frontline magazine: december 2015

Issue No. 12 December 2015

The 'Peacetime Christmas' Issue

In this issue:

Christmas in the Trenches A historical perspective on Yuletide

trench life during WWI

Robbie Clark 97-year-old WWII veteran on being

greeted by Rommel and surviving as a P.O.W.

Meet your BLOs We delve in to the minds of our

Briefing & Liaison Officers, five years after their introduction to our Charity

Interview: Glenn Haughton We talk to the new Army Sergeant

Major about his role and running the London Marathon for our Charity

Editors LetterWelcome to the first ever Christmas issue of FrontLine magazine.

It gives me great pleasure to be writing this letter having just completed my first year atABF The Soldiers Charity what a fantastic12 months it has been! It has also been an extraordinary year of anniversaries: amongst others we have seen the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta; the 200th anniversary of Waterloo; a continuation of the WWI Centenary commemorations; the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the 70th anniversary of both VE Day and VJ Day. Fittingly, there have been some magnificent commemorations of these events throughout the year, as well as our very own Red, White & Blue Day, which encouraged over 120,000 school pupils to attend school dressed in red, white and blue (see p4 to find out more). Christmas has always been a time for reflection and togetherness and, as we approach a year since the close of combat operations in Afghanistan, the subsequent rebasing of troops

back to the UK means that there will be many military families looking forward to spending a long-awaited Christmas together this year. However, it is important that we acknowledge those still called away due to operational commitments this Christmas. Indeed, on p6, we look back at what life was like for soldiers who spent the festive period away on the frontline during WWI. Also in this issue is our interview with recently appointed Army Sergeant Major Glenn Haughton, where we find out a bit more about his unique new role in the Army (p24), and the humbling recollections of Robbie Clark, a 97-year-old P.O.W. who survived Hitlers 1,000-mile death march (p10-11). I hope you enjoy reading this issue all that remains is for me to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on behalf of The Soldiers Charity. Thank you for your continued support

Tom Cuff-Burnett

Contents 02

National NewsA round-up of some of the national

news highlights

04Regional News

A snapshot of activity from our regional offices

06Christmas in the Trenches

We look in to what Christmas was like on the frontline during WWI

08David Thackeray, 1937-2015

A tribute to Charity beneficiary, Captain Dave Thackeray

09The life of a bomb disposal expertKim Hughes tells us his story behind

being awarded the George Cross

10For you, the war is over.

Robbie Clark recounts his remarkable story of survival

as a P.O.W. during WWII

14SPEAR 17: Antarctica Calling

We give a sneak preview in to the upcoming South Pole expedition

raising money for our Charity

16Celebrating five years of our BLOs

On their fifth anniversary, we catch up with our hard-working team of BLOs

to find out what makes them tick

20Revisited: Mark Harding

Shot in the neck by a Taliban sniper; climbing mountains two years later.

Former Lance Corporal Mark talks to us about defying medical belief

24Interview:

WO1 (ASM) Glenn HaughtonWe get the inside track from the

new Army Sergeant Major

Front cover image: Household Cavalry & Band, reproduced by kind permission of Daniel Rodgers/Image Source/GBCC

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2.4m HousingTackling housing and homelessness issues and supporting those specialist organisations that provide support to Army veterans.

2.33m WellbeingEnsuring our resources enhance the lives of those in need to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.

0.85m MobilityAssistance to veterans disabled asa result of their service.

1.01m Employment & TrainingSupport to individuals, especially the Wounded, Injured & Sick (WIS) and organisations providing education and specialist employment advice.

0.62m Elderly CareSupport to individuals andorganisations providing specialistcare to elderly veterans.

0.54m FamilySupport on bereavement, mentoring, respite breaks and much more.

How were helping those in needLast financial year we spent 7.75 million on delivering grants to more than 5,000 soldiers, veterans and their immediate families, and provided funding to 72 charities that delivered specialist support on our collective behalf. Below is a breakdown of our grants by principal purpose.

Chief Executives WelcomeWhenever I review our periodic magazine FrontLine I am always struck by the sheer breadth and variety of circumstances of those who need our support - and indeed of those who choose to support this Charity. This edition includes articles on three serving soldiers, each of whom demonstrate the qualities that make the British Army a national institution; it covers a variety of support we provide to younger veterans and it reminds us of the difficulties much older veterans can face. All are connected by that thread of Service to the Nation.

Over the last year this Charity has had a verygood year, spending well over 7 million on directly supporting more than 5,000 individualsand families plus funding some 72 delivery charities, which provide support on our collective behalf. But these bald facts tell only part of the story. We collectively spend a huge amount of effort co-ordinating and prioritising this necessary support using a range of tools at our disposal. So for example, funding emergency accommodation for those who find themselves homeless; funding charities which then provide more stable accommodation for the next phase and then making grants to the individuals affected, or to

those charities which support them. This approach provides a long term solution, which invariably revolves around a stable home, an appropriate job and a supportive family; and we do all of this in close co-operation with the Army and its Regimental charities.

We are the Armys National Charity and as such it is vital we are in this for the long haul. In the current context of entirely appropriate greater scrutiny of all charities it is important we operate in a transparent and appropriate fashion: Getting quietly, efficiently and modestly on with it feels like a pretty good slogan for us. Our long-term stability and ability to bring substantial resources to bear in short order remains ever important - not least as we appear to be lurching into a further period of international instability, which can so easily impact on the Army and its people.

A heartfelt thank you for all your support and our very best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Martin RutledgeChief Executive of ABF The Soldiers Charity

National News: some examples of what we have been up to

HAC1537 PartnershipIn May 2015, The Soldiers Charity agreed a new charitable partnership with the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) called the HAC1537 Fund. The Fund, which draws inspiration from the HACs founding year, aims to raise money and awareness of our work with HAC members, the Regiment and the wider community. We are working closely with the HAC to create events for members, as well as adding fundraising opportunities to their existing activities. Sean Crane OBE, Chief Executive of the HAC, commented on the

partnership: We are delighted to be working with The Soldiers Charity it will be a genuine partnership with mutual benefits. Raising money for soldiers and veterans is absolutely what we should be encouraging our members to do.

