The Sandbag Times Issue No:18

Contents
Thursday 19th May 2016
Email: info@sandbagtimes.com
3 Soldier sacked 72 hrs before pension
A soldier has been sacked just 3 days before
qualifying for his full pension
4 Former Army Captain scoops award
Army Captain from Cowling gets ‘Working
Together’ award
5 Last Sea Harrier takes final bow
India retires its last operational Sea Harrier
prior to introducing the MiG 29k
6 Australia remembers Viet Nam battle
Australia commemorates 50 th anniversary of
the Battle of Long Tan
The Invictus Games Review Page 7
13 Forces Online
A look at the ultimate Veterans Directory
prior to Forces Online Radio going live.
14 Canada Calling
Robby McRobb talks about all things
Canadian.
Forces Online – The Veterans Directory Page 13
Sponsored by
15 Have Faith
This week: Ever Present
17 The Historic Tommy Atkins
The occupation of the Channel
Islands during WW2
22 Veterans Radio Stations
What’s happening on your favourite
radio stations
27 SBT Information
A page dedicated to back issues,
information, book reviews etc
28 Time for a NAAFI Break
Fun & Games on the final pages.
We are always looking for new ideas
and competitions from you

Invictus Games 2016:
A round-up from Orlando after
the iconic Veterans event. P.7
Forces Online:
An introduction to the largest
Veterans Directory online. P.13
Soldier Sacked just 72 hours
before qualifying for pension
AN Iraq war veteran was
made redundant just 72
HOURS before ­qualifying
for a full Army ­pension.
Sergeant Lee Nolan will lose
out on at least £100,000 after
he became one of 20,000
soldiers who are being axed
in savage military cuts. He
was so furious at losing his
job, his Army home and
financial ­security after
risking his life for his country
that he sent his six military
medals to David Cameron.
Read more on this story here
Portsmouth Veterans given Council Housing priority
Veterans who live in Portsmouth will now be given council housing before other families looking for
accommodation. Finally it has been recognised that these veterans have fought for their country and
placed their lives on the line to protect our future and sovereignty, if they require somewhere to live
they should be high up on the waiting list. The decision has been made possible due to the Armed
Forces Act which gives
permission to public bodies
to give veterans special
privileges. Portsmouth City
Council signed the Covenant
back in 2013 but not much
changed so they’ve really
pushed to make a difference.
Portsmouth, a military city, is
trying to ensure veterans get
as much support as they
require not just from
charities but from the
Council too. Portsmouth
City Council was given a
bronze award for the way it treats service families and veterans in the city, lets hope more councils
across the UK follow in their footsteps. Have your say at the Sandbag Times Forum.
Ex-Army captain accuses government of
'abandoning' Northern Ireland veterans
A highly decorated soldier
has accused the government
of abandoning Northern
Ireland military veterans who
need help for serious
physical and mental injuries.
Captain Doug Beattie was
awarded the Military Cross
for bravery while serving with
the Royal Irish Regiment
in Afghanistan. He said the
government was failing to
implement the Military
Covenant, a promise to look
after members of the armed
forces and their families. The
MOD has rejected the
claims. It insists veterans in
Northern Ireland are able to
access the aftercare service
they need. For more on this
article click here.
Thief targets sleeping war hero
A Veteran who survived World
War Two naval bombings tells how
he confronted an intruder who
crept into his home. He survived
World War naval bombings as he
risked his life for his country. But
navy hero Tom Scott has now been
targeted by a despicable thief in his
own home. Today a manhunt is on
for the cowardly crook who crept
into the 94-year-old’s bedroom as
he took a nap. Frail Tom, who is
recovering from a broken hip,
awoke on Friday morning to find a
stranger rifling through his
belongings. The thief fled after the
veteran confronted him, but he had
already helped himself to all the
cash his victim kept in his
bungalow. The burglary came just
six weeks after Tom was separated
from his wife of more than 70
years, Betty, for the first time since
the war, after she was forced to
move into a care home following a
fall. Tom’s carer believes whoever
targeted the vulnerable dad must
have known where he kept his
money and deliberately targeted
him knowing he would be unable to
fight back. But the defiant
pensioner is determined not to let
the burglar win. He said: “I was
totally helpless because I had just
broken my hip. I couldn’t do
anything about it. I have always felt
safe in this house, but now I make
sure I take all the precautions and
keep the door locked. I was angry,
but I’m not scared.” Northumbria
Police are now appealing for
witnesses to the incident, which
happened at around 10.15am.
Anyone with information is asked
to ring Northumbria Police 101
quoting reference number 317
29/04/16. Read more on this story
at this link.

Former Army Captain scoops award.
A former army captain from Cowling who
overcame a life-changing brain injury and
now helps other injured ex-service personnel
has won a coveted national award. Rob
Cromey-Hawke has received the individual
Working Together accolade in the
Soldiering On Awards. The presentation
was made during a ceremony in London by
Major General Martin Rutledge. Mr
Cromey-Hawke sustained serious brain and
spinal injuries during a second tour of
Afghanistan in 2012, when the vehicle he
was travelling in drove over an Improvised
Explosive Device. The incident left him with
memory and concentration difficulties and
chronic pain. He got involved with Team
True Spirit, which helped to boost his
confidence and self-esteem, before
becoming part of the Invictus Games. He
took part in the Games in 2014. Mr
Cromey-Hawke also competed in last year's
Translator commits suicide after being booted out by UK
The Government has been
accused of ‘shameful’ treatment
of Afghan war translators over the
case of an interpreter who
reportedly killed himself while
facing deportation from Britain.
Nangyalai Dawoodzai is
understood to have worked for
the British Army in Afghanistan
for three years before fleeing the
country after receiving death
threats from the Taliban. The 29-
year-old, who paid people
smugglers to reach the UK, was
told his request for asylum in
Britain had been rejected when it
was found he had been
fingerprinted in Italy on arrival in
Europe, according to the Daily
Mail. Faced with being sent back
to Italy to claim political asylum
there, he killed himself, a fellow
Warrior Games, scooping six gold medals.
He was part of a 40-strong British Armed
Forces team, supported by Help for Heroes,
which took part in the event in Virginia. His
golden haul featured five medals in
swimming and one in cycling. He also
helped to establish the Headway Forces
Support Group – the first group of its kind
to offer dedicated backing to service
personnel and veterans with brain injuries.
Mr Cromey-Hawke said he was delighted to
receive the award. "I am honoured to be
recognised in the Working Together
category” The Working Together category
was sponsored by the Forces in Mind Trust,
established to help ex-service personnel and
their families make a successful transition
back to civilian life. "I hope we can help and
support many more veterans and their
families affected by brain injury.“ Read the
full story here.
translator told the newspaper.
Liberal Democrat peer Lord
Ashdown, who has championed
the cause of Afghan war
interpreters for years, said their
treatment was scandalous. ‘This is
the most tragic example of a
shameful Government policy,’ he
told the Daily Mail. In March,
David Cameron told the House
of Commons a set of conditions
for Afghan interpreters to be
given sanctuary in Britain had
been agreed while in coalition
with the Lib Dems. According to
the Daily Mail, at least three other
interpreters who served UK forces
in war zones currently face
deportation because they were
fingerprinted in mainland Europe
before arriving in the UK.
The SBT Says: There are times
when I am ashamed to say I am
part of the UK and this is one of
them. How disgusting of the
government to turn their backs on
these brave people that have
sacrificed so much. I do hope
this is the last time we turn our
back on those who help us. Read
the full story here.
Hero who 'died twice' takes part in Invictus Games
A Devon man who suffered devastating injuries in a bomb blast
in Afghanistan travelled to the sunny city of Orlando, Florida, to
take part in this year's Invictus games. Paul Vice MC, 32, from
Exeter, served as a Royal Marine for 16 years before suffering
life changing injuries in August 2011 whilst in Afghanistan.
Whilst being flown back to safety the father-of-four was
described as "dying twice". Despite the bomb blast, leading to
Paul being eventually forced to have his left leg amputated in
November 2014, he has taken part in the Invictus Games, a
sporting event for wounded, ill and injured service men and
women, numerous times. He said: "When I first got injured I
did wallow. But in 2013 I took part in the Warrior Games and it
gave me a new lease of life. See how Paul and the rest of the
team did in Orlando here or read our Invictus Games article.

