The Sandbag Times Issue No:16

Contents
Thursday 05th May 2016
Email: info@sandbagtimes.com
3 Student Pilots die in plane crash
Two Student RAF pilots have been killed in
a crash involving a light aircraft
4 Veteran up for ‘Our Heroes’ award
A kind hearted veteran has been nominated
for Daily Record’s ‘Our Heroes’ award.
5 US. Navy SEAL dies in IS attack
A US Navy SEAL has been killed in ISIS
attack in Iraq
6 Canada. Navy Commemorations
Royal Canadian Navy to commemorate the
Battle of the Atlantic
The Somme 100 – RBL Commemorates Page 9
7 Cover Story. Lightning strikes twice
A look at the F35 Lightning II compared to
the F2a English Electrics Lightning.
8 Canada Calling
Robby McRobb talks about all things
Canadian.
Sobibor Death Camp: The Truth Revealed Page 12
Sponsored by
10 Have Faith
This week: Rest
12 The Historic Tommy Atkins
Sobibor Death Camp investigated
15 Veterans Radio Stations
What’s happening on your favourite
radio stations
19 SBT Information
A page dedicated to back issues,
information, book reviews etc
20 Time for a NAAFI Break
Fun & Games on the final pages.
We are always looking for new ideas
and competitions from you

RAF Student Pilots Die in
Light Aircraft Crash
Prince Harry Launches Invictus Games in Toronto
Prince Harry has made a passionate
plea for Britain to come out and
support a Paralympics style
championship for injured
servicemen and women that he has
launched.
Harry suggested the sporting event,
called the Invictus Games, would
ensure UK troops would not be
forgotten as Britain's involvement in
the war in Afghanistan comes to an
end. He has been instrumental in
bringing the idea for the
championship from America, where
it is called the Warrior Games, to the
UK after seeing the event staged in
Colorado last year.
Tributes were paid today to an
“exceptionally talented” student RAF pilot
from London who was killed alongside his
co-pilot when their aircraft crashed in a
remote field.
Ajvir Singh Sandhu, 25, from Ilford, and
Cameron Forster, 21, from Sussex, both
died instantly when the single-engine
Slingsby T67 came down.
The two were both stationed at RAF
Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire, an
elite Top Gun-style academy 15 miles
from the crash scene where promising
young pilots learn to fly fast jets.
They chartered the plane from the Full
Sutton Flying Centre, where a worker
claimed they had been planning to do “a
"It's not about supporting the
conflict in Afghanistan, it's not
about supporting war, it's not
about supporting the forces
themselves, but come along, show
your support, look at the journey
these guys have been through,"
"And also take the opportunity if
you haven't done so already to
come and sit in these iconic
Olympic and Paralympic venues.
Events will be staged in the
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
with track and field events being
held at the Lee Valley athletics
centre.
spot of aerobatics”. The craft crash-landed
around 200 yards from the nearest homes in
fields between Castle Howard and the A64
at 10.40am on Saturday.
RAF Linton-on-Ouse station commander
Group Captain Ian Laing said the base had
been “saddened” to learn of the men’s
deaths.
“The thoughts of everyone at RAF Lintonon-Ouse
are with their family and friends at
this difficult time”.
Roads in the area were closed and members
of the public were advised to keep away
from the area as police cordoned it off to
preserve the scene for the AAIB. Up to 20
fire-fighters attended the scene and set up a
foam blanket around the aircraft.
Johnny Mercer calls for better Veterans Care
Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer
has used a speech at a
national mental health
conference to renew his call
for drastic improvements in
veterans' care.
"As we see campaigns in Iraq
and Afghanistan coming to a
close, public giving and
awareness will drop – and
some charities have already
seen that,“
Addressing a crowd of experts
gathered for the King's
College event, the former
serviceman said good progress
has been made in the sector in
recent years.
But he said now is the time to
make further "fundamental"
reforms, as overseas
campaigns come to an end
and political focus begins to
wane.
One of the possible solutions,
he suggests, is more effective
coordination between
charities and state-provided
services. But he has also
reissued his call for the
Government to create a
special department for
veterans, similar to the
existing US model. This
would be in the form of a
department for veterans'
affairs.