If youd like to find out

more about the calendar

of events or the

partnership itself, please

contact Bernie Critchley

on 0207 811 3201 or email [email protected]

KartForce Team BRITKartForce is a pioneering charity set up to introduce injured ex-Service personnel in to the exciting world of Motorsport through Karting. Their most recent project is Team BRIT (British Racing Injured Troops): an attempt to become the first team of injured troops or drivers with disabilities to compete in the world famous Le Mans 24-hr race. Our Charity provided KartForce with an initial grant to help them provide more Karting courses for injured veterans, as well as raise awareness

of their work. We have also agreed a seperate sponsorship deal, and our logo is being displayed on the side of the car in which they will race during the Le Mans 24-hr, which will boost our profile within the Army community and wider public. Dave Player, founder and CEO of KartForce, said Motorsport hasgiven these lads and many othersin KartForce a massive boost inlife. Its been the catalyst that has given them new motivation and determination, which has helped encourage them to re-build their lives. This is what we want to show others,

especially disabled people and people suffering from depression, PTSD and other psychological issues. The support from organisations like The Soldiers Charity helps us to show that these lads are living proof of individuals that have turned a life-changing incident around, re-built their life and achieved beyond everyones wildest expectations.

For more information,

visit kartforce.org or teambrit.co.uk

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National News: some examples of what we have been up to

Army CyclingAs part of our Charitys support for the serving Army, we have initiated a sponsorship agreement with the Army Cycling Union (ACU) for their 2015/16 race season. The new team kit, which was launched last month, now carries our Charity logo and we will have a significant presence at a number of the race meets throughout the season. ACU Chairman, Colonel Stuart Williams,

commented on the partnership: We are proud to be partnering with the National Charity of the Army for the upcoming season. Their funding will enable us to enter more races than ever before, as well as help to nurture and develop the many talented Army cyclists in our ranks. Additionally, it is important that our soldiers are immersed in the Charity and this sponsorship agreement will enable this to occur on a sporting front.

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Turn to StarboardTurn to Starboard (T2S) uses sail training to support Armed Forces personnel affected by military operations. They help serving and retired personnel and their families readjust to normal life by offering training courses, sailing trips on skippered yachts and volunteer opportunities across a wide variety of roles. Beneficiaries gain tangible

experiences and expert training in a supportive and unique environment. Training courses focus specifically on resettlement and reintegration after leaving the Army, and The Soldiers Charity has funded the T2S programme to make more places available to soldiers who have had particular difficulties as a result of their service. This gives more service leavers the chance to gain internationally recognised qualifications

and the opportunity to begin a new civilian career as a Yachtmaster. Shaun Pascoe, founder and CEO of T2S said: The support of The Soldiers Charity has been invaluable to Turn to Starboard, enabling us to provide sailing opportunities and qualifications up to Yachtmaster Offshore to soldiers affected by military operations and the unique nature of Service life.

Waterloo UncoveredWe are delighted to be supporting Waterloo Uncovered; a genuinely groundbreaking project that is giving veterans especially those who have been discharged from the Army with physical or mental health difficulties the chance to join a team of archaeologists who are excavating the area of the Battle of Waterloo, in Belgium. Our funding has enabled the project to open up more opportunities for veterans who

have been affected by their service in more recent conflicts. Founders Mark Evans and Charles Foinette both have archaeological experience and Mark was medically discharged from the Army with mental health issues, so they have a unique perspective. The value the project adds to the history of Waterloo is huge and, more importantly, will allow those veterans involved to reap the very real therapeutic benefits of being outside, learning a new skill and being part of a successful team.

Regional News: some examples of what we have been up to

Schoolchildren remember The Few in this years Red, White & Blue DayRed, White & Blue Day is our national fundraising initiative for schools, run annually in partnership with our two national Service charity counterparts; the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. This year, the campaign used the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain as its focus, with specially crafted lesson plans

and an educational video sent out to schools who registered. The day itself took place on 9th October and, at the time of writing, the funds raised have exceeded 46,000, with over 425 schools and 140,000 pupils taking part.

Next Years Red, White &

Blue Day will take place

on 14 October 2016. Visit

redwhiteblueday.co.uk for more information

Bedfordshire SportiveThe Bedfordshire Sportive continues to go from strength to strength. This years event attracted 500 riders, making it the largest event of its type in the county. Having started just three years ago, Race Organiser Jacqui Sage-Passant, a stalwart volunteer fundraiser for our Charity, has done an exceptional job to get the event to where it is today: The popularity of this event has been overwhelming, and I cant thank all

those who have taken part enough. Their support, and the generous support of our sponsors and partners, is vital in enabling the Charity to continue its fantastic work, and Im proud to be a part of this great event.

Registration is open for

the 2016 event, visit

soldierscharityride.co.uk for more information.

65 years of the Royal Edinburgh Military TattooThe first Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT) took place in 1950, with just eight events in the show programme. Since then, more than 14 million people have attended the show, with this years audience exceeding 220,000 visitors. The Tattoo has been a hugely generous supporter of The Soldiers Charity for many years. In the

last 10, it has donated more than 1.4 million, 220,000 of which came from this year alone. The grant has helped us by part-funding support to 11 delivery charities and many individual cases of need in Scotland. We are also allocated one of the Armys VIP boxes every year to entertain major donors, volunteers and other guests again, a substantial sum when added up over the decades. We are extremely grateful to the REMT for their continued support, and look forward to working together for many years to come.

Revision ChallengeThis years Revision Challenge a fundraising challenge for cadet detachments across the UK was won by 16 (Beaconsfield) Platoon, Buckinghamshire ACF Detachment. Through their sterling effort and the combined fundraising activity of all the other cadet teams across the country, the Challenge raised a totalof over 52,000 for our Charity this year.

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Regional News: some examples of what we have been up to

Bentley shows their support for the annualAbbeystead shootThe annual clay pigeon shoot, which takes place on the Abbeystead Estate in Lancashire owned by the Duke of Westminster, was this year held on 6th June 2015. The shoot is organised by Samuelson Wylie, a PR, Marketing & Events company and, after previously being sponsored by Breitling, was taken over by Bentley Motors Ltd for this years event.

For the past five years, the Duke of Westminster has requested that all profits from the charity auction are to be donated to our Charity, which this year raised a staggering 53,000. A huge thanks to Phil Naylor, Jim Duffy and the rest of the North West team for creating this excellent relationship.

The 2016 event will

take place on 7 May.

For more information,

email [email protected]

Reception, Beating Retreat and supper at Chatsworth House, DerbyshireOn the 3rd September 2015, an exceptional black tie event was hosted at Chatsworth House by our East Midlands team. The night comprised a drinks

reception, a Beating Retreat by The Band of The Royal Engineers and dinner in the Chatsworth Carriage Restaurant. In attendance were The Lord Lieutenant, the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the High Sheriff, county civics and avid Derbyshire supporters, alongside Edwina Currie as special guest speaker. 197 guests attended and, including the raffle and auction, the event raised over 7,600.