Homeless US
Female Veterans &
their families to be
homed at new
facility in Augusta
Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope is being
converted into transitional housing for
female veterans and their children.
The executive director of the Betsy Ann Ross
House of Hope says she'll have room for nine
women and their children. Martha Everatt St.
Pierre said she was researching ways to help
her homeless veteran brother when she
realized there were no places for homeless
female veterans and their children. She hopes
the organization she founded in 2014 becomes
that place. St. Pierre and the Betsy Ann Ross
House of Hope closed on the purchase of a
large home at 8 Summer St. in Augusta last
month with hopes of turning it into a place for
nine homeless female veterans and their
children. “These women haven’t done
anything wrong, but they cannot get out of the
circumstances they find themselves in,” St.
Pierre said while touring the home last week.
“These are women that served our country,
Worlds Last Operational Sea
Harrier takes it’s final bow
The Indian Navy has retired the last
operational Sea Harrier fighter and inducted a
new squadron of MiG 29K planes at a formal
ceremony at its naval station in Goa. The
British manufactured Sea Harriers, which have
been the mainstay of the Indian Navy's aerial
arm since their induction in 1983 and were
stationed aboard the INS Vikrant, has been
replaced by the Russian MiG 29Ks, which are
all-weather carrier-based multirole fighter
aircraft. "A ceremony for de-induction of the
Sea Harrier and induction of MiG 29K fighter
aircraft took place at INS Hansa, Vasco," on
11 th May according to official sources.
and they need our help.” The 178-year-old
house, which is assessed at $224,000
including land, has more than 4,000 square
feet, about 3,200 of which will be used to
house homeless veterans. St. Pierre said the
house also has an attic she hopes to
eventually convert into an efficiency
apartment. The house will accommodate
the veterans for up to two years, and St.
Pierre hopes that once they leave the
program, they will have “money in the
bank, a place to go that will be their home
and will be on solid footing.” According to
the Maine State Housing Authority, there
was a 46 percent drop in veteran
homelessness in the state from 2014 to
2015. There were 32 female veterans that
accessed shelters in 2014; last year there
were 16. But St. Pierre said even one
homeless female veteran is too many. Most of
these women, she said, will do whatever they
can so as not to admit they are homeless,
including couch-surfing and staying in bad
relationships. St. Pierre hopes to have the
house open sometime in the next few months
and said if there aren’t enough veterans at the
start, the house will accept women who’ve
suffered domestic violence. Homeless women
are less likely to visit shelters, which are often
multi-gender, because they’ve been the victims
of domestic or sexual abuse. “It takes true
collaboration to meet the needs of some of
our most vulnerable veterans,” said a
spokesman for the VA Maine Healthcare
Systems. “We are thankful for grassroots
efforts to end veteran homelessness.”
USO Celebrates 75 Years with
President and First Lady
President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe
Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill
Biden, the vice president’s spouse, joined
the USO in celebrating 75 years of service to
America’s troops and their families during a
special entertainment show. For 75 years, the
USO has served the men and women in the
U.S. military and their families throughout
their service; from the moment they join,
through their deployments and as they
transition back to their communities. Special
guests at the show included former “Late
Show” host David Letterman and comedians
Mike Birbiglia,, John Mulaney and Jeff Ross.

Australia remembers Vietnam Battle Canadian military defends media in Iraq Māori war vets take claim to tribunal
Military officials have defended the
publication of photos and videos that
clearly identify Canadian special forces
soldiers operating in Iraq. CTV and the
Toronto Star shot and published the
photos and video last month, after being
invited to join defence chief Gen. Jonathan
Vance on a tour of the Canadian mission in
Iraq. Several members of the Canadian
Special Operations Regiment from
Petawawa, Ottawa are clearly identifiable in
the footage, with one even sitting down in
an interview to discuss what the unit has
been doing in northern Iraq. A Military
spokeswoman said in an email that
“considerations for the safety of our
deployed personnel and the security of
military operations are at the forefront of
our military planning and decision-making
processes.” She did not say who decided to
let the soldiers be filmed and
photographed. To read the full story
please click on this link
Australia’s Vietnam War veterans will be
honoured with a series of commemorative
events this year to mark the 50th anniversary
of the Battle of Long Tan, Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said today.
The Battle of Long Tan took place on 18
August 1966. It was the most costly single
battle fought by Australian soldiers in the
Vietnam War, involving 105 Australians and
three New Zealanders from D Company
6RAR and more than 2,000 enemy troops. A
total of 17 Australians were killed in action
and 25 were wounded, one of whom later
died of his wounds. The ‘Saluting Their
Service’ program will provide ex-service
organisations with the opportunity to
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the
Vietnam War. A commemorative dinner for
the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long
Tan will be held on Friday, 19 August and
the Vietnam War Commemorative Concert
will held on Sunday, 21 August, both at the
Brisbane Convention Centre. Read more on
this story here.
The Waitangi Tribunal is hearing claims from
Northland Māori war veterans and their
families at historic Otiria Marae near
Kaikohe. The hearing is the third in the
tribunal's ongoing inquiry into the impact of
war on Māori. The veterans have said, while
war took a terrible toll on all who fought, the
consequences for Māori were disastrous.
Evidence to be heard this week was expected
to include the stories of men who went to war
healthy and sober and returned traumatised -
drinking, smoking and violent. The veterans
said many returned to find their ancestral land
had been taken by the Crown and given in
resettlement schemes to Pākehā soldiers.
Today, one Māori war veteran made an
emotional plea for the government to
repatriate the remains of soldiers killed
overseas in places like Malaysia. Major Rihari
Shepherd, who served in Malaysia and
Vietnam, said about 60 soldiers were buried
in Asian countries in cemeteries that were in
some cases neglected and full of rubbish.
Read more here.
What this F-22 did frightened the life out of an Iranian Pilot.
The F-22 Raptor’s reputation as the King of
the Skies was proven in it’s first confirmed
engagement against enemy warplanes. The
engagement started when an Iranian F-4
Phantom began closing on an American
MQ-1 Predator drone. Because of the F-22’s
advanced technology, the Iranian had no
idea he was in the area – until it was too late.
Just days earlier, Iranian Su-25’s had
attempted to shoot down another drone and
the military decided to provide fighter escorts
for the ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance,
Reconnaissance) drone missions. It was Lt.
Col. Kevin “Showtime” Sutterfield flying his
F-22 when it was time to test the Raptor
against an enemy plane. Showtime’s F-22
spotted the enemy plane approaching the
drone and vectored to engage. What
happened next is unbelievable. “If a
combatant commander wants airpower there’s
only one number to call. When they dial the
phone, “Showtime may answer.” Showtime is
an Air Force Reservist at Elmendorf.” He
flies the F-22. He flies it really well. Did you
guys see the news clip not long ago about the
Iranian F-4s that intercepted a remotely
piloted aircraft out over the Arabian Gulf?
Then they were warned off? This is the guy
who warned them off.” After he rejoined on
them, flew underneath their aircraft to check
out their weapons load without them knowing
he was there, and then pulled up on their left
wing and then called them and said you really
ought to go home. [Laughter].” Show Time is
air superiority. It’s still foundational to
everything we do in the United States
military. Without it, everything else has to
change. We can’t afford to forget that.”
That’s right, the Raptor flew underneath the
enemy plane and inspected it’s loadout
without the pilot having a clue what was
happening. The Iranian’s first clue something
was amiss was the hulking shape of the F-22
pulling alongside and a command to leave on
international channels.

