The Veteran Issue 7

June 2022 - August 2022 Issue 7
The
Veteran
Alicante
The Quarterly Magazine of The Alicante Branch
of The Royal British Legion
Torrevieja
Falklands 40

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
3 Introduction, Sue Parkes - McConnachie, Branch
Membership Secterary.
5 General Service Medal 1962.
6 'Least we Forget, The Northern Ireland Conflict.
8 Who are we, The Royal British Legion'
10 'We Served' HMS Resolution.
14 40th Anniversary, Falklands Remembered.
15 Armed Forces Day.
17 Branch News.
19 "We Served" The Ulster Defence Regiment.
23 The Video page
24 Forecast of Events
25 Military Humour
26 Poets Corner
Contact us
Ed Morris- Alicante Branch Chairman
Les Dewson - Vice Chairman, Recruiting
& Retention
Janet Brickhill - Branch Community
Support
Hamish McConnachie - Web Master &
Publicity
Alicante.Chairman@rbl.community
Alicante.Vicechairman@rbl.community
Alicante.BCS@rbl.community
Alicante.Web@rbl.community
2

Sue Parkes McConnachie
Alicante Branch
Membership Secretary
WWhen I was asked to do the introduction for the ‘Veteran’
issue 7, the Quartery Magazine of the Alicante Branch of
the Royal British Legion I felt so proud, as a fairly new
member of the Legion(3 years) I am still a little unsure of how everything in the Legion
works but I am happy to say that I am getting there so much so that I was confident
enough to volunteer to become a Committee Member of the Alicante Branch and took
up the position of Membership Secretary last October. Although many of you will know
me personally I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself.
I was born and brought up in Nottingham being educated at Highbank junior school as
a child in Clifton and then onto Charnwood Bilateral school for girls where I have to say
I was a bit of a nerd and really loved school which I left with a very good education.
My goal was always to work in a bank but in those days you had to be eighteen years
of age to join Barclays, as a space filler I went to work for the Navy, Army and Air Force
Institute (NAAFI) at their offices in Nottingham handling Germany BFPO expenses.
Just before my 18t birthday I applied and joined Barclays and went to college at the
same time to pass my business studies exam, unfortunately I was very disappointed
with my career in the bank and left to work for Boots the chemist in their Head Office.
I worked within the Boots Group for 38 years where I worked in numerous departments
and held different roles, Marketing and Sales for 17 years, and the rest in IT managerial
roles finishing in a specialised role as Software and Hardware Asset Manager for the
whole of UK and Europe, with letters after my name which I was very proud of, finally
retiring when I was 58 so I could continue to enjoy my traveling passion.
I feel very lucky to have been able to travel all over the world and have visited many
countries and enjoying different cultures. Obviously one place I visited was Castalla in
Spain which was where I met my husband Hamish. Hamish introduced me to the
military and all that goes with it, and I have to say I love being part of the Queens Own
Highlanders Regimental family, I have met some lovely people through Remembrance
Sundays in London and various Reunions. I try and support Hamish in all he does and
am very proud of him and his achievements within the Legion and other charitable
organisations here in Spain.
3

I am proud to
be a Member
of The
Alicante
Branch of the
Royal British
Legion
You don't have to
have served to be a
member of the
Royal British Legion
I have always wanted to do more which is why I
volunteer when I can in fund raising events for the
Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal which helps
our serving servicemen, their families and veterans
in many different ways.
In taking on the role of Membership Secretary for
the Alicante Branch which I must admit can be
quite time consuming I have had the satisfaction of
knowing that I have given something back to our
Armed Forces Community and as an extra bonus I
have met some new and interesting people
through the Legion here in Spain. Remember that
you don't have to be a member of the Armed
Forces or a Veteran to join and that every cent
raised in Spain stays in Spain.
Hamish and I love our time in Spain but we both
love to travel and experience new things so we
may not always be around but will always give our
best while we are here.
“Thank you for your support”
Every Cent raised in
Spain stays in Spain
Sue Parkes McConnachie with George and Joan Mollins
at AFD 2022
'Service Not Self '
4