Montgomery BowlIn June, the inaugural Montgomery Bowl was presented to Kiren Sharma in recognition of his exceptional support for our Charity. The Bowl, kindly donated by Mappin and Webb, will be awarded annually to an individual, or individuals, who have been recognised as having made an outstanding contribution to our regional fundraising. Kiren is a long-time supporter and sponsor of our

Charity and has played a leading role in the Berkshire Annual Big Curry, held in Reading, which generates significant funds every year. He received the Montgomery Bowl from our Chief of Staff, Brigadier (Retd) Robin Bacon (far right), in front of a large crowd at another Charity event, which Kiren had organised to raise funds for Gurkhas and their families affected by Nepals earthquake. This has been quite a year for Kiren Sharma, as he has also been awarded the MBE.

Carrington DrumThe 2015 Carrington Drum, our annual fundraising challenge for all Regular and Reserve Army units, has been won by the Army Training Regiment (Winchester). The team raised money through a number of activities, including an abseil off the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, a 24-hour box-a-thon and a 600km bike spin-a-thon. 3 PWRR finished as runners up, and joint third place went to both 11 Training Battalion REME and F Company Scots Guards.This year the Carrington Drum raised more than 370,000 for our Charity, so wed like to say a huge thanks to all those involved.

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The popular image of Christmas during World War One is that of the Christmas Truce of 1914. Along small parts of the British Sector of the Western Front in France and Flanders, groups of British and German soldiers fraternised in No Mans Land on 25th December 1914. The troops exchanged food and tobacco, and shared family photographs, in a brief respite from the fighting. The 1914 temporary truce was neither universal nor authorised by the High Command. Nor did the soldiers involved have any problem in resuming the fight after Christmas. In truth, Christmas in the trenches was almost always just another day for

most soldiers. Throughout the war, individual infantry battalions rotated through the frontline with time out of the trenches spent in reserve, or resting. However, resting was taken up with training and rehearsals for future operations. Christmas Day in the trenches might be spent on watch surveying No Mans Land for enemy activity, repairing trenches, carrying rations and equipment to the front, delousing clothing and trying to sleep. Christmas dinner would comprise tepid tea, cold Bully beef (corned beef) and hardtack biscuit. The only positive for those on the frontline was that the winter weather

generally precluded major operations; therefore the main risk was from intermittent artillery shelling and the ubiquitous sniping by the Germans. Trench warfare extended beyond Northern Europe. A rear guard of British and Indian Army troops endured a bitter winter in the trenches around Helles, Gallipoli in December 1915. Blizzards and floods were an unwelcome respite from the oppressive heat experienced during the summer months (during which time the opposing Allied and Turkish troops had their own local truce to enable the burial of the dead). By contrast, in 1917 some Allied troops were able to enjoy Christmas in Jerusalem

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Christmas in the Trenches

FrontLine | Peacetime Christmas Issue

This page: (above) Christmas Day

in the trenches, Dardanelles, 1915.

(right) Princess Mary gift tin

for tobacco, sent to A/Corporal

Ernest Fankini, 13th Battalion,

The London Regiment, 1914.

(Opposite page) Reading a newspaper

in the trenches, 1916. All images

National Army Museum.

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and Bethlehem, after the city and village were liberated from Ottoman control by General Allenby at the beginning of December 1917. For those soldiers in reserve, or on rest, the day would be more interesting. Many units preserved the tradition of the officers serving Gunfire to the soldiers for breakfast. Gunfire was a mix of tea and rum and probably best drunk quickly! Each battalion had its own Padre who would have held a Christmas Day service normally a formal Church Parade that the soldiers and officers would have been obliged to attend (unless they were not Christians), but with familiar carols that would be a reminder of Christmas at home. Christmas dinner may also have seen the officers serving the meal to the troops another enduring tradition before

some sort of concert party. This was the era of the music hall and homemade entertainment, so many of the soldiers and officers would have presented their party pieces for the delight of their comrades. Home leave was infrequent and the soldiers relied heavily on letters, postcards and parcels from home. In an era of low levels of literacy, photographs of loved ones and packets of trench cake (designed to survive the journey overseas) were particularly welcome. Many on the Home Front also sent parcels of food and gifts to be distributed randomly amongst the troops a tradition initiated by the distribution of gift tins sponsored by Princess Mary, the daughter of King George V, in 1914. In return there was a massive flow of Christmas postcards sent home by soldiers.

In todays era of mobile phones, the Internet and rapid travel, it is easy to assume that the modern soldier has not experienced the loneliness of separation from family at Christmas time. In truth, the experience is very much the same if you are on duty, guard or patrolling on Christmas Day in any country far from home. Only the company of close comrades-in-arms mitigates the loneliness, as well as participating in the traditions of early morning Gunfire and Christmas dinner served by the officers. This year, fewer soldiers will experience this separation following the end of major combat operations in Afghanistan. For many soldiers it will be their first Christmas at home for some time. For others serving on small deployments across the world, it will be another Christmas away from home.

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David Thackeray 19372015Captain Dave Thackeray passed away on 24th September 2015, at his home in Harrogate.

A service was held for him at St Peters Church in Harrogate on Friday 2nd October, where his coffin dressed with his campaign medals, red beret and a Union Jack was marched out to the sounds of the Parachute Regiments March, played by The Band of the Parachute Regiment. Davids story will be familiar to many of you after it featured in one of our flagship appeals in June 2014. David served in the British Army for 13 years, initially with the Parachute Regiment, and then in the Army Air Corps. He was Mentioned in Despatches for his courageous actions in Borneo, where his plane was shot down while he was transporting an RAF padre to a Forward Operating Base (FOB). Despite being shot twice and breaking his left arm, he landed the plane safely at an alternative FOB. In our original interview, he told us in his own words what happened: The plane took eight hits altogether. Two caught me in my left shoulder and the Padre was hit in the abdomen. There was blood all over the front panel; my flying suit was all red. I was quickly losing a lot of blood. I had to have three tries at the landing. On the go-around my left arm snapped so I had to take control with my right hand, and have two more goes to get it right. Amazingly, neither of us sustained any further injuries in the actual crash. Unfortunately, the Padres gunshot wound proved to be fatal, and David suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of the plane crash. Despite this, he went on to have a long career as a civilian pilot until his health forced him to retire. It was at this point that The Soldiers Charity stepped in and your donations allowed us to pay for the installation of a stair-lift in his home. A second grant also paid for a respite break for him and his wife Margaret. Of the support he received, he said: Its been a godsend. It has absolutely transformed my life. Instead of getting to the top of the stairs gasping for air for about 10 minutes, I now get to the top of the stairs feeling okay, feeling normal. The couple shared their story in our appeal last year, which helped to raise significant funds and will help other soldiers and veterans in times of need.We felt honoured and privileged when Davids family agreed to let us write this piece for FrontLine, and we hope you will join us in remembering a very special man.