Big Hearted Chris nominated for ‘Our Heroes’ Award
The Sandbag Times has followed the
selfless work of Chris Wieczorek for
several months as he has worked to get
homeless veterans off the streets and into
their own homes.
Many of these veterans have lived in the
properties rent- free for up to 6 months
while they got their lives back on track.
Now the 43 year old ex-squaddie has been
nominated for an award by the Daily
Record called ‘Our Heroes’.
Chris told the Daily Record how he was
inspired by Nick Knowles’s DIY SOS.
An inspirational ex-serviceman has today
unveiled a stunning full-size replica of a
Lancaster bomber he built from scratch.
He himself has gone on to rehome
seven veterans so far, with another flat
becoming available in the near future,
earmarked for yet another veteran.
Chris told the Daily Record: “I left the
Army 11 years ago and I have always
wanted to pay something back.
“This is my way of giving something
back to those who need it most.”
The 2016 Our Heroes awards,
sponsored by Lidl, will take place at
the City Hotel in Glasgow on Friday
May 13th.
AAC Regiment’s final parade ahead of disbanding
THE end of decades of the Army flying
bombers and attack helicopters over an area
of North Yorkshire was marked by a parade
and fly past.
Members of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps
paraded at Dishforth Airfield, near Thirsk,
on Saturday to mark the disbandment of the
regiment.
Military leaders said the ceremony, which
included a flypast by two Lynx
reconnaissance helicopters, was "a poignant
and emotional farewell to a county that has
come to be regarded as home".
Grimsby man unveils full-size replica Lancaster Bomber
Royal Australian Air Force from
November 1943 to June 1945, having
previously been based at Scampton.
Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel
Jeremy Cook will present the regiment for
inspection by guests the Lord Lieutenant
of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd and the
Colonel of the Air Army Corps, Colonel
Richard Green.
The airfield has been used by the military
since 1936, and has served as a base for
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley bombers,
Douglas Dakota transport aircraft and
Apache and Lynx helicopters.
The regiment is set to merge with 1
Regiment AAC in June this year.
Martin Willoughby, 50, of Laceby
Acres, has spent the last eight years of his
life building a fully interactive replica of
part of the fuselage from the Lancaster B I
R5868 "S-Sugar".
He has already showcased the scale-size
structure to proud relatives, volunteers
and veterans in Brookenby. But the
structure was officially unveiled at RAF
Waddington last week to coincide with
Anzac Day. The S-Sugar flew from
Waddington with the 467 Squadron
The replica he has built offers a true-tolife
representation of what it would
have been like to climb into one of the
iconic old planes.
Authentic dials, radios, seats and
machine guns have been sourced and
bought by Martin from all over the
world and are all featured inside.
Martin hopes to showcase the build to
people all over the country at schools,
colleges and corporate events.

Canada: Veterans advocate says let
doctors decide on medical marijuana
As the federal government tries to come
up with a pot policy for military veterans,
one medical marijuana user has some
advice: don't limit how much prescription
pot a veteran can eat, smoke or drink.
"I think there should be no cap and that
every case should be judged on
individual merit and that the doctor's
prescription is paramount," said Mike
Blais, president and founder of Canadian
Veterans Advocacy.
Veterans Affairs currently covers the cost
of up to 10 grams of medical marijuana
per day for veterans. But in March,
Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr said
he was "shocked" to find his department
lacked an "informed policy" on the use of
prescription marijuana, even as number of
claims for medical marijuana by veterans
grew more than tenfold over the last two
years.
Asked about the current policy, a
spokesperson for the Canadian Forces
said there is no official directive on medical
marijuana yet, but one is in the process of
being approved.
While both Veterans Affairs and the
Canadian Forces work on their medical
marijuana policies, the federal government
has announced it will introduce legislation to
legalize and regulate the sale of recreational
pot in the spring of 2017.
Read more on this story here
US: ISIS attack kills U.S. Navy SEAL near Erbil, Iraq
A U.S. Navy SEAL was killed in an
ISIS attack in northern Iraq, officials
said Tuesday.
Confirmed. Tuesday's was the
third U.S. combat death in Iraq in
the past seven months.
Australia: Australian soldiers killed in
Vietnam to be returned home
Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook
said the U.S. serviceman was
advising and assisting Kurdish
Peshmerga forces north of Mosul
when ISIS fighters attacked.
"This sad news is a reminder of the
dangers our men and women in
uniform face every day in the
ongoing fight to destroy ISIL," Cook
said in a statement, using another
acronym for ISIS. "Our coalition will
honor this sacrifice by dealing ISIL a
lasting defeat. The slain serviceman
was a Navy SEAL, a defense official
Marine Staff Sgt. Louis Cardin
was killed in a March rocket
attack south of Mosul and Master
Sgt. Joshua Wheeler, a Delta
Force commando, died in
October during a daring raid to
rescue ISIS hostages.
Last month, Defense Secretary
Ash Carter announced the U.S.
would be sending 217 more
troops — including special
operations forces — to Iraq
Click this link for the full story
The remains of Australian
soldiers killed in the Vietnam
War will be brought back to
Australian soil in June.
In May last year, then prime
minister Tony Abbott
announced an offer of
repatriation to the families of
35 Australians in the
Terendak Military Cemetery
in Malaysia and to another
serviceman interred in the
Kranji War Cemetery in
Singapore. More than 30
families accepted the offer.
The Minister for Veterans'
Affairs, Dan Tehan, said the
Royal Australian Air Force
would bring the soldiers'
remains home for a military
ceremony at the RAAF Base
Richmond on 2 nd June.
Mr Tehan said this would be
followed by a private
memorial service for families
before hearses bearing the
returned Australians departed
for reinterment ceremonies
across the country. Several
bodies would go to the war
graves section of Sydney's
Rookwood Cemetery while
the others would be
reinterred across Australia
based on families' wishes.