“This has never been
about the medals”
Prince Harry
The moment I watched the promo for
the Invictus Games 2016 featuring the
Queen and Prince Harry getting a
message from the President and
Michelle Obama I knew we were in for
something special.
Yet again Prince Harry has completely
outdone himself with an amazing
competition. Well designed, well
planned, stunning presentation and
sporting competition at the very highest
level.
For me, it really began on Sunday
watching the documentary with Nick
Knowles. He did it to me again, his
insight into veterans is so deep you
cannot help but get leaky eyes. But
during the heartbreaking stories came
that fantastic squaddie humour with
Prince Harry getting stuck in and
getting as much as he was giving. It is
truly amazing how he has managed to
cross the line so well from ‘Royal’ to
‘Soldier’ to ‘Veteran’. Never have I
seen anyone connect with a member of
the Royal family so easily. Actually,
that’s not quite true. I do remember
one lady who was as magical with
people. His mother. I had the
pleasure of serving in her Regiment
from the time she took over as Colonel
of the Regiment for 1 st Bn Royal
Hampshire Regiment until the day that
2 nd Bn Princess of Wales’s Royal
Regiment (Queens and Royal
Hampshires) lowered her in to the
ground. His personality and drive is a
mirror image of that wonderful lady
and serves him as a great credit and
inspiration to everyone.
Back to the games. As a supporter of
Team GB I was delighted to hear of
our first major success of the games
with Mickey Yule winning Gold in the
Men’s Lightweight Powerlifting. This
seemed to start an avalanche of medals
for the UK with another 5 medals
being won in the powerlifting for team
GB including a clean sweep in the
Mens Heavyweight class. Other
successes included Indoor rowing,
cycling (handbike and road), Archery,
Swimming and Track & Field events.
All in all, Team UK picked up an
amazing 131 medals.
One of the defining moments of the
games came when Sgt Elizabeth Marks
asked Prince Harry to give her Gold
Medal to Papworth Hospital.
Elizabeth became ill on the eve of the
London Games in 2014 with a lung
condition. Speaking of the
Cambridgeshire hospital she said "They
absolutely saved my life and I can't thank
the UK enough.” Sgt Marks won all
four swimming events she entered at the
Invictus Games in Orlando for injured
military personnel and veterans. She
chose to give her 100m freestyle gold to
the hospital, as it had been touched by
the prince, who came up with the idea
for the games.
Sgt Marks has served in the US army
since she was 17, but in 2010 suffered a
serious hip injury that left her with no
feeling in her left leg. Two years ago,
she became very ill after arriving in the
UK for the games. She woke up from
an induced coma 10 days later in an
army hospital in Germany. "I was in
hospital in London and went into
respiratory distress syndrome, they
shipped a team down from Papworth
who put me on to ECMO
(extracorporeal membrane oxygenation)
life support, and that ultimately saved
my life," she said. "But they absolutely
saved my life and I can't thank the UK
enough for having that kind of medical
support and taking such good care of
me. So I gave Prince Harry one of my
medals and hope it will find its way back
to Papworth.” She also paid tribute to
the NHS and said: "Thank you, I'll never
be able to repay you, but what you're
doing is wonderful.” Papworth's
temporary chief executive said she was
"delighted" by both Sgt Marks'
"extraordinary" achievement and gesture.
Claire Tripp said: "We wish Elizabeth
the very best and would very much like
to meet her so we can thank her
personally.” The hospital's medical
director Dr Roger Hall said the team
was “extremely proud” of Sgt Marks and
described her donation as “generous and
unexpected”. Just another testament to
the spirit of this year’s Invictus Games.

Incredibly, not all of the competitors
bear physical injuries. The games are
also open to those who have mental
health conditions such as depression
and post traumatic stress disorder.
David 'Scotty' Darroch served for 10
years in the army in Bosnia and
Northern Ireland but, 18 years after
leaving, he was diagnosed with
depression and post-traumatic stress
disorder. He said "Sport is a massive
tool for recovery and gives me that
goal, that mission and that purpose,
and it has played a crucial role for me,
having suffered with a mental illness for
over 20 years. "After leaving the
services and no longer representing
your country, this is a great chance to
stand here with my country's flag on my
chest to represent the country with the
men and women I used to serve with.
I got into sport through Help for
Heroes after suffering with a mental
illness for over 20 years. Using sport as
that recovery mechanism to get me out
of the house every day gives me that
goal, that mission and purpose and it
has played a key role in my recovery.
If I could reach out to anyone back
home, especially someone suffering
from mental illness, I would say you
can do it, I am testament to that. It
took me a long time to ask for help but
I'm so glad I did. There is nothing to
be ashamed of. I was inspired seeing
guys taking part in sport and hopefully
I can inspire others. "Without watching
the Invictus Games I wouldn't be here -
Invictus is powerful.“
Another great inspirational story is that
of Susan Warner. Susan sustained
multiple fractures in an accident during
service in 2009 while she was serving as
a Royal Navy Senior Nursing Officer.
She was in plaster over much of her
body for some time and gradually
moved from a wheelchair to crutches
and has been working hard to build
muscle strength and fitness. At last
year's Warrior Games she showed her
determination and defied her lack of
mobility at the age of 56 by walking the
100m 'dash' on the track to claim a
silver medal. “When I was in the
armed forces, sport wasn't something I
was particularly passionate about. I
chose to be more involved with dance,
especially classical ballet, and I found
that a great help, but it is really only
since my injury that I've turned my
attention to sport and it has been my
lifeline. It helps to get the muscles back
into some kind of conditioning and
also get moving again, but emotionally
it helps to pick you up and get you
back to feeling free and ready to face a
future. For women of my age, in
particular, it’s really important to be
active. I know it is hard, but getting
back into sport or maybe doing it for
the first time is a great opportunity, not
just to get active but to meet people,
develop friendships and improve your
lifestyle. Being involved in the Invictus
Games has been a great honour. It is
something I never thought I would do
and shows that out of tragedy, good
things can come. It is about new
beginnings and I feel privileged and
honoured to be surrounded by so
many athletes and young people who
are using what they have now, to find
purpose, meaning and destiny and
hope for the future.”
The second Invictus Games, presented
by Jaguar Land Rover, closed on
Friday after an amazing week that
demonstrated the power of the human
spirit and importance of sport to
wounded, ill and injured servicemen
and women on their recovery journeys.
Almost 500 competitors from 14
nations inspired the world with their
Invictus spirit. Invictus means
“unconquered” and thousands of fans
saw in person, and millions more on
television, men and women who refuse
to be defined by their injuries. Sir
Keith Mills, Chairman of the Invictus
Games Foundation, said: “Orlando,
you are amazing, what a fantastic
Invictus Games it has been. We have
been inspired and moved by our
wounded injured and sick Servicemen
and women and we have seen
extraordinary sport in these amazing
venues. It has been a truly magical
games. I am thrilled that the Invictus
Games legacy will continue in 2017
with the Invictus Games in Toronto.”
So, next year we go to Canada for
more glory. Every competitor was a
winner whether they ended up with a
gong or not. Just to live and compete
shows the winning spirit to the world.