David is survived by his wife Margaret and his children, Ian and Sally (Alison). Sean Bonnington from our central office attended the funeral to pay his respects on behalf of our Charity.


Kim Hughes GC

Warrant Officer Class 1 Kim Hughes GC joined the Army in 1997. He served on three operational tours of Afghanistan as a High Threat Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) operator and was awarded the George Cross (GC) in 2009 for his extraordinary acts carried out in that conflict.Kim continues to serve with33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) and is now an ambassador for our Charity, regularly speaking at corporate and charity events on our behalf.

Hailing from a long-standing family tradition of relatives in the Army, and having seen his older brother join up just a few years previously, Kim was determined to follow suit when he left school. He explained that studies were never for me, I had my heart set on going into the Army. His career has seen him deployed to many places around the world Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan: I have enjoyed so many aspects of the job that it would be impossible to list them all here. If I had to pick one stand out time in my career it would probably be my tour in Bosnia, where I was teaching bomb disposal and sharing my skills.

However, undoubtedly the most significant moment of his career came as a result of his actions during one of his three tours of Afghanistan. It was in 2009 that Kim and his Royal Engineers Search Team (REST) were tasked with providing close support to 2 Rifles, on an operation to clear a route south-west of Sangin in Helmand Province. As they moved along the route, a soldier at the front of the group stood on an IED and was seriously injured. Two stretcher-bearers went in to recover the casualty, but on their way back they triggered another IED, killing them instantly and further injuring the initial casualty. In order to avoid further casualties, Kim and his team were called in to identify and diffuse any additional explosive devices. Kim ended up neutralising seven more IEDs five of them manually and his team was able to extract the casualties and continue the

patrol. He says of the incident; It was a pretty hairy situation, and my thoughts always go to the families of those soldiers that didnt make it back, but the reality was that we were back out on patrol that afternoon we had to do our job.

On his return to the UK, Kim was initially unaware that he was being awarded the George Cross he was told by his Commanding Officer to be in London on a specific date for an event. He recalls walking in to his Adjutants office and finding out he was being awarded a Tier 1 honour: Ill be honest, I had to go back and Google what a Tier 1 honour was, then I found it was the VC [Victoria Cross] or the GC. I was blown away. It took a while for it to sink in.

Kim has gone on to become an accomplished public speaker and has spoken at a number of different events: from charity presentations to corporate dinners. Indeed, he was first introduced to our Chief of Staff, Brigadier (Retd) Robin Bacon, to do a talk at Barclays, one of our corporate partners. He says the importance of The Soldiers Charitys work is second to none. Im yet to find another charity that does what you do, on the same scale that you do it.

As this is our first ever Christmas issue, when we interviewed Kim we asked whether he had experienced any Christmases away from home while on operations: Ive been very lucky; the only one I was away over Christmas for was in Northern Ireland in 1999-2000. We were actually out on patrol on Christmas Day. Even though its in the back of your mind wishing that you were with family, we were out there doing what we love doing, so it wasnt all bad.

The single most outstanding act of explosive ordnance disposal ever recorded in Afghanistan. [Taken from official MOD citation]

Image Getty Images

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Now aged 97, Robbie Clarks story is a truly amazing one. After being captured in North Africa in 1942, he endured three years in a Prisoner of War camp before being sent on the 1,000-mile march to central Germany.

Robbie Clark, Royal Artillery,Prisoner of War 1942 1945


Robbie Clark was 20 when he was conscripted into the Army in 1939, just three months away from his 21st birthday. Although he was assigned to the Durham Survey Regiment, a non-combat unit of the Royal Artillery, he was posted to North Africa where he saw action in Tobruk. At the fall of Tobruk in 1942, Robbie and 35,000 fellow Allied soldiers were taken prisoner. The surrender was taken by a very high ranking German, as Robbie recalls: A German Officer by the name of Rommel came in an Army car and drove in front of us and stopped. And in perfect English he said for you, the war is over. And I thought well thats just champion.

Robbie and his fellow captives were sent to P.O.W. camps across Germany where they were made to work and forced to survive on meagre rations. Robbie says: We were never given proper food, we had to work of course but we were starving. You might get a loaf of bread, it was German bread and god knows what it was made of. But you were still starving. You hear people say oh Im starving but you dont know the difference between hungry and starving until youre in that position. While escape was always an option, Robbie felt it offered little chance of freedom so stayed in the camps: To escape would have been easy but you escape for what, where are you going? You

cant speak the language; you dont have a passport, so we just had to put up with it. In January 1945, with the war coming to an end Germany started closing the P.O.W. camps, forcing all of the prisoners, including Robbie, to walk to central Germany. He kept a diary, which covered every single day of the march. Robbie says: I kept it at the end of the War when Hitler ordered all of the P.O.W.s from England into the centre of Germany. Hitler didnt want any prisoners out of Germany and whoever was left, they were going to shoot. The march, which is known as the Long March saw Robbie and the fellow English prisoners walk nearly 1,000 miles in the coldest winter ever recorded. The

11

march was both mentally and physically tough on Robbie, but his willpower to survive got him through it. Robbie says: I said to myself come on Robbie, carry on, youre not going to die in here. Carry on, take your time, youre nearly there. I was determined. I had been a prisoner of war; I was not going to give in. Not only was the march hard to physically endure, the conditions made life almost unbearable for the prisoners: The ground was so cold, your shoes were worn out, your feet were freezing, Robbie says. You had nowhere to sleep, if you managed to get into an old barn and if you were lucky there might be two or three cows in there so it was warm. If not, you had to sleep cuddled up. It was terrible. The Germans didnt give two hoots about whether you lived or died.