New Zealand: Poppy Day appeal to help post-Vietnam veterans
The annual Poppy Day appeal is as
important now as it has ever been with
many young veterans suffering from post
traumatic stress, the RSA says.
Royal New Zealand Returned and
Services Association's annual Poppy Day
Appeal is being held today.
The association is tapping into new ways
to raise money via the digital world and
hopes to raise more than the $2.6 million
raised last year.
RSA chief executive David Moger said
money from this year's appeal would go
On Sunday, May 1st, the RCN will
nationally commemorate the longest
campaign of the Second World War — the
Battle of the Atlantic. On April 28th, the
annual Battle of the Atlantic Gala, held at
the Canadian War Museum, will reflect,
with our veterans, their Navy’s
accomplishments, past and present.
By looking to the past, we seek inspiration
from the brave men and women who
sacrificed so much in service to Canada.
We can see echoes of the RCN’s
contributions to global peace and security
throughout the decades. We see how the
Canadian Government has, over and over
again, called upon its Navy as the
towards providing assistance dogs to
young veterans suffering from post
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While it was not viewed as a physical
wound, research showed the disorder
changed the structure of the brain, and
the support and care required - and
the impact on their families - was
significant.
There are about 31,000 veterans in
New Zealand and about 20,000 are
from the post-Vietnam era.
Read more on this story here
US: 22 female officers approved for Army Infantry and Armour
The Army just announced the first female
officers who will be commissioned for
infantry and armour.
Twenty two women are close to completing
their training that will allow them to be
commissioned as second lieutenants for
infantry and armour units.
In order for them to assume these positions
they still have to pass the specialty schools
and meet the physical requirements,
Only one of the women is in the 12-
week officer candidate school at Fort
Benning, GA while the rest are in college
ROTC programs or at West Point.
Canada: Royal Canadian Navy to commemorate Battle of Atlantic
instrument of “first resort”, responding in
times of crisis and threats to global
instability.
Today’s RCN remains faithful to the
spirit of our motto “Ready, Aye Ready”.
The importance of being prepared for
anything is reinforced daily. Whether in
counter-trafficking missions in the
Caribbean, keeping tonnes of drugs off
the streets in North America, or NATO
security operations in Eastern Europe,
adaptive and flexible naval capabilities
continue to enable Canada to play its
desired role in the world.
Read the full article here
Thirteen of the twenty two women will
become armour officers and the
remaining nine are headed for the
infantry.
Many officers appointed to the Infantry
are graduates of the Army’s Ranger
school but it is not known how many of
these women will attend the school at this
time.
Ranger school is not required for infantry
officers but all infantry officers are able to
volunteer after training and many consider
it to be an “unofficial requirement” to lead
infantryman in land combat.

