bigjarofwasps

UK soldier dies in Basra accident

A British soldier has been killed in a road accident in Iraq - becoming the third UK forces fatality this week and the 101st since the 2003 invasion.

The soldier, from the 9th/12th Lancers, died after a crash on the outskirts of Basra in southern Iraq at 2317 local time (2017 GMT) on Thursday.

A Ministry of Defence investigation is under way, although officials say "hostile involvement" is not suspected.

Two other servicemen died in enemy attacks earlier this week.

One other man was injured in the traffic accident and was being treated at the Shaibah hospital.

The MoD said he was expected to be released from hospital shortly.

Casualties

On Tuesday Cpl Gordon Alexander Pritchard, 31, a soldier from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards died in an explosion in Umm Qasr, Basra province.

A day earlier, L/Cpl Allan Douglas, 22, was killed after his patrol came under fire in the Maysan province of southern Iraq.

Of the 101 servicemen and women who have died in Iraq, 77 were classed as being killed in action.

The other 24 died from illness, non-combat injuries, accident or an unknown cause.

In all, 2,242 US troops have died in the conflict.

There is no widely accepted figure for the number of Iraqi civilian deaths although estimates have varied between 10,000 and 100,000.

Has anyone read this months medal news. in it there is an article about a parade to issue Iraq Medals to a unit, upon finishing the parade, they had to give the medals back, as they weren`t named to the soldiers in question, but to someone else, as there wasn`t enough medals to go round!!!

Why is it taking so long to issue these medals!!!!!

I was chatting with someone on ebay, who had been issued two medals, and was selling one. I`m still waiting for mine to be issued, that said it did take 2 years for my GSM NI to arrive, so I`m not holding my breath!!!!!!

Can't quote chapter and verse, but there was one court martial of a recently discharged private soldier (Irish) for selling his gongs, in the mid 1860's I think. I recall being surprised because he can't have been the only one by a long shot!

The circumstantial detail, if memory serves, was that a serving sergeant bought them to sew on his second best tunic (no medal bars back then and few suspenders), someone noticed that Sergeant Smith was wearing Private O'Hooligan's group and, presumably decided to make an example of the ex-private: "This sort of offence is becoming entirely too common." Poor sod got hammered.

Plus ca change!

So run this buy me again? In 1860ish a Sgt bought a spare set of medals, for his spare uniform, on wearing them one day, someone of authority saw that they weren`t his medals, so took it upon himself to disapline the ex pte? How did they do that if he wasn`t serving any more, and how does your memory serve you? Are you 200 years old? Some sort of Connor McLeod, or something? I`m very confused?? Do tell!!

Last Updated: Tuesday, 31 January 2006, 19:48 GMT

Soldier's family speak of anguish

The death of L/Cpl Douglas has devastated his family

The family of a Scottish soldier killed in Iraq have spoken of their anguish and claimed: "It wasn't his war".

L/Cpl Allan Douglas, 22, from Aberdeen, who was serving with The Highlanders, died after coming under fire in the Maysan area on Monday.

His mother Diane said: "It wasn't his war. But as he said, he's in the army, that's his job."

A Royal Scots Dragoon Guard killed in Basra on Tuesday has been named as Cpl Gordon Alexander Pritchard.

He died from injuries sustained in an explosion while on a rations and water run in Um Qasr.

Cpl Pritchard, who was married with children, was commanding the lead Land Rover as part of a three-vehicle convoy.

I do not think Tony Blair should have put any young kids out there

He was the 100th UK soldier to die in Iraq since the 2003 invasion.

L/Cpl Douglas' family believe the young soldier's body will be returned to Aberdeen later this week for his funeral.

Speaking to BBC Scotland from her home in Aberdeen, Mrs Douglas said: "All I know is that Allan had taken a bullet, was taken to hospital and died of his injuries.

"We are now waiting for an inquiry as to what happened.

"Allan's been in Iraq for a couple of months now, he was home at Christmas for a fortnight.

"He did not want to go back this time - he'd seen enough the first time he was over.

"But as he said, he's in the army, that's his job.

Very proud

"He said it was a waste of time people being there, he just really didn't like it at all.

"I did not want him to go there at all - it wasn't his war. We were not very happy that he had to go there.

"I think it's a damn disgrace, they should not be out there at all.

"I do not think Tony Blair should have put any young kids out there - there's been so many of them killed.

