm friendly people, but be very very glad that they are on our side!
Let him in!
The various citations on this thread, including that of Rifleman Pun, VC, dwell rightly on the supreme courage of those Gurkhas. But there is another side that is also important to remember, and that is of their wonderful generosity and hospitality. Which leads me to my next tale!
A couple of years ago, Mrs C and I headed back down the M4 to the Cotswolds to attend a wedding. Having a little time in hand we made a slight diversion to an ex RAF base now occupied by the Army. We parked outside a house(MQ) that had been our first home, and made to take a photo or two before going on our way. The front door opened and a man came out asking if he could be of help. I realised at once that he was a Gurkha Officer, despite him being in civvies. We made our apologies, but explained that his home had been our home over 32 years previously. He immediately invited us inside. We demurred for it was 9 o'clock in the morning! He insisted, his wife appeared, she insisted, so we were ushered inside to an immaculate home that would have passed any AOC inspection, as though they had known of our visit for weeks! The house itself of course was at once familiar and different as any place not seen for so many years. We reluctantly had to leave as time was now short so exchanged details, and receive and send Christmas(!) cards to this day. Wonderful warm friendly people, but be very very glad that they are on our side!
Let him in!
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23 June is the anniversary of Mr Pun's heroic action.
The Gurkha memorial is located between Embankment and Horse Guards.
Some sort of vigil or commemoration would be appropriate on this particular Saturday, watch this space: http://www.arrse.co.uk/cpgn2/Forums/...start=405.html
The Gurkha memorial is located between Embankment and Horse Guards.
Some sort of vigil or commemoration would be appropriate on this particular Saturday, watch this space: http://www.arrse.co.uk/cpgn2/Forums/...start=405.html
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you may be interested to read what Mr. Pun's solicitor posted recently:
They didn't even give him an interview. We gave them a booklet about his herosim and full detials of his VC. They even had his army service book, which his CO described him on discharge as having an "exemplary" record and that "his gallantry speaks for itself". Can I be honest, I suspect they didn't even read his application and supporting statement properly. They got a full list of his illnesses. It just sticks of a rubber-stamping job. I don't personally blame any individual, as the Government has to take the can on this one.
We intend making direct representations to Liam Byrne, the Immigration Minister, so that it hits his office first thing Tuesday. HRH Prince of Wales (President of the VC & GC Assoc) received a couriered letter on this on Friday.
Listen there are many Services forums out there. I've been trying to follow them all, but it's difficult to catch everything. I just tried to join RAOConLine, but it takes time for your sign-up to be approved. So if you are members of other forums, can you please tell them my firm and my client really appreciates what is being done and what is being said in support of him. It restores my faith in this country. Maybe you can post these thanks on other forums and also tell them to tell their friends about this snub to the Gurkhas and about www.vchero.co.uk . I would be grateful if you could thank the RAF and Royal Navy, as well as all the Army forums for the help to my client. Honestly, your emails will shake the Immigration Judge and the Government.
Thanks.
Kieran O'Rourke
Howe & Co Solicitors
Ealing, London
Petition already signed and more emails going out. Keep revs up.
Bob C
They didn't even give him an interview. We gave them a booklet about his herosim and full detials of his VC. They even had his army service book, which his CO described him on discharge as having an "exemplary" record and that "his gallantry speaks for itself". Can I be honest, I suspect they didn't even read his application and supporting statement properly. They got a full list of his illnesses. It just sticks of a rubber-stamping job. I don't personally blame any individual, as the Government has to take the can on this one.
We intend making direct representations to Liam Byrne, the Immigration Minister, so that it hits his office first thing Tuesday. HRH Prince of Wales (President of the VC & GC Assoc) received a couriered letter on this on Friday.
Listen there are many Services forums out there. I've been trying to follow them all, but it's difficult to catch everything. I just tried to join RAOConLine, but it takes time for your sign-up to be approved. So if you are members of other forums, can you please tell them my firm and my client really appreciates what is being done and what is being said in support of him. It restores my faith in this country. Maybe you can post these thanks on other forums and also tell them to tell their friends about this snub to the Gurkhas and about www.vchero.co.uk . I would be grateful if you could thank the RAF and Royal Navy, as well as all the Army forums for the help to my client. Honestly, your emails will shake the Immigration Judge and the Government.
Thanks.
Kieran O'Rourke
Howe & Co Solicitors
Ealing, London
Petition already signed and more emails going out. Keep revs up.
Bob C
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Bob C
Thanks for your support mate. As much as we like yank bashing we only do it when we are bored
The support of you and your collegues at this difficult time in our military history is appreciated. Rest assured as much as we think that G Dubya (and Tony Bliar) is an asshole, when it comes to you guys on the ground (or in the air/sea) we are with you 100% of the way.
A message sent to the said Mr O'Rourke
Mr Kieran O'Rourke
Thank you my friend for your kind support on what is a moment of disgrace in our military history. I would be grateful if you could enquire/register (the intent) if we the people of PPRuNE and AARSE can assemble together as a body on the 23rd June at the Gurkha memorial in London (Does this have to be a formal request or just a notification to the City Of Westminster Police) for the purpose of illustrating our condemnation of not only this decision, but also the adverse treatment of the Gurkha community in general.
I live in central London and am willing to help in any organisational capacity whatsoever. We have enough support now in the Mil community to make this an overwhelming winner.
Call me a Cynic, but i feel that PM Bliar has been waiting (ney baiting) this one, so that he can go out on a high with the population. If that is the case i do not give two hoots(whatever that means ) all i care about is exploiting this whole situation to ensure that Mr Pun VC and all of his erstwhile collegues in the Gurkha regiments recieve rightful access to the United Kingdom and its care and services.
Yours Thankfully
Tigs
(Have flown the Gurkhas on many occasions and they, like our boys, are top notch)
Thanks for your support mate. As much as we like yank bashing we only do it when we are bored
The support of you and your collegues at this difficult time in our military history is appreciated. Rest assured as much as we think that G Dubya (and Tony Bliar) is an asshole, when it comes to you guys on the ground (or in the air/sea) we are with you 100% of the way.A message sent to the said Mr O'Rourke
Mr Kieran O'Rourke
Thank you my friend for your kind support on what is a moment of disgrace in our military history. I would be grateful if you could enquire/register (the intent) if we the people of PPRuNE and AARSE can assemble together as a body on the 23rd June at the Gurkha memorial in London (Does this have to be a formal request or just a notification to the City Of Westminster Police) for the purpose of illustrating our condemnation of not only this decision, but also the adverse treatment of the Gurkha community in general.
I live in central London and am willing to help in any organisational capacity whatsoever. We have enough support now in the Mil community to make this an overwhelming winner.
Call me a Cynic, but i feel that PM Bliar has been waiting (ney baiting) this one, so that he can go out on a high with the population. If that is the case i do not give two hoots(whatever that means
) all i care about is exploiting this whole situation to ensure that Mr Pun VC and all of his erstwhile collegues in the Gurkha regiments recieve rightful access to the United Kingdom and its care and services.Yours Thankfully
Tigs
(Have flown the Gurkhas on many occasions and they, like our boys, are top notch)
Last edited by Tigs2; 28th May 2007 at 04:19.