Military awards, medals and decorations of the United Kingdom
General Service Medal 1962 Ribbon
General Service
Medal 1962
(GSM)
The General Service Medal 1962 (GSM
1962, also refered sometimes as the
Campaign Service Medal.) was
introduced by the Ministry of Defence
Order NO.61 dated 6th October 1962. It
GSM 1962 with
Northern Ireland Bar
GSM 1962
Reverse
was to combine the three services (Royal Navy, Army andRoyal Air Force) so that they
would have the one identical General Service Medal, with the appropriate clasp issued
to the recipient. The 1962 GSM was awarded until 2007, when it was replaced by the
Operational Service Medal.
If the recipient had already been awarded the medal, then the additional clasp would
be added to those already on the medal. Like its predecessors, the Naval General Service
Medal (NSGM) and General Service Medal 1918-62 (GSM 1918-62), the GSM 1962 was
not issued without a clasp. The clasps were worn on the GSM 1962 in the order that they
were earned (reading from the bottom of the ribbon upwards), which is not necessarily
the chronological order of the clasps institution.
Those mentioned in despatches or who received a Queen’s Commendation during a
campaign qualifying for the 1962 GSM wear an oak leaf symbol on the medal ribbon
There has been fourteen clasps awarded with this medal since it's inception:
Cyprus 1963-64
Borneo
Radfan
South Arabia
Malay Peninsula
South Vietnam
Northern Ireland
Dhofar
Lebanon
Mine Clearance, Gulf of Suez
Gulf
Kuwait
N. Iraq & S. Turkey
Air Operations Iraq
5

"Least we Forget"
The Northern Ireland
Conflict
'The Troubles'
For 30 years, Northern Ireland was scarred by a period of deadly sectarian violence
known as “the Troubles.” This explosive era was fraught with car bombings, riots and
revenge killings that ran from the late 1960s through the late 1990s. The Troubles
were seeded by centuries of conflict between predominantly Catholic Ireland and
predominantly Protestant England. Tensions flared into violence in the late 1960s,
leaving some 3,600 people dead and more than 30,000 injured.
The origins of the Troubles date back to
centuries of warfare in which the
predominantly Catholic people of Ireland
attempted to break free of British
(overwhelmingly Protestant) rule. In 1921, the
Irish successfully fought for independence
and Ireland was partitioned into two
countries: the Irish Free State, which was
almost entirely Catholic, and the smaller
Northern Ireland, which was mostly
Protestant with a Catholic minority.
While Ireland was fully independent, Northern
Ireland remained under British rule, and the
Catholic communities in cities like Belfast and
Derry (legally called Londonderry)
complained of discrimination and unfair
treatment by the Protestant-controlled
government and police forces. In time, two
opposing forces coalesced in Northern
Ireland largely along sectarian lines: the
Catholic “nationalists” versus the Protestant
“loyalists.”
The conflict began during a campaign by the
Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association to
end discrimination against the Catholic/
nationalist minority by the Protestant/unionist
government and local authorities.
The government attempted to suppress the
protests. The police, the Royal Ulster
Constabulary (RUC), were overwhelmingly
Protestant and accused of sectarianism and
police brutality. The campaign was also
violently opposed by loyalists, who said it
was a republican front. Increasing tensions
led to the August 1969 riots and the
deployment of British troops, in what
became the British Army's longest
operation. "Peace walls" were built in some
areas to keep the two communities apart.
Some Catholics initially welcomed the
British Army as a more neutral force than
the RUC, but soon came to see it as hostile
and biased, particularly after Bloody Sunday
in 1972.
British
Soldiers on
patrol 1970
6