“Some Westminster insiders want me to shut up
about veterans' care. Here's why I won't”
JOHNNY MERCER
On Thursday evening I walked into my home. The children had gone to bed;
my wife, exhausted, was sitting on the sofa. She usually comes to the door.
This time she remained sat on the sofa, transfixed at the television. The final
day of the Invictus Games was on BBC One. I had been watching it all week.
I didn’t want to comment on it too much. I am well aware that a Member of
Parliament whose defined mission is to get veterans' care right in the United
Kingdom can go on about it too much. I never hear but always expect a
collective groan as I rise to my feet in a packed Prime Minister’s Questions to
once again bring the issue of veterans' care. Last month a Government
minister told me to drop the issue; it was ‘unhelpful’. But watching the Invictus
Games reminded me how insignificant any ‘Westminster village’ criticism may
be. Watching the news either frustrates you (EU referendum) or worries you.
In a world where man’s inhumanity to man seems to know no bounds, here
was real humanity. Here was the best of us. And it was on prime time
television.
Take the wheelchair rugby. The American captain – US Marine Cpl
Anthony McDaniel – was through on goal. He lost two legs
and a hand in an IED explosion in Kajaki when I was
undertaking my last combat tour there in 2010. Mark
Peters – the Danish Captain – cut him down, viciously,
legally, when he was about to score. McDaniel rolled three
times in his chair. He pushed himself up, laughed, pointed with respect at
Peters, and high-fived him for a good tackle, with a grin as wide as his
face. The swimming comes on. David Wiseman is celebrating again.
He’s won three gold medals and two silver. This huge, gregarious,
embracing bear of a man still has a Taliban bullet in his chest. When I
first met him it took me a while to work it out. Two more medal winners
sit on the sofa and talk to Gabby. Both are missing limbs; one has clearly
had a tracheotomy. I involuntarily visualise what he would have looked
like on that stretcher as they loaded him into the back of the Chinook,
with his mates calling for him to fight on. And he has, and now he is here.
These guys and girls are the best of us. We have a warrior generation in
this country now, and for every physically injured person you can see,
there will be three or four mentally scarred you can’t see. They will
not have been able to access the help; they would not have felt they
could speak out; they would not have the Nation’s pride enough to
come and get help. They struggle on daily, wrestling to hold down a
job and feed the family, exhausted through lack of peaceful rest.
And therein I hope lies the message from these Invictus Games.
Britain is proud of you. We know we owe you for the sacrifices
you made in defence of the freedoms that we enjoy. We
have a duty to you. Come forward; don’t suffer in silence.
You gave the best years of your life in Service to this great Nation, in the proud
traditions of your forebears. Vets' care is poor? No. Not if you can access it, sort the wheat from the chaff, and know where to
look. Some noble souls have dedicated their lives to it. Should we have done more as a Government in this sector to facilitate it
and ‘guarantee it’ over the years? Undoubtedly yes. Are we getting better? Is this PM committed to it? Yes. Has the stigma
gone? Absolutely not.
The road is long, and we are only part way along it. But with just a little of the humanity and courage on display in Orlando this
week, there will only be one outcome.

THE INVICTUS GAMES FOR OUR WOUNDED WARRIORS – Miguel Reece
Sacrifice! Sacrifice! Sacrifice! An emotional rollercoaster, of a vivid example on the true meaning of
sacrifices for the world’s freedom, through sportsmanship, has been truly a privilege shared by some.
Being there, witnessing those smiles, many tears, numerous hugs and the cheers, with unconditional
support for the courage of their conviction to represent the world. But what inspired me most were
the thoughts of their sacrifices and journey to make it to the starting line, to take to the field, or to
dive into that pool. Motivated by the goal of giving their all. That is the spirit of those true warriors.
Those 4 days, 10 sports, 13 support dogs, 14 nations, 149 events, 410 medals, 485 competitors, a
couple of thousand friends and family members, hundreds of hours of gruelling competition,
reminds me of those invisible wounds. It exemplified how sport activities have become a stimulus, a
motivator, as well as the best and greatest medication, in fighting those invisible wounds, as life goes
on with the battles of those demons, PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) along with Post
Traumatic Sleep Disorder. It also aids in the holistic healing throughout the recovery and
rehabilitation process as a “new normal” — mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically and socially.
I, too, am a casualty of the Vietnam Conflict and the author of “The Disabled Veteran’s Story” who
had the privilege of being able to appreciate and write about the stories on adjusting, after returning
home, meeting citizens from the countries we fought years after. The irony of the conversation
speaks to the fact that 90% or more of the game participants were injured in either Afghanistan or
Iraq — what a true mental adjustment! The Afghan team of eight competitors, with eight dreams,
ready and eager to compete; but were without a coach. In the spirit of the games, the Australian team
stepped up and offered their support as brothers and sisters who sacrificed as well for world peace. A
very noble act, that those who have walked that mile understand. Another emotional and electrifying
moment was shared by the entire stadium, with a standing ovation, when the Afghan female bilateral
leg amputee struggled very hard to cross the finish line and everyone cheered her on to the end. The
standing ovation did not stop there. During the 400 meter finals an American female runner passed
the Italian runner a couple of yards before the finish line but fell face down, inches before the finish
line--the Italian runner came back after she crossed the finish line and helped the American runner
roll across the finish line for the silver medal. One of the competitors said, these games have not only
changed my life, it gave me a purpose to continue living. This is after she had pushed another
competitor across the finish line so the competitor would finish second and win a silver medal for her
country. The ambivalence of emotions I experienced watching the conviction of an Indoor Rowing
competitor with one arm, a Power Lifter with both legs amputated, swimmers with their legs
amputated or legally blind competitors with their guide dogs. I only learned after watching two
remarkable star performers (MVP) on both the US Gold Medal winning teams--Wheelchair
Basketball and Sitting Volleyball--had both legs amputated and were missing total usage of one of
their hands.
From competition to competition, teams showed the world that the Invictus Games are not about the
medals or the accolades; rather, the Games are about standing hand-in-hand with service men and
women from around the globe with one shared vision – to show the true meaning of sacrifices, as they
represent their country, and live their Invictus Story. For that reason, the Land Rover “Above and
Beyond” was awarded to the Sitting Volleyball team from Georgia, who won a Bronze medal in the
competition, after learning the game on Skype. The team was honoured for their inspiring example
of the Invictus Spirit, as not only competitors but also as teammates. Wow! Wow! What a privilege
to have had the precious opportunity to appreciate the deeper side of true sacrifices. Those four days
at the Invictus Games solidified my belief; the writing about the sacrifices of our veterans and their
families is bigger than me and perhaps a higher power. Deep inside each and every one of us—there
is a story. Don’t miss the privilege of reading about sacrifices by so many.
The stories are available for purchase through the website, www.miguelreece.com, as well
as Amazon.com or an e-book from Kindle and BarnesandNoble.com. In Europe the book is also
available throughwww.wordery.com. You will understand as well as appreciate why the disabled
veterans, their parents, spouses, family members and caretakers urged me not to allow their stories to
die or those chapters in our history to be forgotten.

The Sandbag Times and all
associated with the SBT would
like to congratulate the UK
competitors and all worldwide
competitors on a brilliant
Invictus Games 2016.
You are an inspiration to your
country and a shining example
to all who find difficulties in
their normal daily lives.
May God bless you all, keep
you safe and bring you future
success in which ever path you
may follow.