Some of the prisoners didnt make it, as Robbie recalls: All the fellas who were so hungry and so weak, some just fell. We darent touch them; we had to leave them in the cold. They just died. They just lay there. It was bitter cold, bitter cold. On April 22nd 1945, Robbie and the other surviving prisoners were liberated by the Americans. They were flown to Brussels where they were given hot food and warm shelter. However, before they were served their food, Robbie was offered a flight back to England. Robbie says: a British Sergeant came in and said excuse me just a minute, theres a plane going to England, I require seven more passengers so can I have seven volunteers, so of course I was one of the first. On his return to England, Robbie was able to let his family know he was alive

and well, his first contact with them since he was taken prisoner. A simple telegram let them know he was coming back to Newcastle: We had telegrams in those days, I put on safely home, see you Newcastle station 3 oclock tomorrow. I was given a ticket on the Monday and got on a train to Newcastle. There was my mum and dad, my sister, my family all waiting for me. It was tearful, very tearful, especially my mum. Robbie left the Army in 1945 and worked as a joiner before retiring in 1982. He married his fiance Rita, whom he had met in 1939, just after the war. They were happily married for 64 years. The Soldiers Charity provided a grant to pay for the costs of a live-in carer for Robbie, which enabled him to stay in his home of over 30 years.

Opposite page: Robbie at his home in

Burnt Oak, North London.

This page: (top) Robbies photo album

from life after the War (above) Pages

from Robbies diary during his time

as a Prisoner of War (right) Robbies

dog tags from Stalag IV B P.O.W. Camp

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Football team at Stalag XXB Main Camp, 1942

Photograph by Private Herbert

Stupples, 4/5th Battalion,

The Buffs Regiment, 1942.

Stupples was a Prisoner of War

in Stalag XXB from 1940 after

being captured during the fall

of France. The camp was situated

in eastern Germany at Marienburg

(now Malbork in Poland).

National Army Museum

The Big Picture


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In November 2016, a six-man team from the Army Reserves will set off on a 730-mile, 60-day challenge to cross Antarctica and reach the South Pole. This unsupported journey called SPEAR 17 (South Pole Expedition Army Reserves) will push the team to their physical and mental limits. Each team member will be pulling an individual pulk (arctic sled) weighing nearly 160kg just over 25 stone in order to carry everything they need with them for the two-month trek. They are aiming to raise a significant amount of money for ABF The Soldiers Charity and have already received strong support from several explorers, including Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who was

the first person to cross the Antarctic on foot. The team of Army Reservists is going to undertake a journey very few have successfully managed, Ranulph said. It will require every ounce of determination that they possess, and I will be monitoring their progress as they inch their way across the polar wilderness. SPEAR 17 will be the first time a team purely from the Army Reserves has attempted the crossing unsupported. Facing temperatures as low as -50 Celsius, a climb to 10,000 feet above sea level and up to 10 hours of walking each day, the strenuous physical demands will be matched by the immense mental challenge

ahead. Expedition Leader WO1 Louis Rudd says its the soldiers and veterans which the Charity helps that will be the driving force during the expedition: We will all feel inspired by the chance to help those Service personnel that need the support of ABF The Soldiers Charity. Thats the thought that will keep us going. SPEAR 17 sets off for Chile in late 2016 before flying to the coastline of Antarctica by ski-plane. The six-man team then starts its journey in early November, with the aim of reaching the South Pole in the middle of January 2017. To find out more about SPEAR 17 and show your support for the expedition, visit spear17.org

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A team of Reservists prepares to take on the planets most inhospitable continent

SPEAR 17: Antarctica Calling


Members of the expedition team training on the moors of Lancashire Expedition Leader WO1 Louis Rudd

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The team of Army Reservists is going to undertake a journey very few have successfully managed. It will require every ounce of determination that they possess, and I will be monitoring their progress as they inch their way across the polar wilderness. Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Image Gary Salter

Images from Louis Rudds previous expedition to the South Pole

So, lets start with something easy What is your role with the Charity?ab: My role within our Charity

is to engage at all levels with serving soldiers at Regular and Reserve units, the veterans community and to embrace any other opportunity to promote The Soldiers Charity to the general public, in order to raise our profile and inform people of the excellent work that our Charity has done since 1944.

Do you have a typical day?jd: There is no typical day,

each one is very different and can change at any time during the day.

ct: Never. Each day is different, thats what I like.

What is the favourite part of your job?ab: Seeing the response of

the soldiers, veterans

and general public when I inform them of the immense work and support that The Soldiers Charity gives to individuals and families, as well as other charities

sf: Talking to people, finding out who they are then telling them about The Soldiers Charity; I probably talk too much, which does come in handy sometimes.

What made you decide to work for The Soldiers Charity?jd: Knowing this Charity

provides direct, meaningful support where it matters and can make a difference.

sf: I think The Soldiers Charity is an unbiased charity, they are fair with the assistance they administer, I think of The Soldiers Charity as big brother to the other Regimental Charities.

What is the funniest thing that has happened?ct: Seeing one of our BLOs

no names putting his work vehicle into a ditch on a Sunday morning at 0600hrs!

sf: Cant think of anything right now, but whether were with soldiers or volunteers we normally end up laughing at something.

What is the strangest thing that has happened?jd: A lady went into labour

whilst visiting our stand at a show I was attending!

sf: Whilst attending an event with soldiers in a supermarket, a shoplifter was caught and brought to the front of the store. He started to shout bad comments about the soldiers and myself, but when he was ejected from the store everyone stopped shopping and came to

give money as fast as they could into the buckets to show their support. That was a very humbling experience.

What would be your perfect Christmas present?ct: A practical present to be

used and not to sit on a shelf. Car spanners.

sr: Vin Diesel [Actor of Fast & Furious fame]

ab: A licence to collect for The Soldiers Charity in every city and town in Scotland!

sf: A big chocolate cake, I love chocolate, I am very easily pleased.

What is a group of BLOs called?ct: Big Trouble in Little

Britain.sr: Winning the Lottery!sf: Spartans.

NB: No BLOs were harmed in the making of this article.

16

A gaggle? A flock? What do you call a group of full-career, former soldiers working for ABF The Soldiers Charity? On the fifth anniversary of their introduction to our Charity, we had the chance to put this, and a few other questions, to our current team of Briefing and Liaison Officers (BLOs); Jim (JD), Colin (CT), Sheena (SR), Alex (AB) and Simon (SF).

My perfect Christmas present? ... Car spanners!


Alex Braceland (AB)Scotland & Northern Ireland

Colin Till (CT)Midlands & Wales

Simon Ferrier (SF)East Anglia & London

Sheena Ross (SR)South East & Home Counties

Jim Duffy (JD)North

17

Some of our Corporate Partnerships and Trusts

SLI365SLI365 has supported our Charity for several years, sharing the vision that all families of serving and former soldiers should have the opportunity to avoid hardship.Since 2007, they have paid out more than 17.5 million in insurance claims to bereaved Service families. They are proud supporters of our ever-popular Cateran Yomp and have sponsored the fastest military team for the last two years.