Peacekeepers
in Northern Ireland
The British Government ordered the deployment
of troops to Northern Ireland in August 1969.
This was to counter the growing disorder
surrounding civil rights protests and an increase
in sectarian violence during the traditional
Protestant marching season.
The Roman Catholic population of Northern
Ireland had little faith in the local police force,
viewing the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) as
a pro-Protestant organisation. Initially, it was
hoped that the British Army might be more
readily accepted as a neutral peacekeeping
force.
The Army’s initial troop
deployment proved insufficient
and reinforcement was soon
needed. Early on, the British
developed the tactic of operating
and patrolling from fortified bases
in Northern Ireland's major towns.
This set a pattern for the next 30
years.
In the countryside, particularly South
Armagh's 'bandit country', the risk of
ambush contributed to the Army's reliance
on helicopters both to reconnoitre and ferry
troops.
The Army operated a 'tour of duty' policy for
troops. The advantage of this was that
soldiers had an end in sight and there was a
limit to the length of their exposure to stress
and danger. The disadvantage was that the
build-up of experience and local knowledge
could be curtailed and the benefits of
continuity lost.
More than 3,500 people were killed in the
conflict, of whom 52% were civilians, 32%
were members of the British security forces
and 16% were members of paramilitary
groups. Republican paramilitaries were
responsible for some 60% of the deaths,
loyalists 30% and security forces 10%. The
Northern Ireland peace process led to
paramilitary ceasefires and talks between
the main political parties, which resulted in
the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.
"LEAST
WE
FORGET"
7

WHO
ARE
WE
The Royal British Legion is at the heart of a national network that
supports our Armed Forces community.
We're here through thick and thin – ensuring their unique contribution is never
forgotten. We've been here since 1921 and we'll be here as long as they need us.
We are the UK's largest Armed Forces charity and we have many Branches
throughout the world, with 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of
partners and charities; helping us give support wherever and whenever it’s needed.
We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel
and their families.
Our support starts after one day of service and continues through
life, long after service is over.
From providing expert advice and guidance, to recovery and rehabilitation, through
to transitioning to civilian life – we can be by their side every step of the way. And it’s
not just members of the Armed Forces but their families too.
If there is ever a reason we can't help, our vast network will mean that we know
someone who can.
8

Every year we lead the nation in commemorating and honouring
those who have served and sacrificed.
We remember those who lost their lives on active service in all conflicts; from the
beginning of the First World War right up to the present day, as well as all those who
have served and their families.
Every year in November, we distribute our paper poppies to raise vital funds to help
today's Armed Forces community. And it wouldn’t be possible without our incredible
supporters.
Whether you’re a volunteer, member or proud Poppy Appeal collector – or however
you choose to support us – we couldn’t do it without you.
Poppy Appeal Launch (PAL)2022 Spain.
This years District North Spain's Poppy Appeal Launch Will take place in Benidorm
on the 15th of October.
Alicante Branch Acts of Remembrance.
The Alicante Branch will hold the following acts of Remembrance:
11th November: Armistice Day Parade and Service at International Club El
Campello.
13th November: Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service at the Remembrance
Garden Castalla International. 9

"WE SERVED"
HMS
RESOLUTION
The Navy's First
Polaris Submarine
It was decided that the United
Kingdom would have four
Polaris submarines to carry
the latest A-3 missiles; that the
submarines would be British
designed and built; that the whole
weapon systems and equipment,
except warheads, would be
purchased from the United States;
and that the warheads would be
British. The Government directive
was explicit; the four SSBNs (Ship
Submersible Ballistic Nuclear) were
to be deployed at the earliest
possible date and the programme
executed within the allotted budget.
'A challenge had been issued and a
challenge was going to be met'.
Les Dewson 1977 - 2010
Submariner
Dolphins
Badge
First officially adopted in the
1950s, qualified submariners are
presented the Golden Dolphins badge to wear
on their uniform on the left breast above any
medals. The current badge, adopted in 1972,
depicts two golden dolphins facing an anchor
surmounted by St Edwards Crown.
10