Diane Douglas said she did not want her son to go to Iraq

"He could not wait to get into the army, he thought it would be a great life, make a career out of it. Obviously it did not work out that way for him.

"We will bring him back home to Aberdeen."

She added: "We are of course very proud of him."

Mrs Douglas said the family would remember him as "just the happy-go-lucky lad he was", adding: "He just loved life, he just lived for life."

Lt Col James Hopkinson, his commanding officer, said: "L/Cpl Allan Douglas was extremely well liked by all who knew him - he displayed all the qualities of professionalism, drive and humour that make a Scottish soldier.

Deeply saddened

"He made a true difference in Iraq. It is telling that since this sad incident a great many Iraqis, both civilian leaders and members of the security forces, have called to pass on their condolences. Allan made an impact in their lives that it will be hard to match.

"L/Cpl Douglas was not only a comrade but was a friend to many. He will be sorely missed by those who were privileged to serve with him."

Defence Secretary John Reid said: "My thoughts are with his family and friends."

L/Cpl Douglas was the 99th British soldier to die in Iraq, and the total reached 100 when another British soldier died in a blast in southern Iraq.

The prime minister's spokesman said Mr Blair was "deeply saddened" by the deaths but added British troops would be in Iraq for as long as is necessary.

Our soldiers have shown great courage and bravery

Save the Scottish Regiments

A Save the Scottish Regiments campaign spokesman said: "Like Mrs Douglas the campaign has been bitterly opposed to the over-frequent tours of duty faced by Scottish soldiers, many of who have returned to Iraq without proper rest, both physically and psychologically.

"Despite being taken into what can only be best described as a questionable war, our soldiers have shown great courage and bravery.

"This campaign calls on those responsible in government to be held accountable."

Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond said: "Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to the two families involved.

"The loss of 100 soldiers and the injury of many hundreds more hangs as a badge of shame on Blair's arm."

Cpl Gordon Alexander Pritchard

L/Cpl Douglas

A little of topic, but I feel that he should be remember.

Two released over soldier death

Narel Sharpe had only just got back to England when he was shot

Two youths arrested on suspicion of murder, after a soldier was shot while on leave celebrating his 21st birthday, have been released without charge.

Trooper Narel Sharpe was shot once in the abdomen in Smethwick, West Midlands, on Saturday - hours after returning from a base in Germany.

Two 15-year-old local youths were detained on Sunday night and released on Monday.

Mr Sharpe, 20, was honoured with medals for his service in Iraq and Kosovo.

Birthday party

The tank regiment soldier, of the Queen's Royal Hussars, died in hospital after being found with stomach wounds at 0430 BST on Saturday.

He had earlier been seen struggling with a man on the ground outside shops in Oldbury Road before he was shot near the junction with Spon Lane.

Mr Sharpe would have turned 21 on Friday and his mother, Gayle Sharpe, 39, told a news conference that she had been organising a joint 21st and 40th birthday party for herself and her son.

Ms Sharpe said: "He went to Iraq and Kosovo, the most dangerous places and he came through all that.

Gayle Sharpe said her son had a smile for everyone

"If he had died in the line of duty, I would have been able to deal with it much better.

"At the party, I was going to stand with both of my sons as the proudest mum. We have been through rough times mentally, physically and emotionally.

"Narel had never been in trouble or in any arguments with anyone. Everyone only ever saw him smile and loved him."

Ms Sharpe said her son was travelling home a different route than normal and believes he stopped to speak to someone he knew around the time of the shooting.

In response to questions about her feelings towards his attacker(s), Ms Sharpe said: "At the moment, I don't feel no hate. I would like to see the person face to face and ask him why."

The soldier, who was based near Dusseldorf, had travelled back on a ferry from Calais to Dover and reached the port at 0045 BST.

Cheers Tony, it doesn`t look a bad medal. I`ll certainly be proud to wear it. Only 10 years to push!!!! Glad to hear its got your details, on it. I think that makes them so much more worth while working for!!!!

A soldier from the 7th Armoured Brigade, serving with the 1st Battalion The Highlanders, was killed by small arms fire while on patrol in Maysan province, southern Iraq, on 30 January. No other UK personnel were injured in the incident.

The death of a soldier from 7th Armoured Brigade as the result of an explosion in southern Iraq on 31 January has brought the number of UK troops killed during operations in the country to 100.

My research has failed to turn anything up.

Several aveues have all drawn a blank, a shame really.

I suppose the fun starts at the first dress inspection parade, and the Razzman whats to know why your not wearing your `gong`......"GET HIMMMM AWAY!!!!!!", as my old RSM used to shout!!!!