The Veterans Directory
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• Packed with great information and useful links.
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Check us out at
www.forcesonline.org.uk

Canada
Calling
The Canuck Connection
Greetings Veterans of all Nations, well the Invictus Games have been
completed for 2016.
Next year in Toronto. I have spent hours Googling for a final tally
with absolutely no Luck: IF anyone can come up with a link advising
the final Medal Distribution I thank you in advance.
Brewski – Beer, Blue Job – AIRMAN, Shack Rat/Hut Slut – Duty
Cleaner and general dogsbody, Pen or Pencil pusher –
Administrative Clerk, Wobble Wing Driver – Helicopter Pilot,
Grunt – Infantryman, Digger Piss Can Crow Bar Hotel – Military
Detention, Meat Head – Military Policeman, Bug Out – Move out
Immediately, Eagle Sh*ts today – PAYDAY, Jock Strapper – PTI,
Regimental Shower – A dirty member of a unit is scrubbed down
with Sgt Major Soap and scouring brushes, Part 3 Order –
Rumours, Hairy Bag – Sailor, SNAFU – Situation Normal all
F**ked up, Iron Rations – Canned Goods, WYGISWYS – What
you see is what you get.
This past weekend our Deeside Breakfast Club in association with
Banchory Legion and Aberdeenshire Salutes, opened a drop in
area for Veterans with Egg Banjo’s (Fried Egg Sandwiches) and
coffee. It was a great day and so fantastic to see such young piping
and drumming competitors. They were mixed in with the adult
bands to which they belonged. Kids enjoying life and not sitting
indoors on a Video game.
In 1998 Canada purchased some used submarines from the MOD.
What a fiasco they have been. Starting with their initial trip across
the Atlantic when a fire broke out and a young Submariner Officer
died. These unlucky subs are once again in for repair and
inspection. In the 20 years that they have been with Canada they
may have accumulated a grand total of a year to 18 months sea
time.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/submarine-welding-repairs-hmcschicoutimi-victoria-1.3584592
Meanwhile I placed a pledge on our Deeside Veterans Breakfast
Club, challenging others to match donations for Gold Medals. I
pledged a fiver for each Canuck Gold. On Sunday at the piping
competition I gave the Legion President £50 to add to the pot for
Legion Charities. A HEARTY BRAVO ZULU one and all who
took part in the Games, and to the Volunteers without whom the
Games could never be staged.
A very costly purchase for the Government of the day. Will our
Government never learn, that buying used subs, is like buying a
banger from Del Boy.
On that note we sign out from this issue of the SBT. The question
of the week is…….Where did the idea for the Nursery Rhyme
‘Humpty Dumpty’ come from? (Hint: think Army)
Have a great week.
As promised the answers to the last posted quiz. The first one was
easy as I am sure it is interchangeable. UK, Aus, Usa etc.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby

Ever Present
There are days when I feel really alone. One such day, a few years
ago now, I was walking. The sky was cloudy and I was feeling sad and
lonely, grey like the weather. ‘Lord I feel so alone’ I thought. As
soon as my cry had gone out to God, the sun started emerging from
the clouds. I felt the warmth on my skin and the whole scene was
illuminated. It felt like God was giving
me a warm hug. In that moment.
He reminded me, ‘I am always here,
shining on you. Even when you can’t
see me or feel my presence I’m still
shining, I’m still here.’ This really
spoke to me because I know that the
sun is a permanent fixture. Spring,
summer, autumn, winter, it continues
to shine; whether day or night, here or
the other side of the world, it never stops shining. God wanted me to
truly understand the permanence of His presence and His love.
People often ask me ‘what do you mean God speaks to you?’ Having
spoken to others about this, I know that God speaks to us all
differently, in a way that we can understand, can relate to. For me He
often speaks through nature, through creation.
I have been living back in Worcester for 2 years now. I still miss the
sea. I lived in South West Wales for 14 years and loved the
countryside there, especially the coast. I often took myself off for
quiet time by the sea, whether on the beach or walking along the
coastal path. It gave me time to chill out, space to breathe and think.
This was my time with God. I relished this time, because like all of
us, my life was so busy with work, kids, household duties etc. I didn’t
realize how much I needed this time of quiet reflection until I moved
back to Worcester. It’s so busy here. Trying to find time to be quiet
now is so difficult. It doesn’t matter where I go there are always
people everywhere. Life is so rushed here, so busy and I feel burnt
out, my head gets chaotic. In fact I need it more since moving here
because of the busyness, and yet get it less!
A few weeks ago I went away for the weekend to the countryside.
There were fewer people around, the pace was slower, there was less
noise and I could find
places to be quiet, to
simply be. I guess what
I am trying to say is that
I treasure these moments
of quiet more now than I
ever did. Really seek those
times of quiet reflection
because with all of that
noise around you, it’s difficult to hear God’s quiet voice whispering to
you. He speaks to us but unless we stop and listen we don’t hear and
we need to hear. Why? Because He speaks peace, encouragement,
hope and love into our lives and who doesn’t need these things.
I also wanted to share this with you because I know how lonely you
can feel even when you’re constantly surrounded by people. You can
have many friends and family offering company, love and support,
and yet you feel alone. You feel
that no-one truly gets it, truly
understands. This is where God
comes in. He knows you inside
out. He created you and knows
you better than even your parents,
your partner, your best friend. He
knows every thought you have,
every emotion you feel. He’s
there cheering you on, He’s there
wiping your tears away, and He’s
there when you sit on the edge
feeling unable to cope anymore.
He’s there, whispering ‘I love
you my child’, holding His arms
out and waiting, always waiting, for you to respond. He will never
leave you. He will wait as long as it takes. He loves you with perfect
unconditional love, not human love that wavers in tough times, but a
love that we find hard to understand.
‘May you have the power to
understand, as all God’s
people should, how wide, how
long, how high, and how deep
his love is. May you
experience the love of Christ,
though it is too great to
understand fully.’ (Ephesians
3:18-19)
I want to encourage you today. His love is not dependent on what
you do, what you have done, or what you can give, it’s there and all
you have to do is stop and listen, and accept it.
I’m not saying that the clouds won’t still descend on you, on your life,
but what I am saying is
that you can wake each
morning safe in the
knowledge that God is
walking alongside you,
loving, accepting,
forgiving and guiding
you. God is bigger than
you and I, bigger than
any problem we face.
So let Him hold your
hand and walk with you. You don’t have to walk this life alone and
you weren’t meant to.
I want to reassure you that however alone you are feeling right now,
you are NOT alone in your battle. Please message me if you have
any questions or if you would like us to pray for you or for someone
you know. Please contact me at havefaith@sandbagtimes.com

…self-discovery
Word Race…
and veterans (including spouses/partners where
appropriate) to take control of their lives and
achieve their full potential.
Future for Heroes
Enhancing their Prospects
‘What I do today determines my tomorrow’
WHY: For the transition to civilian life:
Thousands leave the Services each year; some will
need help in making the move to civilian life.
The military offers a resettlement package that
addresses the practical side of change. The effects of
loss, loneliness and a shift in cultures are not always
recognised.
The majority leaving receive little help in dealing with
emotional and mental changes that transition brings.
We help leavers
Tranquillity and serenity, an
opportunity to reflect and think -
Brathay
WHAT: F4H provides help for:
Service leavers from all 3 services.
Veterans from all 3 Services.
Spouses or partners of above, where appropriate.
HOW: Free residential personal change courses
held over 4 days held at Brathay in the Lake District
that help individuals to:
Assess the psychological and emotional impact of
change.
Prepare for the physical challenge and emotional
support to:
Build on personal qualities and abilities to:
Enable individuals to take control of their lives.
Mentoring support provided during and post-course.
Trust building!
COBSEO registered.
Preferred Supplier with the Career Transition
Partnership. Course recognised by the ILM.
FIND OUT MORE:
WWW
www.f4h.org.uk
www.twitter.com/FutureForHeroes
www.facebook.com/groups/262504950507377
An F4H Maxim
www.mydonate.bt.com/charities/f4h