The Ministry of Defence
planned, in 1963, to fire
Britain's first Polaris missile at
11.15 Eastern Standard Time
on 15th February 1968 - HMS
Resolution failed to achieve
this by 15 milliseconds, but the
firing was otherwise fully
successful!
The Royal Yacht Britannia at Faslane Scotland
with HMS Resolution in the foreground
Ordered in May 1963, she was built by
Vickers Armstrong at a cost of £40.2m.
The keel was laid down on 26 February
1964 by the Director General Ships, Sir
Alfred Sims, and the launch was on 15
September 1966, attended by Queen
Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The
submarine was commissioned on 2
October 1967, and following extensive
trials, including the firing of her first
Polaris missile on 15 February 1968,
commenced her first patrol on 15 June
1968. Being the United Kingdom's contribution to NATOs strategic nuclear
deterrent, at least one Polaris submarine was constantly on patrol, sailing
submerged 'one knows not where', but always carrying her deadly 'cargo' of twostage
ballistic missiles.
'Sherwood Forest' was the nickname given to the compartment housing these 16
missiles, which were 31 feet long, 4½ feet in diameter and weighed 28,000
pounds. Fired from the submerged submarine, the multiple nuclear warheads
could soar into the stratosphere and devastate a target 2,500 nautical miles
away. One Polaris submarine carried more destructive potential than the total
amount of explosives expended by all sides in the Second World War.
11

When a Polaris submarine heads out
into the open sea, the crew settles down
to a life of routine, where days passed
relatively quickly, but time seemed to
stand still. Their main activities were
devoted entirely to ensuring that the
secrecy of their position was preserved,
and that the deadly missiles were always
ready to fulfill their ultimate purpose. To
make the fullest use of Polaris
submarines, each had two crews -
known as Port and Starboard - which
took turn and turnabout in the two-month
patrol cycle.
Food assumes an importance beyond its
intrinsic value, and plays a large part in
influencing the morale of those onboard.
Resolution, first of it's name.
50-gun third-rate frigate launched
1654 as Tredagh; renamed Resolution
1660; destroyed after grounding by a
Dutch fireship in the St James's Day
Battle 4 August 1666.
Resolution, seventh of it's name.
HMS Resolution (1771), the vessel of
Captain James Cook in his
explorations
There have been eleven HMS
Resolutions from 1660 - 1994
From the small galley of a Polaris submarine, three cooked meals a day were
prepared for the 143 officers and men - in an eight-week patrol, the equivalent of
feeding a family of four for five years.
The primary source of power for Polaris
submarines was a pressurised water
nuclear reactor, which provided steam
for the propulsion turbines and turbogenerators.
Systems for everyday
running range from high and low
voltage electrical power, steam,
hydraulic, pneumatic, lubricating oil and
water for essential ship's services, to
freshwater, air-conditioning and
refrigeration for domestic purposes. A
HMS Resolution
network of communications and control
systems is used for the transmission of information, for direction of remote
services, and for round-the-clock monitoring of conditions throughout the ship.
One of the most important events in the work-up of a Polaris submarine was the
Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO), which was conducted off
Cape Kennedy in Florida.
This operation culminated in the firing of a Polaris missile down the US Air Force
Eastern Test Range to a target up to 2500 nautical miles away.
12

Alleged use during the Falklands
War
During the early stages of the
Falklands War, the BBC World News
reported that Resolution was
stationed off Buenos Aires. A similar
story appeared in 1984 in the New
Statesman which alleged that
Resolution was sent south, as a
means of launching a nuclear attack
against Córdoba in the event that a
Royal Navy aircraft carrier be sunk.
In reality, Resolution's crew were
having to deal with an upsurge of
Soviet SSN activity, with Resolution
having to take evasive action to avoid
a November-class submarine. Despite
Soviet efforts, Resolution was never
found during her 72-day patrol.
Les Dewson first group rear rank second from left.
Polaris submarines were designed to
carry, and maintain in a state of
readiness to fire, 16 Type A-3 Polaris
missiles in addition to their
conventional torpedo armament. The
Admiralty believe that if the missiles
were ever employed they will have
failed in their purpose of preventing
war.
Following the completion of the first
Trident-carrying Vanguard-class
submarine in 1992, the Resolution
class were gradually removed from
service. Resolution was
decommissioned on 22 October 1994,
after 69 patrols, and laid up at the
Rosyth Dockyard. She remains in the
main basin at Rosyth, intact but with
her reactor defueled
13