Well spotted, this medal is a minature. It was the only picture I could find.

Cheers Peter, that is a very interesting angle!!!! Just goes to show, that things haven`t changed much!!!! Interestingly, I wonder how true the notes with the medals, were as surely these medals wouldn`t have been issued during the voyage home!!!!! Can anyone add anything to this?

Cheers Dave, what an interesting thread!!!!!!!!!! I`d like to add this, which I found very interesting, thanks for drawing my attention to it!!!!!

Brief History of The Royal Yeomanry

The Royal Yeomanry (RY) was formed on 1 April 1967 following the amalgamation of five distinguished old county Yeomanry Regiments, with the Regimental Headquarters based in Central London. Originally employed as a medium reconnaissance regiment, their role changed in in the 1990s to providing both main battle tank crews as well as soldiers for the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) Regiment . In January 2003 members of the Regiment formed a composite Squadron and were deployed for operations in Iraq under command of the Joint NBC Regiment. This marked the first mobilisation of a TA unit since the Suez conflict.

The Present

The Royal Yeomanry today has a vital role providing reserves for Challenger 2 regiments aas well as the NBC Regiment. The Regiment continues to provide troops for operations in Iraq. There are 3 squadrons of Challenger 2, based in Nottingham, Leicester and Croydon. The other 2 squadrons are based in London and Swindon and train on the new Joint NBC Regiment's equipment. Land Rover Scout Cars are used to gain crew skills in navigation, tactical movement and communication. The Regiment also develops leadership skills and an adventurous spirit by conducting a wide variety of expeditions and sports.

The Future

The exact future role of the Royal Yeomanry is to be decided by an ongoing review of Army structures. What is known, however, is that members of the Regiment will maintain the ability to support regular troops on operations. At home their Nuclear Biological and Chemical capability will continue to form part of the national response to terrorist attack or emergency. At no time since the Second World War has The Royal Yeomanry played such an important part in the national security interests of the United Kingdom. Its place at the heart of this effort provides a rewarding and challenging experience for all involved.

I have several examples all to the Yeomanry. Some are named to Troop others to Private, even though there all named to the same unit?

A few that of of particular interest is one to a Yeoman who was presented with it personally by the King. One to Yeoman from my village, and another whose horse rolled on him, he later died of entric fever whilst on campaign. I also have one to a Yeoman who was wounded in the knee.

I think I`ll agree that this medal is one of my favourites, and the fact that theres so much scope for research, makes them even more inviting!!!

Smashing thread!!!!

Here`s a few more examples, which might be of interest.

Whilst I`m on the subject has any else noticed the varing widths in the rim, on the face of these medals?

Also the difference in the postion of where the clasp is attached to the medal?

Although these medals to a certain extent where mass produced at the time, there all slighty different.

Hi, Can anyone give me any details about this medal? Is it issued named?

Roll of Honour for Afganistan

10/29/05 Sherwood, Steven Lance Corporal 23 UK UK Army 1st Battalion, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry Hostile - hostile fire Mazar-e Sharif Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire

01/28/04 Kitulagoda, Jonathan Private 23 UK E (Devon & Dorset) Company, The Rifle Volunteers, British Territorial Army Hostile - hostile fire - suicide bomber Kabul (near) Plymouth

08/17/02 Busuttil, Robert Sergeant 30 UK Royal Logistics Corps Non-hostile - homicide Kabul Tycoch Swansea

08/17/02 Gregory, John Corporal 30 UK Royal Logistics Corps Non-hostile - suicide British base at Kabul International Airport Catterick North Yorkshire

04/09/02 George, Darren John Lance Corporal 22 UK 1st Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment

I don't know if anyone can help, but I'm trying to find details of the death of a Royal Marine Military Policeman in November this year. I have only just found out about it, and have so far been unable to speak to his family/friends so details are a little sketchy. I believe it happened at the end of November, in Iraq. The only news I have been able to find from this time is regarding Sgt John Jones, as in the last post. However, news reports I have read do mention others were injured in this attack, one seriously... maybe this was him. His name was William Jones. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanking you all in advance.

Not heard anything about this serviceman sorry, are you sure he was in Iraq? If you find anything out about him, please post it on the forum!!!

Can`t get over the amount of Iraq Medals, that are currently/have been sold on Ebay, the market seems to be flooded with them. I wonder will this push the price of them down? I hope the Governament don`t decide to stop isseing campaign medals, because a small minority hold them in such little worth?