The Occupation of the
Channel Islands (1940 - 1945)
May 9 th 2016 marks the 71 st anniversary
of Jersey’s liberation from German
occupation. This story is of particular
interest to me because my Gran and
her family were born and bred in
Jersey. My Gran was 31 when the
German’s invaded Jersey and was 36 on
liberation day. Soon after this she met
my Grandfather and was married, moving to England where she
lived out her remaining years. When I was younger she used to tell
us tales of when her & her younger sister used to sneak around
cutting the German telephone wires. She is fortunate that she wasn’t
caught by the Germans, as she would have been in a vast amount of
trouble with the possibility of death, in which case I would not be
here today to write this story. I was very young when my Gran died,
and so unfortunately I didn’t get to ask her much about life during
the occupation.
In May 1940, the Nazi war machine swept across Western Europe,
pushing the British army back to the beaches of Dunkirk. When the
British troops retreated to England, the Channel Islands were left
undefended. German high command was planning to invade the
Islands. They hadn’t realised that all British troops had retreated to
England, so the Germans carried out an armed reconnaissance. On
28 th June 1940, 3 Luftwaffe bombers flew low over the harbour of St
Peters Port, Guernsey, and attacked. The raid killed dozens of
innocent people.
The actual invasion started at Guernsey Airport 2 days later. On
30 th June 1940 a platoon of
German troops landed here
and to their relief met no
opposition. The tiny British
garrison had left realising that
defending the island would
lead to a pointless blood
bath. The Germans headed out from the airport across the island.
Meanwhile the German Air Force bombed and
machine gunned Jersey killing 9 and wounding
many more. A few days later the German Air
Force Commander dropped an ultimatum from
the air demanding the immediate surrender of
the island. White flags and crosses were placed
in prominent positions, as stipulated by the
Germans, and the following day, July 2 nd 1940,
Jersey was occupied by air-borne troops under
the command of Hauptmann Gussek.
The Nazis had wanted a model occupation, and German
propaganda footage demonstrates this. The local papers however
revealed a few telling details. The clocks went forward to Berlin
time and the currency changed to the Reich mark. A curfew of
11pm – 6am was imposed. In addition, islanders were not allowed
to go out fishing. They were, however, allowed to do other things
they were permitted to go to church meetings and offer prayers up
to the Royal Family and the British Empire. Why did they allow
this? Because they were on a high and they believed they were going
to invade England and win the war.
Surrender of the Channel Islands was a humiliating blow to British
prestige and Churchill insisted that the Empire must strike back. He
decided that Guernsey would be the perfect place to try out a new
elite unit of the British Army. He said that their job was to develop
a reign of terror down the enemy coast. They were called The
Commandos. London planned a daring raid. Special forces would
cease the coastal path and head inland to attack the airport. But first
they sent in a young lieutenant Hubert Nicolle to gather intelligence.
He had grown up in Guernsey and knew the
island like the back of his hand. He
discovered that only a handful of Germans
had captured over 25,000 islanders.
managed to find out that there were exactly
469 Germans on the island. Nicolle had
exposed just how weak the enemy was. 140
commandos now crossed the channel to capture and kill as many
Germans as possible. It would be one of the first Commando raids
in history, but it ended in complete failure. One boat ended up on
the island of Sark, two capsized, one crashed into a rock, only 40
men from number 3 Commando finally made it to Guernsey,
exhausted and soaked, and when they got there they couldn’t find a
single German soldier. The Commandos survived but for Britain
the war was going from bad to worse. Germany was getting ready to
invade England. At Clarence Battery, machine gunners watched as
German planes crossed the Channel.
Just a few weeks after the invasion of the Channel Islands the Battle
of Britain began in the skies of Southern England. To many living in
the Channel Islands under Nazi
rule the result must’ve been a
forgone conclusion. That’s
certainly what the Germans told
the people as more and more
troops appeared on the streets of
St Peter’s Port in August 1940.
Many islanders were frightened
at the prospect of any contact
with the enemy troops. A total
of 27,000 German Troops
descended on the islands.
Almost half of these in Jersey.
He

1940 had been a traumatic Summer, but the focus of the war was
about to shift because that September the RAF won the Battle of
Britain, and the Germans were
forced to put their invasion of
Britain on hold. By the end of
1940 it was clear that the Channel
Islands were the only bit of
British soil that Hitler was going
to get his hands on. At least for
the moment. Hitler feared that
Churchill might try to reclaim the Channel Islands and so the
German war machine was ordered to transform these Islands, even
tiny little Herm and Sark, into island fortresses with the islanders
trapped behind a curtain of guns, bunkers and barbed wire.
Hitler was obsessed with holding onto the Channel Islands. The
image of Jack boots striding up and
down British streets was a fantastic
propaganda victory for him. So he
decided to turn the whole place into
an impregnable fortress. The islands
became part of the Atlantic Wall. A
network of fortified bunkers
stretching from Norway to Southern
France.
Building the wall took an estimated
17,000,000 cubic metres of concrete.
Well over a million of this was used in
the Channel Islands. At the far end of
St Aubin’s Bay in Jersey, Germans modified an old railway line to
carry ammunition and materials. The railway line terminated at
Corbiere headland (one of the Islands best known landmarks).
They constructed concrete bunkers here with walls almost 2 metres
thick, choosing the headland because from there they could see
almost the entire coast. They also built a MP2 tower, where range
finders were used to be able to direct fire onto enemy ships.
The construction of these bunkers and towers presented the
inhabitants of Jersey with an enormous dilemma. The Germans
wanted men to help build them, but the local island authorities
refused. Under The Hague Convention an occupier is not allowed
to force people to work against their own country, so the Jersey
authorities made it very clear to the Germans that there was certain
types of work they wouldn’t oblige. They said that they could get
people to work on building airports, bridges or infrastructure, work
that’s not immediately war-related, but that they were not going to
help build the gunning placements. The civilian authorities walked a
dangerous tightrope between protecting their own people and
helping the enemy. It was important to the Germans to show the
rest of Britain how great it would be if they took over and so they
used the Channel Islands as a ‘charm offensive’.
The invaders spent a lot of time and money building up defences in
St Ouen’s Bay, because it was this west coast that they felt the British
would attack. But the allies never had any intention of taking Jersey
back by force. St Ouen’s anti-tank barrier was nothing but a huge
drain on German resources, as was the fortification built at Les
Landes (Jersey’s largest maritime heath land). Granite cliffs
dominated this part of the island and it was here that they built
Battery Moltke, which kept watch across the Atlantic. The battery
housed a 15.5cm 418F
French Field Gun, and was
the first heavy battery to
come to Jersey in March
1941. The gun had a
range of 12 miles and
was one of four captured
from the French. It was
garrisoned by 100 German
soldiers. At the exterior of the battery they would have had barracks
huts, but during attacks they also had subterranean corridors and
personnel shelters to hide in. Hitler had even grander ideas for this
place but the bigger guns never arrived. The men inside trained and
waited for an invasion which never came.
The Germans brought about 16,000 workers to the Channel Islands,
and there were 12 labour camps in Jersey alone. In amongst the
16,000 were forced labourers (paid workers) from Western Europe
many were Spaniards trying to escape the Franco regime. However
at least 3,000 of these workers were prisoners of war from Russia
and the Ukraine. They were used as (unpaid) slave labour being
forced to build bunkers and the military railway. The prisoners of
war were given very little food to eat, they were kicked & beaten and
very badly treated. Some channel islanders tried to stop these
people being mistreated but to no avail. Some labourers were
marched eastward, miles away from their camp, where they were
used to build the Jersey war tunnels. The entrance was carved out of
rock by the labourers. The tunnels were intended to be an
underground invasion shelter. The conditions were awful and many
prisoners died whilst digging the tunnels. Many remain, buried
under rubble
Many Islanders were so apalled at the treatment of the prisoners that
they risked their lives trying to help them. Louisa Gould ran a local
Shop at St Ouen’s and in 1942 she offered refuge to a prisoner who