How does the F35 Compare to
the F2a Ancestor
Quite where to start is difficult - two high performance aircraft,
but from differing eras. The Lightning concept dates back to a
period just after the end of WWII, though it was not until 1947
that an experimental study contract was approved, and another
two years before a contract was given for two prototypes and an
airframe to be used for static tests.
As a typical aircraft enthusiast I have formed my own opinions in this
field and it is in no way an accurate account or official report. This is
simply how I see it. I may be very wrong, I don’t think so, but I may be.
To begin with we have to realise that it differs massively in it’s operations.
The F35 is a Joint Strike Fighter being designated to our Queen Elizabeth
Carrier fleet. It’s main distinguishing feature being VTOL (Vertical take
off and Landing). Umm, didn’t we already have one of those?
Ok my gripe aside at the demise of my favourite aircraft of all time, lets
look at this baby.
The first prototype took to the air way back in 1954 where it
would stay in service until 1988. It’s concept was so extreme
back in the 50’s that the MOD handed the programme over to
Shorts to find out it’s flaws not wanting to believe it was perfect.
History has learned that this was to prove to be one of the most
effective fighter jets of the Cold War. Even when it was retired it
could still out climb and in many ways outperform the American
fighter, the F15 Strike Eagle. Not bad for a airplane 20 years it’s
senior.
It could boast a top speed of Mach 2.27 at 40,000 ft (Approx
1,500mph). It carried Two 30mm cannon plus two Firestreak
AAMs or four 30mm cannon and could also carry rocket pods
and bombs on the wing pylons.
During it’s service life it was feared by any pilot that would have
to consider taking it on. The Russian equivalent Mig 25 Foxbat
was certainly no match even when it was upgraded to the Mig 31.
Of course in this day and age technological advances in modern
air warfare has taken performance and strike capabilities to a
different level. We sit on the brink of our latest fighter to enter
service in the UK. The second Lightning, indeed it’s designation
is the F35 Lightning II.
So the question is will the F35 be as devastating today as the F2a
was 30 years ago.
Top speed is Mach 1.6 (Almost twice as fast as it’s Harrier predecessor)
It has stealth mode and a 450 mile operational range. That is where the
good points end in my opinion. It has been tested against the ageing f16
Falcon designed and brought into service in the 1970’s. Recent testing
saw the f16 outperforming, outmanoeuvring and outgunning the F35.
Manoeuvrability has been greatly hampered by the f35’s lack of ability to
go beyond a 5g turn. Other issues have seen the entire US fleet
grounded due to cracked turbo fans, software difficulties and a fuel tank
venting system that will not allow a steep dive below 20,000ft. Surely this
cannot be a ‘Fighter’ with so many restrictions and flaws. Oh yes, it melts
the flight deck of carriers when it’s hovering
So, my personal opinion is the F35 has an awful long way to go to earn
it’s title as a Lightning. The old girl would be turning in her grave at the
thought!! The F2a was renowned as being an absolute joy to fly and a
British Aircraft that could hold it’s own against anything of it’s day.
While the F35 would have problems outperforming a Cessna at the
moment. But hey, what do I know.
To be fair to the F35, it is still early days but I get concerned that this
thing is due into service very soon and I fear that it’s not up to the job.
Can somebody please tell me why we got rid of the Harrier when
although it wasn’t as fast, at least it worked.

Canada
Calling
The Canuck Connection
Greetings my fellow Veterans,
The initial Canuck Connection had a tiny error.
SBT introduces it’s newest reporter talking about the
Canadian Forces.
I am both proud and Happy to correct this terminology.
After 43 years, the Canadian Forces are regaining their “royal”
moniker.
It is indeed a sad state of affairs both in the UK and Canada,
that there are now so many HOMELESS Veterans. Our
Governments must come up with a plan to correct this
terrifying situation. Men and women who have served their
country loyally and in some of the worst places on this earth,
have fallen through the proverbial cracks.
I do realise that there are many groups available to assist
Veterans, BUT first they must be identified.
The Military instils pride in all of us and as such, speaking of
not fitting in? Or having PTSD with all of it’s terrible effects
on the mind. It is up to each and every one of us to find old
comrades who may not be coping and to guide them to an
organisation that has professionals who can help. Despite
our military backgrounds there is no shame in seeking, or
accepting assistance in life.
I would like to add to this weekly column, little tit-bits of
humour amongst our brothers and sisters who served under
different Flags. Who better to begin with than the
Intelligence Corps.
Canada’s navy and air force are to be restored to their pre-
1968 titles of Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air
Force.
Land Force Command will now be known simply as the
Canadian Army.
This is an article from 2011:
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/royal-returns-forcanadas-armed-forces
When the Prime Minister of the day amalgamated the three
branches of the Canadian Military it was a sad day. Esprit de
Corps literally disappeared overnight. Our sailors no longer
wore their Bell Bottom square rig. Nor their Tropical whites
in southern ports.
They as the air force and army wore a horrendous Green
uniform, much like Coca Cola men of the 60s.
Thankfully all those days are over and we are once again
PROUD to be the RCN, RCAF and the Canadian Army.
I was a proud “boy Soldier” Green Monster, Apprentice
Soldier no matter what we were called. Sadly the same Prime
Minister all those years ago also cancelled the boys training as
apprentices in all branches..
Till next week stay safe. enjoy retirement and watch out for
Veterans who may need a hand.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
Ganges Memories PDF
With that in mind today’s PDF contains memories and a few
photos of Gange’s Boys. One of whom I am glad to call a
friend Frederick “Ben” Rodgers retired RN Submariner,
Retired RCN Officer, Author and Blogger. Please see today’s
PDF: GANGES MEMORIES