Trusts & FoundationsNine percent of our income typically comes from donations from Trusts and Foundations. This year, special thanks should go to the Trustees of The David and Claudia Harding Foundation, whose support over the past four years has helped a total of 180 especially disadvantaged soldiers find alternative employment or gain entry to vocational courses. A further 1,000 Wounded, Injured and Sick soldiers have received vital support in their transition to civilian life through our Wounded to Work Project. We are also very grateful to The Flow Foundation for their ongoing commitment to our work. Their support has enabled us to adapt to the changing needs of the Army, and help our partner charities to deliver specialist services on our collective behalf.

BAE SystemsBAE Systems is a long-term partner of our Charity: in 2010, they appointed us as their official Charity Challenge Partner, resulting in a staggering fundraising total of 434,000, which went towards supporting 481 soldiers, veterans and their dependants in need. Since then, BAE Systems have committed to an annual donation of 50,000 until the end of 2016, specifically to support the Wounded, Injured & Sick (WIS) cohort and also veterans with educational and vocational training. BAE Systems is always keen to engage with our Charity and our North West office staff recently attended the 2015 Graduate Conference Charity Showcase in Preston. We are looking forward to recruiting as many of their new graduates as possible into our Fundraising Army as they take part in our future fundraising events.

H. McGovern & SonWe are excited to announce a brand new charity partnership with plant hire company, H. McGovern & Son, based in Hounslow, West London. John McGovern, Managing Director, wanted to partner with a charity which recognised the dedication of those who have served in the Army, and will look to open up employment opportunities for former soldiers in the future. We are currently in the early planning stages and are very much looking forward to developing this partnership.

Phillip Barney Gillespie, one of the

WIS cohort helped by funding provided by

organisations such as BAE Systems and the

David & Claudia Harding Foundation.

(Top) Colonel Nigel Plowright dispatching

a much-needed chocolate energy boost at a

checkpoint and (above) the team sponsored

by SLI365 at this years Cateran Yomp.

For more information

please visit SLI365.com

(Top) Robert Owen and his son, also

Robert, to whom we awarded a grant

so that Robert Snr could visit Burma

where his brother, Thomas, was killed

during WWII. Robert Snr sadly passed

away earlier this year, but Robert

Jnr continues to support our Charity.

(Above) Brenda Hale, whose husband,

Captain Mark Hale, was killed in

Afghanistan in 2009.

Find something for all the family this Christmas with ABF The Soldiers Charity.Christmas cards, gifts, toys, books, clothing and accessories are all available at

www.soldierscharityshop.org

All profits from our online shop go towards supporting soldiers, veterans and their immediate families. Last year alone we helped over 5,000 individuals and gave grants to 72 other organisations, who delivered specialist support to the wider Army Family on our collective behalf.

Shop online www.soldierscharityshop.org, or by phone 0845 544 2901. We offer free delivery for orders over 50 and a free gift on all orders over 15.

Our online shop uses the trading subsidiary of the Charity: Soldiers Trading Ltd - Company no. 07243995, VAT registration no. 125500944

Angels CardWith Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year, 10 cards and envelopes. 4.50

Morning Inspection Card

Seasons Greetings 10 cards and envelopes. 4.50

Cap Badge Tea Towel100% cotton, made in UK. 6.00

Childs Guardsman T-shirt100% cotton. 10.00

Tank Egg Cup & Toast Cutter6.99

Christmas Range Family Range

Heritage Range

Silk Tie100% silk. 20.00

Tartan Scarf100% lambswool, made in UK. 15.00

Ladies silk scarf100% silk, made in UK. 20.00

Mens socks100% cotton, fits size 7-13 UK. 15.00

Dog collar and leadSizes S,M & L. 15.00

Stationery Range

2016 diarySlimline, Letts. 5.00

2016 CalendarFeaturing images from our Photograph Competition. 5.00

Accessories Range

Jute BagLined, strong and light. 5.00

Trolleycoin keyringFits all supermarket trolleys. 2.00

Red Ribbon Pin BadgeEnamelled. 2.00

Active Range

Golf Towel

12.50

Portable charger (also

in white) For most

mobiles/tablets. 15.00

Chelsea Garden Notelets*10 notelets and envelopes with two images; our award-winning garden and Joey the War Horse. 6.00 *Free Chelsea Garden Planting Guide with each Chelsea Garden Notelets order!

... and many more items online!

Trooper Christmas Card Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, 10 cards and envelopes. 4.50

Hooded Sweatshirt

Available in grey or

navy blue. 20.00

Enrol today into our elite Army The Soldiers Charity Fundraising Army. Your mission is to raise vital funds to support our soldiers, veterans and their families.

We are looking for recruits to join our Fundraising Army; experience the camaraderie, adrenaline and sense of adventure by taking on one of our ultimate challenges. Do you have the drive to rise through the ranks whilst raising money to help those who gave so much for us?

All recruits in our flagship events start off as a Private and are promoted when fundraising milestones have been achieved. How far will you rise?

Out-rank your mates lace up and enlist today! Pick up your orders now at www.soldierscharity.org/fundraisingarmy

Walk 100km of the Western Front, following in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought on the battlefields of WWI. Find out more at www.soldierscharity.org/frontlinewalk

05 09 OCT 2016

Thursday 7 April 2016 12noon 3pm. Guildhall, London EC2V 7HHHosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London Alderman the Lord Mountevans

Eat delicious curries, drink fantastic beer and wine, take part in the silent auction and prize draw and simply have a fun day out with your friends.Tickets 95 (includes unlimited curry, wine and beer) To buy tickets please visit: www.soldierscharity.org/lordmayors or call 020 7811 3960

IN SUPPORT OF

20

Following the hugely positive response to our first-ever Revisited feature in FrontLine earlier this year, Im delighted to introduce this issues instalment.

Lance Corporal Mark Harding, 1st Battalion Duke of Lancasters Regiment, was shot in the neck by a Taliban sniper while on tour in Afghanistan in 2010. After being transferred back to the UK, he was told he was unlikely ever to walk again. However, just two years later, he climbed Skiddaw in the Lake District to inspire others facing life-changing injuries, and to raise money for our Charity. We caught up with him to find out about his incredible journey, and what hes been up to since defying the doctors three years ago.