It also makes me wonder who these people are who are selling them, surely they must be reservists/TA or soldiers who left the army short after the campaign, given the fact that if your still serving then you`ll still need it? There was an article in Soldier Mag this month, commenting on this issue, I`d very much like to hear the views of soldiers/collectors on this subject!!!

I `ve also seen on a dealers list several of the new OSM, which were for sale for over a grand!!!!!!!! I wonder if the OSM for Afgan over time will come like the Ireland Medal, as this campaign seems to be dragging on with no end in sight?

It would appear that (certainly as far as the Cheshire Yeomanry are concerned anyway), that the first batch of Yeoman to deploy to South Africa, their medals are named to Pte, even though they were offically Trp (documents and grave photographs, for this period confirm this), however, the second batch their medals were named to Trp.

Cheers Guys, since posting this thread, I have bought a QSA medal to a Yeoman who died of entric fever, his serivce papers came with the medal. A few years back I had an RAMC QSA, again an entric fever victim, when I tried to get his papers, I was told that in those days they destroyed the papers, for soldiers who died on active service??

Whats interesing about my Yeoman is that he`d had previous service in the Yeomanry for years before, but his papers only cover the one year colour service during the Boer War, can anyone tell me whether, there maybe more papers for him somewhere, covering his earlier enlistment?

George Thompson 22nd Company Imperial Yeomanry

Born in Wigan Lancashire in 1877.

Son of Mr George Thompson, Timperley Hall Farm, Timperley, near Altrincham

Profession farmer

Medical at Northwich on the 6th Jan 1900, fit for service. Attested at Chester on the 10th January 1900, aged 22 and 6 months. To South Africa 30th January 1900(20 days). Served, till 17th June 1901 (1 year 159 days). Discharged at Chester 17th June 1901. War gratuity of ?5 paid on the 14th August 1901.

Medal entitlement CC, OFS &1901. (medal is missing 1901 clasp).

Listed as subscriber in the 5,000 miles with the Cheshire Yeomanry by J H Cooke.

1735 Pte John Hope 22nd Company Imperial Yeomanry

Born at Marthall, Knutsford Cheshire, in 1875.

Son of Mrs Hope of Ollerton, near Knutsford. His profession is given as farmer

Appears on nominal roll for B Troop A (Tatton) Sqn in 1897. Possibly as early as 1894.

He had his medical on the 30th Dec 1899, at Knutsford, by the MO of the 3rd V B Cheshire Regt. Height 5` 11”. Chest 34” to 35”. Complexion dark, eyes hazel, hair dark. Religion C of E. Fit for duty. Marital status single.

Enlisted on the 10th January 1900 at Chester, aged 24 years and 10 months.

Serving 20 days before going to South Africa. Left for South Africa 30th Jan 1900 (167 days). Served till 15th July 1900, then returned home, serving at home till 12th Oct 1900 (89 days).

His service papers say wounded in left knee, he also suffered with rheumatism and a back injury. He was paid War Gratuity under AO no.5 of 1901 as a Pte.

Seen by an MO at Avondale Castle on the 16th July 1900, and again at Netley on the 5th August 1900, were he was treated for rheumatism, but considered recovered and fit for duty.

Medal entitlement given as Cape Colony only, but his medal has clasps CC,OFS & 1901 (appears as would have been issued), a clerical error maybe?

1793 Pte Charles Owen 22nd Company Imperial Yeomanry

Born 1871 Moss Side Manchester.

Son of Mrs Martha Owen, 4 Leamington Ave, Didsbury, Manchester.

Trade Joiner

Previous service in the Lancashire Fusiliers Volunteers.

Medical examination same day at Northwich, fit for service.

Attested at Chester on the 10th January 1900. Aged 20. To South Africa on the 30th January 1900 (20 days service), till 17th Jun 1901 (1 year 139 days).

War gratuity of ?5 paid on the 14th August 1901.

Discharged on the 17th June 1901, Chester. 21 years and 5 months old. 5` 5 1/2”

Tall. Complexion fair hair brown. Intended address 8 Leopold Ave, West Didsbury, Manchester. Conduct Good.

Owen was presented with his medal by King Edward V11, at the Yeomanry Parade in London. On the 26th July 1901.

Medal entitlement CC,OFS & 1901. Medal has these clasps, but 01 bar loose on ribbon. Confirmed on medal roll.