British Legion Somme
centenary poppies will contain
'part of the battlefield'
THE British Army’s bloodiest day is to be commemorated with
special edition poppies made from shells fired during the Battle
of the Somme.
The collector’s items will be produced for the Royal British
Legion to mark the centenary of the first day of the Somme on
July 1.
In all, 19,240 pins are being made – one for every soldier killed
on the first day of the battle, which saw the heaviest loss of life
in British military history for a single day’s fighting.
Each poppy has been made in the jewellery quarters of
London and Birmingham.
The pins will cost £39.99 and proceeds will go to the RBL,
which provides care and support to the Armed Forces
community, including those currently serving, veterans and
their families.
Mr Bennett said: “It is truly humbling to hold a piece of
profound history in the form of a shell fuse found on the
Somme.
“To walk along the old front line and find these fuses linked
to such an important event in our country’s history is what
this project is all about.
“These men were loyal everyday volunteers, and none of
them understood the situation they were going to be
encountering, but all of them – the men who died and who
lived – were heroes.
“This is the first poppy that allows you to wear and carry a
piece of history with you at all times. The annual Poppy
Appeal is a wonderful tribute, but is very seasonal.
“The Somme 100 Poppy Pin is a subtle and tasteful tribute
that can be worn by anyone, all year round.
“By crafting the pins by hand, I feel we have recognised the
individuals in a way that anonymous factory mass
production could never achieve.”
The Somme 100 Poppy Pins will all contain a small part of the
battlefield.
The RBL has called them a “fitting tribute to every son, brother
and father who lost their lives fighting for their country”.
Each poppy will be made from British shell fuses fired during
the battle and collected by designer Christopher Bennett, of
TMB Art Metal and local farmers.
The paint on the red enamel at the centre of each poppy
contains earth collected from nine points across the 18-mile
British front line.
The RBL’s director of fundraising Charles Byrne said: “The
Somme 100 Poppy Pin is a poignant tribute to all those who
made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of the Somme
100 years ago. There are very few UK communities which
were unaffected by the terrible losses sustained at the
frontline in Northern France.
Mr Bennett collected about 500 shell fuses from the front
line in preparation for his work, having completed similar
projects with historic materials.
The pins will be available at www.poppyshop.org.uk from
mid-May.