Revisited: Mark Harding


What can you remember about the incident in Afghanistan in 2010? I remember everything every detail. Whether thats a good or a bad thing in helping to push me to where I am today, Im not sure. We were in the village, about 400m away from the platoon base on patrol, checking the walls and floor for IEDs. The locals started to move back in to their homes and close the doors, a sure sign to ussomething was going to happen. I remember looking back at my friend. Hewas hopping around shouting and screaming My leg! My leg! I rushed to him, and asI knelt down, I rememberamassivebang. When I came to, I saw my friend Chris had been shot through his thigh. His femoral artery had been ruptured. I knew I had to help him, but I wasnt able to move. I didnt understand why, until myteammatesaid Mark I think youve been shot.

What were your initial emotions upon hearing the diagnosis of incomplete tetraplegia? Waking from an induced coma to find I wasparalysed, trapped in my own body was devastating. In that split second I transitioned from an extremely fit and active young man to feeling like I was imprisoned in an alien body. I remember the consultants saying to me Your C5/6 have been shattered and some spinal cord taken, and weve both come to the decision that youll never walk again. I just broke down, absolutely devastated. I couldnt believe this had happened to me.

How did The Soldiers Charity provide assistance in the period immediately following your injury? The Soldiers Charity was amazing. They created a downstairs bedroom with ensuite shower room for me. They widened the front door and gave me much needed wheelchair access from the

All images by Malcolm Cochrane

bedroom and conservatory into the garden, and built a double garage at the end of the drive. They transformed the layout of my home, enabling my wife and I to concentrate on my recovery and rehabilitation. Im also incredibly lucky and privileged to have met two great people through the Charity, whom I now call friends. Philip Naylor and Jim Duffy were always on the end of the phone if I needed to talk about anything, no matter the time. They gave me their friendship and emotional support, and for that I will be eternally gratefully to them, and of course the Charity.

Since climbing Skiddaw in 2012, Mark has represented Great Britain at a Dragon Boat World Championship, set up his own motivational company, Bionic Motivation, and become an established public speaker.

Can you pinpoint a specific source of inspiration that has driven you to make such a remarkable recovery? Its always a surprise to people when I tell them the person who instilled that drive in me was my Granny.She raised me from an early age and told me Mark, if youve a positive mind you canachieve anything in life, you just got to put your mind to it. Ive carried her words with me, and Ive proven many people wrong especially the consultants at the hospital!

How important has the support of The Soldiers Charity been throughout your rehabilitation? It seems somewhat of an understatement to say they have been massively important. Theyve helped me with all the sports equipment, my outrigger kayak paddles and gym equipment. Being involved in sport and part of a team has given me back the team spirit and focus in life that I lost when I left the Army without their support I very much doubt Id be where I am today.

We hear your next challenge involves Dragon boat racingtell us a little more about that! Thats right. I was given the opportunity in 2013 to join the GB Dragon boat team and compete in the World Championships held in China, where we came 10th out of 16 teams in the world. Looking ahead to 2016, Im back in training and am doing as much as I can after narrowly missing out on going to the recent World Championships in Canada I am determined not to miss out in 2016!

I remember the consultants saying

to me weve both come to the decision

that youll never walk again.

21

Wheels on the Western Front

Riders will depart Folkestone on Sunday 31st July 2016, cross the Channel, and complete a 352-mile route of the WWI battlefields; returning to Folkestone on Saturday 6th August 2016.

The ride follows the route of Kitcheners Army to the Somme, taking in the major battle sites and breathtaking historical

monuments at Thiepval, Vimy and The Menin Gate. This is a tough physical challenge covering over 50 miles a day.

The acclaimed BBC Historian Andy Robertshaw will accompany us, bringing the history of the Somme and the battlefields to life for those taking part in this important anniversary.

The ride will be conducted in partnership with Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd, and is kindly supported by Akuma Sports. Riders must commit to raising 1,250 minimum sponsorship .

Register now at greenjerseycycling.co.uk/ somme-cycle

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in aid of ABF The Soldiers Charity

Conducted in partnership with Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd. Supported by Akuma SportsFor more information visit soldierscharity.org/wotwf

soldierscharity.org/yomp0845 504 6616

Facebook.com/CateranYomp

The Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp is sponsored by Alliance Trust PLC and is developed and run by WildFox Events which specialises in organising fundraising events across the UK. ABF The Soldiers Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420)and Scottish registered charity no. SC039189. Alliance Trust Foundation is a charity registered in Scotland no. SC044113.

Pushyourse

lf to

the limit

Experiencea militaryexercise witha twistGreat for

team building

54 MILES : 24 HOURS : PERTHSHIRE : SCOTLAND

Yomp16_poster_A5land.indd 1 16/09/2015 16:40

Remember our soldiers in your Will

By remembering ABF The Soldiers Charity in your Will, you can help ensure that those soldiers risking their lives for us today have the support they

need to deal with the lasting physical and mental scars of war in the years to come.

Every gift in a Will not only gives a soldier a life to come home to, but a life worth living.

For more information, please contact Andre Shine on 020 7901 8916 or [email protected]

MOD Crown Copyright

24

WO1 (Army Sgt. Maj.) Glenn Haughton joined the Army in 1988. He served with the Grenadier Guards in the first Gulf War, many tours of NI, Iraq and twice in Afghanistan and has risen through the ranks to become the Armys most senior soldier. Here, he reflects on his experiences, and examines why soldiers, veterans and those who champion our Armed Forces should continue to support our Charitys important work.

Interview: Glenn Haughton


Youre the first-ever Army Sergeant Major. What does this job entail and why was it introduced? The job was introduced by the Chief of the General Staff (CGS), General Sir Nicholas Carter, to complement the chain of command. I am now completely dedicated to Army business and carry out a number of different roles. I am the first soldier to sit on the Executive Committee of the Army Board, which vitally provides a soldiers perspective on particular issues. I am also a trustee or member of many different organisations, including this great charity.

You are setting the standard; what legacy are you hoping to leave to the next Army Sergeant Major? I just want to do everything I can to better the experience of our soldiers. I am passionate about soldier education and am really keen to help develop this area as much as I can. Ultimately my final wish is to, as the All Blacks rugby team say, leave the jersey in a better place when I hand the role over in 2018.

The Army has gone through a number of changes in the last few years; which do you think was most significant? I think the draw down of Iraq and Afghanistan after 15 years of constant and brutal operations is significant. We have seen some true bravery and outstanding leadership in some of the most testing of situations, and the resilient spirit of the British Army has shone through. The months ahead are also going to be really interesting as we continue to try and recruit more women and people from Black, Asian and Muslim communities to the Army. The world is ever changing and we need to ensure that we move with the times and become a modern employer.

What are your best memories of your time serving in the Army? There are too many to put down on paper, but the best memories outweigh the sad and less memorable moments.