. had escaped from nearby Lager
Immelmann camp. He was Theodore
Polycarpovic Bullic a Russian pilot shot
down in 1941. Louisa had lost her eldest
son at sea months before and had said
she wanted to help protect ‘another
mother’s son’, where she couldn’t protect
hers. The pilot known as Russian Bill hid
at her house for 18 months, but in 1942 Louisa was betrayed.
Russian Bill escaped but Louisa was arrested and sentenced to 2
years in a German prison. Bob Le Seur knew Russian Bill and so
hid him in the filing room at his office, then a shed, then a friends
flat, then another home. Russian Bill survived in Jersey until the
liberation. Bob explained that ‘It was common humanity, that’s why
I helped.’ During the occupation, 250 Jersey inhabitants broke
German rules and were sent to prison on the continent. One of
those could have been my Gran, but thankfully her actions went
undetected. 29 never returned. Louisa Gould died in Ravensbrook
concentration camp just a few months before the end of the war.
In the early days of the
occupation many islanders had
their vehicles requisitioned.
But by 1944 fuel shortages
meant even the Germans had
to get around by horse & cart,
known as the ‘Jersey van’.
In 1941 Islanders fought a daily battle against hunger. The basic
rations provided each person with only 1000 calories a day.
Everyday items became luxury. Substitutes were tried, they used
dried ground parsnips as an alternative to coffee. Bread was
something very special. One loaf had to feed a family of four for a
week. By the end of the war channel island children were on
average 1 inch shorter than they should’ve been and this was
attributed to the lack of food and poor diet.
By 1944 Germany was losing the war on all points. The allies next
target was Jersey’s neighbour, Normandy, only 19 miles away. The
allied forces were gaining ground. On 6 th June 1944 came D-day,
the liberation of occupied France. However liberation for the
Channel Islands didn’t come until the following year May 1945.
The fighting in France put the Germans in Jersey on high alert, and
their commander, a proud professional soldier, ordered the men to
dig in, in places like Victoria Tower. They placed an anti-aircraft
gun on top of it. However, they realised to their horror that despite
their mighty Atlantic wall their defences on this side of the Island
were inadequate. The Islanders had mixed emotions, they could see
& hear the fighting going on. Churchill would have immediately
taken the Islands back but leveller heads thought it was a wrong
move. So they decided to isolate the Germans so as to let them
‘wither on the vine’. In August all the supplies stopped. Churchill
tried to persuade the occupiers to surrender, but in reply the
Germans asked the allies to send the islanders food aid, to make
their own rations go further. Everyone on the island was competing
for the same dwindling supplies and all faced starvation in the
coming winter.
The Royal Bay of Grouville in 1944 was heavily mined, so hungry
islanders couldn’t even exploit traditional sources of food. After D-
day several islanders risked strong currents and German patrols
trying to escape to France. A 21 year old Jersey man, John Floyd,
took part in a daring attempt to sail away & join the allies in France.
John and 2 others smuggled a dinghy onto the beach planning to slip
away at the dead of night. This was extremely risky, as a few weeks
before a man had been shot dead whilst trying to escape. John
explained that at a mile out from the beach they had come across
another boat filled with men trying to escape but that they’d
experienced engine failure, so John & his 2 friends stopped to give
them a tow. Unfortunately a wave then went over the back of John’s
boat soaking the outboard motor. After trying & failing to restart the
engine, John ended up drifting to France, and there found the
British army. Escapees like
John confirmed to the British
authorities just how bad
conditions were on the
Islands. The allies finally
agreed to let the Red Cross
in. So on New Year’s Eve 1944
the SS Vega docked carrying
120,000 food parcels.
Liberation still took another 4 months, but the food kept the
islanders alive through the winter and people took heart as the allies
advanced into Germany. By early May 1945 Hitler was dead and
the war was over.
On 9 th May 1945 2 British
destroyers HMS Bulldog & Beagle
sailed into the Channel Islands
and took the surrender of the
German garrison. Jubilant crowds
gathered in what is now Liberation
Square.
There is now a memorial at the centre of the square dedicated to all
those who made liberation possible. Many Germans were held at
Elizabeth Castle after the liberation
as prisoners of war. Since the war
the islanders have rebuilt their lives
but have kept an assortment of
bunkers and reminders of the
occupation and 71 years on they
serve as a reminder of what went
on in the war years.

Deeside Veterans Breakfast Club
Deeside Breakfast Club had its 1st
outing for our Brew n Banjo Stand at
Banchory Pipe Band Competition.
Didn’t get any new victims but lots of
exposure more events booked over
the summer

MP JOINS FORCES WITH
GEORDIE BREAKFAST CLUB
Catherine McKinnell MP has given her backing
to the work of the Geordie Breakfast Club,
following a recent visit to the veterans’ group
which meets every weekend at Kingston Park’s
Toby Carvery.
The Geordie Breakfast Club was established to
provide friendship, networking opportunities
and support for veterans to adjust to civilian life
– dealing with issues such as Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD), isolation, housing
problems and employment and re-training
needs.
Catherine was invited to meet with club
members by its founder, Andy Wilson, to hear
more about the services they provide to local
veterans of any age, and their families.
Catherine said “It was such a privilege to meet
up with Andy and his colleagues, and hear
more about the vital work they do in supporting
veterans. They are a great bunch of comrades,
who clearly enjoy the social side of the Geordie
Breakfast Club – but they’re also willing to go
the extra mile to help those in need of any
support. I would strongly urge any local
veterans, or those shortly due to leave the
Armed Forces, to get in touch with the club to
find out what’s on offer.”
Veterans club together for breakfast catch up in show of solidarity
Ex-servicemen and women are invited to join in the get together at Cafe Eden in
Peterlee each Saturday morning, giving them the chance to meet mates, make
new ones and be part of a group with a shared experience. Those who need help
and advice over housing and health have also been able to find support through
each other. People still serving are also welcome. Former Royal Corp of Signals
radio operator Rob Moore, 52, from Peterlee, helps organise the East Durham
Veterans’ Breakfast Club, which starts at 9.30am.
Rob said “I’d been thinking about it for quite a while because I was aware there
had been veterans’ breakfast clubs springing up around the country, so I started
asking people if it was a good idea. It’s a group set up for a bit of craic and
banter, to support each other and a chance to meet other veterans. It’s all very
informal, we go to the cafe, all sit around the table together, have a good laugh
and have a catch up about what we’ve been up to that week.
Andy Wilson, Geordie Breakfast Club founder
and ex-Royal Engineers, said “It’s thanks to our
loyal members that we can help veterans in
need. If there’s anyone out there that might
need our support, they shouldn’t hesitate to
give us a call, or just turn up, as we will all be
there for them.”
The Geordie Breakfast Club is one of over 120
breakfast clubs around the world, and is open
to anyone who has served in any branch of the
Armed Forces. It meets from 9.30am on one
Sunday and three Saturdays a month, and those
wanting to find out more should contact Andy
Wilson on 07756 685149.