Alicante Branch
Remembers
those impacted
by the conflict.
On the 14th June at 12:00 the Alicante Branch held a simple service to commemorate the 40th
Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. Vice Chairman and Falklands Veteran (HMS Hermes) Ed Morris
welcomed the Branch and Community members to the service followed by the Eulogy given by Branch
President and Falklands Veteran (4 Fd Regt RA) Jack Kemp. Ed Morris laid a single wreath to the
fallen whilst “The Song of the Falklands” played in the background. Following the Last Post and
Reveille Jack Kemp gave the Exhortation. Mary Kemp read a poem by Jim ‘Jock’ Love, Branch
Member and Falklands Veteran. The service was concluded with the National Anthem of the Argentine
republic and the National Anthem of the United Kingdom. The Kohima Epitaph was given by Branch
Chairman John Pratt.
Branch Chairman John Pratt carried the Union Flag whilst Branch Standard Bearer Mary Kemp carried
the Branch Standard.
Branch Vice Chairman (Now Chairman) Ed Morris with Branch Chairman John Pratt (Union Flag)
and Branch Standard Bearer Mary Kemp (Branch Standard)

Armed Forces Day
25th June 2022 Torrevieja
Armed forces Day was held at the Church of the
Immaculate Conception in Torrevieja on the 25th of June.
The Alicante Branch was well represented on this very
important day supplying two Standard Bearers to carry
both the Union Flag of the United Kingdom and the Royal
British Legion Spain District North Standard as well as
having several Branch members in the Congregation.
Branch Members in attendance would like to take this opportunity to thank the organisers of
AFD 2022 in Torrevieja for the hard work put into organising a well worked parade and
service.
Alicante
Branch
Standard
Bearers
John Pratt (Left)Branch Chairman and Deputy Standard Bearer with the District Standard and Mary
Kemp Branch Standard Bearer with the Union Flag of the United Kingdom
15

Branch Webmaster and Publicity Member Hamish McConnachie (left) and Branch Member Steve Berridge
L to R John Pratt, Sue Parkes McConnachie, George Mollins, Joan Mollins and Mary Kemp 16

New Committee
Members
With the resignation of our Branch Treasurer in
July the Alicante Branch Committee had a reshuffle
to fill vacant posts. Our Chairman John
Pratt has moved to take on the vital roll of
Les Dewson Branch Vice Chairman
Treasurer whilst Vice Chairman Ed Morris
fills the role of Chairman on a temporary basis. The Vice Chairmans role has
been taken up by Branch stalwart Les Dewson.
The Vacancy of Branch Secretary was taken up by Tony Horton. The new
Chairman and the remainder of the Committee would like to welcome Les and
Tony to the Committee.
New Branch Secretary
Tony Horton
Branch Committee
2022 - 2023
Branch Members are reminded that Branch
Committee posts come up for re-election at the
Branch AGM in October. Branch Members will be
able to put their names forward for any of the
Committee positions prior to this date, if two or more
members wish be considered for the same post
then there will be a vote by Branch Members. Full
details of the procedure will be sent out in
September by the Branch Chairman Ed Morris.
Support Your Branch
Consider Becoming a Committee
Member
17

Spain District North
Magazine Summer
2022
(Click on the photo)
Obituary
Terry Martin Burt
At Alcoi Hospital on Tuesday
2nd August 2022. Peacefully
after a long illness.
Condolences to his wife Lynn
and his Daughter Nicola and
his extended family.
The 2022 District North Spain Poppy
Appeal Launch (PAL) will be taking
place in Benidorm on the 15th
October 2022
Gone But Not Forgotten
18