Why did you sign up? I always had a desire to serve in the Army and the fact that I didnt necessarily excel in my child-hood education helped in my decision making process. That is why I am so passionate about soldier education today.

Our Charity is lucky to have you as a trustee. Why is it important to have representatives from the serving Army involved in the Armys National Charity? I think the fact that I am a serving soldier is vital to keeping the Charity relevant and updated on goings on in the modern Army.

Why is it important for serving soldiers to support our work? Because the clue is in the title. This is their charity and its important that they understand exactly what support it can offer them and their families if they ever need it.

What can they do to help? They can continue to advertise the Charity to those that can benefit from it. They can also assist in many different forms of fundraising to help the Charity, be it on the London Marathon, Cateran Yomp or simply helping to collect kind donations.

What about those who support our Armed Forces by supporting The Soldiers Charity but have never served what would you say to them? Quite simply thank you so very much for everything you have done and continue to do for all that benefit from such a fantastic organisation.

Youre taking on the London Marathon in April in aid of ABF The Soldiers Charity. Why did you choose to do this? I last did the London Marathon in 1992 and vowed that I would never do it again! The Charity has got to be pretty special to get me to sign up again. To be honest I just thought what better than the Army Sergeant Major running on behalf of the Armys charity?

Hows the training going?! Its going well; I am just adjusting to taking my time as opposed to the normal mentality of running as fast as I can for as long as I can. I will keep you updated as I progress!

Soldiers Charity tie or Guards tie? As the Army Sergeant Major I am non-tribal, so it is always The Soldiers Charity tie!

Editor Tom Cuff-Burnett

ContributorsHelen Carter

Special ThanksThe Thackeray familyMark Harding

Design and Art DirectionPete Black Ltd

Guest PhotographyMalcolm CochraneGary Salter

ABF The Soldiers CharityRegistered Office: Mountbarrow House6-20 Elizabeth StreetLondon SW1W 9RBT 020 7901 8900F 020 7901 8901E [email protected]

FrontLine Issue No. 12The 'Peacetime Christmas' Issue,First published 2015 ABF The Soldiers Charity

Whilst every effort is made to check the information contained in FrontLine, ABF The Soldiers Charity cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Our huge thanks to Brigadier

Christopher Lunn who stepped

down in May as Chairman of the

Devon Committee.Having joined

the Committee in 2006, he took

over as Chairman in 2008.Under

his leadership and direction,

the total raised in Devon during

his seven-year tenure was a

magnificent 490,000. He and his

wife Valerie will be greatly missed,

especially by our Exeter office.

A big thank you to Major Shaun

Laidler, who is standing down

after two years as Chairman of

our Cumbria Committee.He held

the post whilst also filling the

full time role of County Secretary

for the Duke of Lancasters

Regimental Association.

A fond farewell to Andy Batcock,

our former BLO West & South

West. Andy left our Charity in

August, recalling himself to the

Colours. He will be missed by all

in West and South West regions,

particularly in Bristol (where

he was a critical enabler for the

Committee and was developing

strong links with the new Army

Reserve units). Thanks for all your

support and hard work Andy, keep

smiling and stay in touch.

We would like to say a big thank

you to Tricia Tetlow, Executive

Assistant HQ Regions, whose

dedication, fundraising and

hard work over more than five

years has proved invaluable,

and earned her the affectionate

title of Mum with many in our

Central Office. We wish her all

the very best for the future.

Soldiers Charity Photography Competition a success!Staff Sergeant Ben Houston (Army Air Corps) took the top prize in our 2015/16 Photo Competition, for his winning image Dawn Patrol (main image). We received hundreds of excellent entries, and the winning 12 were put together to make our 2016 calendar. The competition was generously supported with prizes from Canon UK and Wex Photographic, and the judging panel consisted of Jenny Agutter, award-winning actress and supporter of our Charity; Arthur Edwards, Royal Photographer; and Martin Rutledge, our Chief Executive.

You can buy your 2016 calendar on our online shop, visit soldierscharityshop.org to find out more.Entries are now open for this years competition enter at soldierscharity.org/photocompetition

Our Offices

Head Office ABF The Soldiers Charity, Mountbarrow House, 6-20 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RBT. 020 7901 8900E. [email protected]

East AngliaABF The Soldiers Charity, Building PO4,Room 6, Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, Essex CO2 7UTT. 01206 817 105E. [email protected]

East MidlandsABF The Soldiers Charity, Chetwynd Barracks,Chilwell, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 5HAT. 0115 957 2103E. [email protected]

Home CountiesABF The Soldiers Charity, Wellington House,St Omer Barracks, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2BGT. 01252 348 270E. [email protected]

LondonABF The Soldiers Charity, Block 7 (Room G39), Wellington Barracks, London SW1E 6HQT. 020 7414 3321E. [email protected]

Northern IrelandABF The Soldiers Charity, Bldg 45, Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn BT28 3NPT. 02892 678 112E. [email protected]

North East & YorkshireABF The Soldiers Charity, Hipswell Lodge,Smuts Road, Catterick Garrison,North Yorkshire DL9 3AXT. 01748 874 127E. [email protected]

North WestABF The Soldiers Charity, Fulwood Barracks,Preston PR2 8AAT. 01772 260356E. [email protected]

ScotlandABF The Soldiers Charity, The Castle,Edinburgh EH1 2YTT. 0131 310 5132/5116E. [email protected]

South EastABF The Soldiers Charity, Brompton Barracks, ChathamKent ME4 4UGT: 01634 822 408E: [email protected]

South WestABF The Soldiers Charity, Wyvern Barracks, Exeter, Devon EX2 6ART. 01392 496 412 E. [email protected]

WalesABF The Soldiers Charity , HQ 160 (Wales) Brigade, The Barracks, Brecon LD3 7EAT. 01874 613 351E. [email protected]

WestABF The Soldiers Charity, Bldg 750,Picton Barracks, Bulford Camp, Salisbury,Wiltshire SP4 9NYT. 01980 672337 E. [email protected]

West MidlandsABF The Soldiers Charity, Building V5,Venning Barracks, Donnington, Telford,Shropshire TF2 8JTT. 01952 674 323/322 E. [email protected]

ABF The Soldiers Charity (the/our Charity) is an incorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales with Charity No.1146420, and in Scotland with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator with Scottish Charity Register No.SC039189. ABF The Soldiers Charity is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609) and was incorporated on 2nd March 2012.

Registered Office: Mountbarrow House,6-20 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RBT: 020 7901 8900E: [email protected] W: soldierscharity.org

National Army Museum

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frontline magazine: december 2015

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