Veterans Radio Net
The NAAFI of the Air Waves
Military Veterans Radio
MVR Events
“Keeping Veterans Stronger Together Since 2012“
“Hands Across The Pond”
VRN is known as the "NAAFI of The Airwaves" and
with a mix of good music, fast banter on the live chat
board and useful information it's easy to see why.
Add to this special programming where we talk about
PTSD, and we interview those who know what they
are talking about, VRN is the place to be.
Come on in and join us. Make our station your
station, where else will you get the micky taken out of
you live on air?
http://veteransradionet.co.uk/chat.html
See you all soon
Sapper Ken
21 st May 2016 1pm (EST)
Interview with the band Region 5
1 st July 2016
Berdoo 100% Biker rock/Metal Band Tour
across USA (24 States)
All Donations go to our Veterans
10 th & 11 th July 2016
Our second year Anniversary
Big Events to be announced soon.
MVR is growing by leaps and bounds every day
and we thank all our Listeners tuning in to us.
Remember our Veterans and their Families.
We are ‘Hands Across The Pond’ and work
closely with our veterans around the globe.
www.militaryveteransradio.com
Kat
Coming Soon

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advertise@sandbagtimes.com

Veterans Help
Other Helpful Links
Our Links

A word from the Ed
The SBT is slowly getting
bigger and bigger. More pages,
many more readers, more
content, more news stories and
lots more work for me. It’s a
good job I love writing this.
Got to say thank you to Vickie
who is now taking on more
articles and a bigger role in
getting this mag up to the best
we can. She is now (quite
eagerly) taking on the Historical
Tommy Atkins. In fact, this
weeks story has a personal
connection. It’s a great read if
you haven’t read it already.
The big story this week is the
Invictus Games. What a week
it has been, the games have
shown the real spirit of
humanity in so many ways.
The build up to the games
seemed a little much to begin
with but I have to admit, I was
very wrong. Team GB
managed 131 medals in total
including a clean sweep in the
Men’s Heavyweight
Powerlifting.
It’s difficult to watch the games
and not take in the many
stories that surround the
competitors. I hate that Nick
Knowles always makes my
eyes leak!! (Only joking Nick,
you’re a star).
What a touching moment
when Sgt Elizabeth Marks
asked Prince Harry to give her
Gold medal to the hospital
that saved her life over here in
the UK. More waterworks!!!
New website will be making an
appearance very soon
complete with a newsletter,
mailing list etc. Can’t wait.
Ways to find us
The Sandbag Times
www.sandbagtimes.com
thesandbagtimes
@thesandbagtimes
info@sandbagtimes.com
The Tommy Atkins Trust
www.thetommyatkinstrust.com
TheTommyAtkinsTrust
@TheTATrust
info@thetommyatkinstrust.com
"The Brand New Rock Opera which tells the
truth of what happens to our heroes when the
killing ends. Packed with incredible songs,
breathtaking graphics and an emotional
rollercoaster of a story that will leave you
asking questions for a long time to come.“
Where Do They Go...
...When The Killing Ends

Aftershock Blog – Matthew Green
Last week I visited the Tower of London for the launch of the ‘Veterans'
Survival Guide’ – written by a former Corporal called Jimmy Johnson who
suffered post-traumatic stress disorder while serving in Northern Ireland in the
early 1970s. (If you want a free copy of this excellent book, published by
Elliott & Thompson, please write to one of the addresses below).
Johnson wanted to help ex-forces and their families understand PTSD from a
soldier’s perspective. There have been a number of memoirs in this vein, but
his story is different. For 30 years, Johnson has been incarcerated at HMP
Frankland, the maximum security facility outside Durham. In the words of the
taxi driver who dropped me at the gate: “That’s where the bad boys go.”
I had arranged to meet Johnson in early 2015 after corresponding with him
while researching Aftershock. A warder with an earpiece showed me into a
tiny room used for lawyers’ visits, bare apart from a functional-looking wall
clock. The table and chairs were bolted to the floor. “Any problems, just
shout,” the guard said, though he need not have worried.
At 69, Jimmy cut an avuncular, gentlemanly figure – so much so that it was
difficult to fathom that he had spent decades living in a cell. Time had not
dulled his memory of his tours, and he recalled incidents with the clarity of a
curator explaining the significance of a museum’s most significant artefacts. He
wrote the guide, he said, because he had seen so many ex-forces pass through
the prison system since he was first convicted in the 1970s and wanted others
to avoid his fate.
Johnson, who won a Mention in Dispatches for bravery, committed his first
murder several months after leaving the army in December, 1973. The victim
was a security guard who had given him a lift outside Middlesbrough. Some
kids had thrown something against the side of their van – a football perhaps,
or a piece of brick. The crash triggered something in Johnson. Convinced he
was fighting for his life in Belfast, he fatally beat the man with a scaffold pole.
He served nine years then, 18 months after being released on parole, killed
again. This time the trigger was children screaming in the street and the
murder weapon was a lump hammer. It was only when Johnson befriended a
doctor, who was serving time for killing his wife, that he heard about the then
new diagnosis of PTSD – which had not existed at the time of his first
conviction.
Johnson spent years writing letters to anyone who might listen, until one day
he received a reply from General The Lord Richard Dannatt, the former
Chief of the General Staff, who had also served in Northern Ireland at about
the same time. Dannatt visited Johnson and arranged for him to be seen by a
Information Page
forensic psychiatrist, who concluded he was suffering from PTSD. Dannatt
persuaded several charities to fund the publication of Johnson's Guide, wrote
the foreword and hosted a launch at his official residence at the Tower on
May 4.
King's research shows that veterans who saw combat in Afghanistan and Iraq
are at a disproportionate risk of committing a violent offence, particularly if
they suffer from trauma. Though a government analysis put the percentage of
veterans in the prison population of England and Wales at 3.5, virtually all the
warders and probation officers I’ve spoken to are convinced the true figure is
7-10 percent –making ex-forces the single biggest group in prison by
profession.
There are people trying to change this. At the Tower, I bumped into Colin
Back, national manager of Project Nova, launched in July, 2014 to support exforces
from the moment they are arrested. The scheme is working: Back told
me that only five percent of the 489 veterans reached so far have reoffended.
Courts have formally recognised that Project Nova interventions have stopped
a custodial sentence being handed down in 11 cases. It’s a start, but for
Johnson – and perhaps many others like him – Project Nova has come several
decades too late.
To obtain a free copy of the Veterans' Survival Guide, please write to either:
Combat Stress
CEO – Sue Freeth
Tyrwhitt House,
Oaklawn Road,
Leatherhead,
Surrey
KT22 0BX
Tel: 01372 587000
SSAFA
CEO – David Murray
4 St Dunstan’s Hill,
London
EC3R 8AD
Tel: 020 7403 8783
AFTERSHOCK EVENTS:
The National Army Museum has organised a panel discussion on how we can
best support veterans with myself, Afghan veteran Jake Wood, and Dr Fiona
Reid
Date: Thursday, 19 th May 2016 at 7pm
Venue: Army & Navy Club, 36-39 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5JN
I am presenting Aftershock at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival
Date: Saturday 21 st May at 4pm
Venue: Writers' Centre Norwich, Dragon Hall
For more information on events or to purchase my book Aftershock please
visit my website:
www.matthewgreenjournalism.com
Back
issues of
The
Sandbag
Times are
available to
download
here

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