We live in such a busy world. When I was a child,
Sunday was a day of rest for the majority. The shops
stayed shut. People spent time resting, enjoying quality
time with family or just not doing anything for the day.
These days the world doesn’t stop. Our waking hours
are constantly busy, full of things that need to be done.
So much so that when it is time to sleep, we struggle to
switch off and barely get sufficient sleep. Thus we
continue each day tired through lack of sleep and yet
under more pressure than we should be. I remember
being told once that we have become human doings
instead of what we were created to be…human beings.
Many of us do not give ourselves time to just be.
Now when we read about Jesus’ life and ministry, he was
a doer. He found himself unable to escape the demands
of his followers and the people that came to him for
healing, for restoration, for acceptance.
‘Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then
he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great
crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the
crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at His
feet; and he healed them.’
(Matthew 15:29-30)
He met their needs because his heart was with them. His
compassion spilled over. He could not leave them alone.
He was compelled to help them. However we also read
that he had to take time out, to rest, to spend quality time
with his father, God. Even Jesus needed a time of rest,
recuperation and quiet.
‘Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat
and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed
the crowd. After He had dismissed them, he went up on
a mountain by himself to pray.’
(Matthew 14:22-23)
I don’t know about you but I find it difficult to make that
time, time to rest. I feel that if I am not available for
others whenever they need me then I am being selfish.
Selfish because I am putting my needs above those of
others. I am trying to change my mindset because I am
realizing that if I am burnt out, I am no good to anyone.
I become snappy, short tempered and a little bitter.
I went away over the bank
holiday weekend. My family
very kindly looked after my
children and I drove off to the
countryside. I was uptight the
first day as I was riddled with
guilt for leaving them. Even
though in the back of my
mind I knew that they would
have an excellent time without
me. Then that first evening I
stood outside and looked up
at the stars. Wow!! They
looked so amazing. In my
head I recited the words of a
praise song. ‘We can try to
count the stars; you already
know them each by name.’
I started to forget my guilt and connect with God. I often
have the best quiet time at night, the kids are asleep, the
world is quieter and I can take in God. This weekend I
realized how much of a struggle I find it to rest in God
when stuck in everyday life. I realised that I am not
allowing myself to rest in Him. This I know is not
beneficial because Jesus says,
‘Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I
will give you rest.’
(Matthew 11:28)

Spend time absorbing the greatness of God all around
you. The air you breathe, the sensations you feel, the
sounds you hear, all of creation. Allow yourself to be
filled with peace and take time to off load your burdens.
Then you will find a great time of refreshing and you can
continue on, knowing that no matter what is ahead you
will get through, knowing that you’re not on your own.
I realise that no matter how hectic your life is you need
to make time to rest. I find my rest in God. When I
spend quiet time with Him, it stills my mind, it fills me
with peace. So what I would say to all of you who are
feeling worn out with life, with the world, take time out,
even just ten or fifteen minutes. Find a quiet place, it
could be your bedroom or a favourite place by the river
or up a hill, but find it.
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

Sobibor Death Camp
Archaeologists reveal its horrors
Sobibor Camp ranks among the worst of the secrets kept by
the Nazi regime during World War II. Hitler, with his
ideology that the Aryan race was superior to all others and his
desire to destroy all the so-called inferior races, the Jews,
Russians, Slavs and Serbs, along with anyone of colour,
homosexuals, gypsies and any nation decreed as inferior, were
consigned to camps built for the purpose of containing and
exterminating these people.
Several camps were built where the Nazis managed to
exterminate around ⅔ of the Jewish population of Europe
including some 1.5 million children. Not only were the Jewish
people decimated, but around 5 million souls of other races,
creeds and colours were sent to the abominations called
camps, where they were systematically starved, beaten,
experimented upon and eventually gassed.
Camps such as Auschwitz were notorious and deservedly
reviled for the activities that took place there but the Nazis
had a far more insidious plan, one named Operation
Reinhardt. This plan called for the creation of three death
camps at Sobibór, Belzec, and Treblinka by SS officials Odilo
Globocnik and Christian Wirth. These camps were created
with one purpose and one purpose only and that was to
systematically execute every person unlucky enough to pass
through its gates.
By mid-1943, the number of trains being sent to Sobibor was
slowing down and the Jewish prisoners at the camp feared
that the end was approaching and soon everyone left in the
camp would be put to death. In July of the same year, the
prisoners formed an underground cell with the aim of
escaping from the camp.
They were determined to try but lacked the leadership skills
necessary. In September a train from Minsk brought a new
load of Russian Jews and one of their number was Lieutenant
Aleksandr “Sasha” Aronovich Pechersky, a trained officer.
He was placed in charge of the escape, with Leon
Feldhendler as his deputy. The plan they devised was daring
and required nerves of steel. They would lure the SS Offices
into a storeroom on the pretence of issuing new coats and
boots.
Once the officers were inside the storeroom, they would be
set upon by the prisoners and killed using axes and knives.
They would then seize the weapons from the dead officers
and at roll call the camp would be set on fire, allowing the
prisoners to escape. Once outside the camp, each prisoner
would be on their own.
On 14th October 1943, at 4:00pm in the afternoon, the first
SS officer was killed followed by ten more SS men and some
of the Ukrainian guards. The prisoners cut the telephone and
electricity wires and soon the camp was burning.
The prisoners that had guns trained them on the guard towers
and the rest of the prisoners took the opportunity to flee for
their lives across the minefields that surrounded the
camp. Approximately half the inmates escaped and of those
roughly 70 actually made it to freedom. This escape caused
SS Chief Heinrich Himmler to order that the camp be
immediately dismantled.
The SS took pains to obliterate the camp from the face of the
earth. They filled the gas chambers with concrete, the
buildings were burned to the ground and then the entire
camp was bulldozed to remove all trace. Trees and bushes
were then planted over the empty space so that it vanished
completely.
In September 2014, after a search lasting eight years, a team
of archaeologists led by Yorim Haimi, was successful in
locating the remains of the gas chambers under an asphalt
road and the remains of this infamous camp. This search was
very personal to Haimi as two of his uncles were slaughtered
at Sobibor.
Haimi and his team from the Yad Vashem’s International
Institute for Holocaust Research, the German-Polish
Foundation and the Majdanek State Museum found four gas
chambers that measured 16 feet by 23 feet that were used to
suffocate up to 100 people at a time. Haimi told an interview,
“This is where they forced the Jews in and that’s probably
where the motor was placed that fed exhaust fumes into the
chambers.”
Now that the location of the camp is known a memorial to the
souls that lost their lives to a madman’s decree can be erected
so mankind will not forget the evil perpetrated here.