'We Served'
The
Ulster
Defence
Regiment
Origins
In 1969, civil unrest was starting to
escalate in Northern Ireland. The
Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)
and Ulster Special Constabulary
(USC) were proving overstretched,
Hamish McConnachie served with the 3rd (County
Down) Bn The Ulster Defence Regiment as Signals
Permanant Staff Instructor from 1989 to 1991
ineffective and mistrusted by the Catholic community. In the wake of riots, the Hunt
Report - providing advice on policing in Northern Ireland - recommended a locally
recruited 4,000-man part-time non-sectarian force to take over military duties from the
RUC and replace the USC. An act of parliament to form this new unit came into force in
January 1970.
Role
The UDR’s main tasks were guarding key points, patrolling, surveillance, and manning
vehicle check points. As they were recruited from the community where they served, they
were never used for crowd control or riot duties.
Over 190 UDR soldiers were killed on active service, the vast majority by Republican
paramilitaries. Another 61 were killed after leaving the regiment.
19

Greenfinches
In 1973, the regiment began to recruit women for
clerical, radio and telephone roles to free up men for
patrol duties. They became known as 'Greenfinches' and,
although unarmed, were fully integrated into the unit
from the start. This was in contrast to the personnel of
the Women’s Royal Army Corps, who only merged into
the British Army in 1992.
Over 190 UDR
soldiers were killed
on active service
UDR Cap Badge
Structure
The unit was initially formed with
seven battalions, the highest
number for a single regiment in the
British Army at that time.
Four more had been added by 1972. In 1976, it ceased to be solely a part-time unit, when
it was given a cadre of full-time troops. Later, these expanded to make up half the force.
Its 11 battalions were reduced to nine in 1984, and then seven in 1991.
A soldier of the Black Watch
changes headgear with a UDR
Greenfinch
Collusion
Loyalist paramilitaries attempted to infiltrate the UDR and
several members of the regiment were involved in sectarian
crimes. Other soldiers were expelled for supplying weapons to
Loyalists or for being members of paramilitary organisations.
Alongside its largely Protestant make-up, such incidents
meant the UDR was distrusted by many in the nationalist
community. However, while the regiment came under
sustained criticism in the press and from politicians, the vast
majority of its soldiers served with honour and upheld the
law.
Legacy
In 1992, the UDR merged with The Royal Irish Rangers to
form The Royal Irish Regiment (27th (Inniskilling), 83rd and
87th and the Ulster Defence Regiment), becoming the new
unit's Home Service battalions.
20

3rd (County Down) Bn
Along with the other six original battalions,
3 UDR commenced operational duties on 1
April 1970. Battalion Headquarters were
located at Ballykinler Army Base which is
also home to Abercorn Barracks where
another British unit would be on a 2-year
posting. Bases were also located in Kilkeel
and Rathfriland.
The first commanding officer (CO) was Lt
Col Desmond Woods MC and bar. Woods
had won the MC with the Royal Ulster Rifles in Palestine during 1938, at that time he was
the youngest holder of the award. He won his bar to the MC in Italy in 1944, prior to his
appointment as Commanding officer of 3 UDR he had been the County Commandant of
the Ulster Special Constabulary for County Down from 1958. In his earliest days as CO,
Woods made it clear that he welcomed Catholics into his battalion.
The first training major (TISO - training int and security officer) was Major GJ Entwistle,
who was sent to the old hutted camp at Ballykinler. Part of his job was to find
accommodation for the various companies of the new battalion. The Battalion was
affiliated to the Scottish Division who supplied their Commanding Officer, Training
Major, RSM and Permanent Staff Instructors
In 1989 the battalion recorded over 900,000 man-hours of duty and the notable success
of, in a joint operation with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, discovering a "highly
sophisticated" arms factory which turned out homemade submachine guns for a loyalist
terror group.
In 2006, the regiment was retrospectively awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in
recognition of its services
Attached Permanent Staff members of
the 3rd (County Down) Bn The Ulster
Defence Regiment from the Scottish
Division 1990.