This week in the Clubs
Sandbags Singapore
Thank you Adrian Houghton & Tadcaster Hospitality & San
Miguel for another great evening. Great turn out. we raised
over $380.00 for Sandbag charities. Wonderful hospitality
and a few sore heads this morning no doubt!
John Tasker
Rotherham MCVC
The next Rotherham MCVC (Military Community
Veterans Centre) Breakfast Club Meeting will be held
on Saturday 7th May 2016, at The Bluecoat Public
House (behind Rotherham Town Hall), The Crofts.
Rotherham S60 2DJ (10am to midday). Anyone from
the military community (Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air
Force and Royal Marines) serving, ex service,
including dependents and associated organisations are
welcome to attend. Where needed you can benefit
from the provision of advice, guidance and a sign
posting service, or just join in the banter that we are all
familiar with from our military days, all for free, and
while there why not take advantage of the good food,
tea, coffee (large filter coffee with free refills until
2pm), soft drinks and alcoholic beverages all at very
reasonable prices. Come and join us and enjoy a
couple of hours of fun and laughter with like minded
colleagues.
Mac McKenney
He’s in the news again!!!
Dereck posted in Barkers Breakfast Club this week that two
great things happened to Chris this week. Firstly, he’s got
parole and is now out of hospital and back home. Absolutely
awesome!! Not only that, but he received a letter this week
from Prince Harry. Although Chris apparently hid the letter
away before it had a second to breathe oxygen it is believed A
spokesman for the prince said
I wonder if I could ask our Breakfast Clubs in the
Devon area if they could in anyway help an ex vet who
lives in the Cullompton area. He’s building a
memorial garden (in memory of his grandson killed in
Afghanistan and others) but desperately needs a
brickie asap. Local builders/council etc have been no
help or too expensive. If anyone can help please pm
me and I will give you his name and details. Thanks
guys. xx
Sharon Morgan
Send in your entries for the SBT to
info@sandbagtimes.com
"Prince Harry wishes Chris all the best for his continued
recovery. It is great to see how Chris's family, friends and
community rallied around him when he needed it. We all
have a role to play in supporting veterans who have made
such big sacrifices for our country.“
It goes to show just how small the Veterans world really is and
no matter what rank, position, time etc we come from there is
one thing that unites us all. We are Veterans.
Pabs

Veterans Radio Net
The NAAFI of the Air Waves
"Helping Veterans since 2012“
PTSD "Let's Talk"
Thanks to all types of media coverage we know it exists
but what do we actually know about it? Well some of us
know all about it, we suffer it.
Reliving the event, nightmares, flashback, negative
changes in beliefs and feelings, feeling keyed up all the
time, depression, anger, guilt and grief any or all of
these, plus others symptoms can and do affect the
sufferer, we are all different, the way we are affected is
unique, but our stories are so very familiar we can often
finish them for each other, and it's the same for the
families.
Starting this week (1800hrs Tuesday 3rd) I will talk again
about the hell I and my family lived through, the hell I
put people I didn't even know through. Then in
subsequent programs we will have others joining us,
sufferers, family and experts, from not only the medical
world but also from the many charities/groups that help
veterans and their families.
Tune into Sapper Ken on VRN and PTSD "Let's Talk"
it's the only way we will help our brothers and sisters.
Military Veterans Radio
MVR Events
4/30/16 Interview the band
Fall To Silence 1pm EST
01/07/16 Berdoo
100% Biker rock/Metal Band Tour
Across USA 24 States
all Donations go to our Veterans
10&11/7/16 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 .
Kat
See you all soon.
Sapper Ken
Coming Soon

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For a free non obligation quotation, or to discuss your plans, please
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0790 990 8056 or email info@wizzpropertiesltd.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can find us on FACEBOOK
Contact Us
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regarding any of our services using
the following details:
Address:
2 Melville Street, Falkirk, FK1 1HZ
Telephone. 0790 990 8056
Email.
info@wizzpropertiesltd.co.uk

advertise@sandbagtimes.com

Veterans Help
Other Helpful Links
Our Links

A word from the Ed
Welcome to Robby McRobb
who, as you may have seen
now, writes the Cannuck
Connection. All things
Canadian. The SBT has had
some great support from our
brothers and sisters across the
pond and I’m so proud to have
them aboard. Cheers Robby.
We will shortly be offering
advertising space within the
pages. We will be offering
preferential rates for businesses
that actively support Veterans.
If you would like to know more
then please contact us at :
advertise@sandbagtimes.com
You may see a slight change yet
again in the magazine next
week as we have professionals
coming in to enhance the way
we do things. With the high
involvement the magazine
seems to be creating it was
only a matter of time before
things went this way. That
said its two aims still remain.
To support veterans and their
families and secondly, to
support the Veterans
Breakfast Clubs.
Finally, expect big things to
come from the show ‘A Song
For A Hero’. Vince and I
took a little trip to Manchester
this week to meet up with
some very influential people.
We could be looking at our
biggest show yet. Vince is now
at the steering wheel and will
be working hard on our latest
venture in the coming months.
Take care all.
Pabs
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

Information Page
Pull Up A Sandbag– Jonathan Smiles
A Comical Compilation of British Military Humour Contributed by military
personnel from the British Army, Navy and Air Force, some of the
descriptions of the mad, bad and dangerous antics of servicemen on and off
duty to be found in Pull Up a Sandbag are enough to scare the living daylights
out of the average civilian, whilst others would cause even a hardened RSM to
blush - but they will all be recognised as true to life by anyone who has served
in the armed forces.
The daft pranks that military types like to play on one another and especially
on `sprogs' and `newbies' - the disastrous results of mixing stupidity with lethal
weaponry - the havoc caused by the infamous Emperor Mong, who whispers
in the ears of unwary servicemen and tells them to do things they will later
regret - the misunderstandings between those in command and the men they
are commanding - the misfires, mishaps and mistakes - all are recorded here
for the reader's education and amusement.
A humorous treat for all former or serving military personnel and a real eyeopener
for inhabitants of Civvy Street, this book is also a fundraiser for the
charity Help For Heroes so all the laughter is also for a good cause.
Personally, I have read this book cover to cover many times. If ever a book
can lift someone out of the blues, it’s this one. Hilarious!! Pabs.
Back Issues of the Sandbag Times are available to download here

Don’t stand there gawpin’
READ IT AGAIN!!!
Come up with a caption for Sgt Sandbag
and win a prize
Mindbender
Sir Plutus has forgotten that he no longer has anything of
value in his wall safe, so he recently had one of those newfangled
electronic security locks installed. It has eight
ordinary up-down toggle switches labeled A to H. The
instructions that came with the device were crystal clear. To
open it, all Sir Plutus has to do is set each switch either up or
down such that,
Neither B nor C is the same as D.
G is down only if E is not the same as H.
A and G are different if (but only if) E and G are both in the
same position.
G is down if D is down, but G is up if B is down.
D is up, unless E is the same as F.
A is not the same as B if either A or E is down.
A, F, and G are not all in the same position.
It may or may not confuse the burglars, but it has certainly
confused Sir Plutus. How should the switches be set to open
the safe?