Who we
help
The Royal British Legion is here to
help members of the Royal Navy,
British Army, Royal Air Force,
veterans and their families.
And we’re not going anywhere.
Our support starts after one day of service and continues through
life, long after service is over
The Royal British Legion has 96
branches outside the United
Kingdom. Just because you
aren't based in the UK doesn't
mean we can’t help you. You can
use the main RBL website to
search for overseas branches and
find one near you.
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/#
22

The Video Page
Our Video page is designed to complement and give further information on articles
that appear within the Veteran.
Click Here
Click Here
Commissioning Of HMS Resolution (1967) Armed Forces Day 2022
Click Here
Click Here
The Ulster Defence Regiment
OP Banner Reflections
Northern Ireland Troubles
23

Forecast of Events
Alicante Branch meets at 12:00 pm on the 1st
Thursday of the month:
All meetings are followed by a Social Lunch within the local area.
Our weekly casual 'Meet & Greet' takes place at the No Problem
Bar on Thursdays at 15:00. Come along and meet some of the
members.
1st September : Monthly Meeting at the International Club El
Campello followed by lunch.
6th October: Annual General Meeting at Glenn's Castalla followed
by lunch.
15th October: Poppy Appeal Launch(PAL) Benidorm.
3rd November: Monthly Meeting at International Club El Campello
followed by lunch.
11th November: Armistice Day Parade and Service at International
Club El Campello.
13th November: Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service at the
Remembrance Garden Castalla International.
December: No Monthly Meeting.
TBC December: Branch Pre Christmas lunch.
24

Russian army was thought to
be the second best army in the
world...
... It turns out it's only the
second best army in Ukraine
MILITARY HUMOUR
Just before a paratrooper had his
first parachute jump, his sergeant
reminded him,
"Count to ten, and then pull the
first rip cord. If it snarls, pull the
second rip cord for your auxiliary
chute. After you land, our truck
will pick you up."
The paratrooper took a deep breath
and jumped. He counted to ten and
pulled the first cord. Nothing
pulled the second cord. Again,
nothing happened.
As he plummeted to the ground, he
said to himself, "I'll bet that truck
won't be there either!"
NATO Commander in the desert. asked a
group of troops. "if you found a scorpion
in your tent. What would you do?" ARMY
said "I would throw a boot at it." Marine
said" I would pick it up by the tail/stinger
& eat it. Air Force said "I would call Room
service & ask why is there a tent in my
Room?"
What happened to the navy officer who
went to see a mind reader? Apparently,
there was no charge
How many successful jumps does a
paratrooper have to make before he is
ready for combat?
All of them.

Poets
Corner
A Soldier Died Today
He was getting old and paunchy And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one.
And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly For they knew where of he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, For ol' Joe has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer For a Soldier died today.
He won't be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary, Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family, Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing, 'Tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were
great.
Papers tell of their life stories From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise And cons his fellow man?
Or would you want a Soldier, His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier, Who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Soldier, And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us We may need his likes again.
For when countries are in conflict, We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage At the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED
TODAY."
Unknown
After The War
There’s a tear in the fabric of his being
... Where the memories lie waiting to remind him
... Of the horror and the carnage
That is cataloged as war
Which civilians never see
For it’d shatter their reality
And leave them in a state of what
To call it I don’t know
But it’s tipped the balance
Of the G I Joe
Who comes to calmer waters
Where life’s normal once again
But he’s having trouble fitting in
For he’s shaken bad internally;
it’s a price they paid for defending
But the dreams are never ending.
Or the ordinary fellow Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country And offers up his life?
The politician's stipend And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate, To the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Soldier, Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal And perhaps a pension, small.
It is not the politicians With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever waffling stand?
Social Media
Tell me, which is the winner, pen or sword?
Soldier or poet, who should we applaud?
Debates may rage over the rule of things,
By foolish governments or noble kings,
And still the people wonder what is best,
What suits the few will never suit the rest,
Forget if sword is mightier than pen:
Lies on the Internet beat both of them!
26

The Alicante Branch
of the
Royal British Legion
"Service not Self "
Visit our website at
http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/alicante