Britain's top soldier

[norwaysaint]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18468118

 

Not much comment to make really. Clearly an inspiration to every man serving in the forces and a born military leader. Fully deserved.

[Thedelldays]

An honorary rank

[buctootim]

Its just plain embarrassing.

[Saint in Paradise]

Its just plain embarrassing.

 

With the exception of Prince William I think they are all embarrassing in their own ways

perhaps some a lot more than others.

[buctootim]

With the exception of Prince William I think they are all embarrassing in their own ways

perhaps some a lot more than others.

 

I dont mind them being the Royal Family - everyone knows thats an accident of birth. Its the idea of giving them medals and awards which ptend they have done something outstanding and devalues the worth of awards given to people who have actually earned them.

[Thedelldays]

How many medals have you got Tim

Do yours feel devalued.... Seeing as you speak like yours do

[buctootim]

How many medals have you got Tim

Do yours feel devalued.... Seeing as you speak like yours do

 

I havent got any because I havent done anything to deserve them. As it happens it was once suggested to me that I might get an OBE if I channelled money to some of Prince Charles' causes when I was working for a grant making trust. Thats the way the system operates.

[Thedelldays]

I havent got any because I havent done anything to deserve them. As it happens it was once suggested to me that I might get an OBE if I channelled money to some of Prince Charles' causes when I was working for a grant making trust. Thats the way the system operates.

Many people have medals who have not earned them.

 

I got one for operations in the GULF in 2003. Was out there for 7 months (straight after op fresco)

To my bemusement, some non sea going wren got the same medal for driving an admiral around London at the time.

 

So, don't think for one minute people actually give a fuk if Charlie has medals. Infact, as you probably can guess, the royals are highly regarded in the forces in general. More so than non sea going wrens who drive people around London anyway

Edited 16 June, 2012 by Thedelldays

[buctootim]

Many people have medals who have not earned them.

 

I got one for operations in the GULF in 2003. Was out there for 7 months (straight after op fresco)

To my bemusement, some non sea going wren got the same medal for driving an admiral around London at the time.

 

So, don't think for one minute people actually give a fuk if Charlie has medals. Infact, as you probably can guess, the royals are highly regarded in the forces in general. More so than non sea going wrens who drive people around London anyway

 

Thats my point though. People who have earned medals, whether through being on a campaign, bravery or public service shouldnt have them devalued by a driver or Prince getting the same or higher award.

[Thedelldays]

Well. Mine don't feel more devalued today because of Charlie

 

So there we go

[buctootim]

Well. Mine don't feel more devalued today because of Charlie

 

So there we go

 

But they do because of the Wren, otherwise you wouldnt have mentioned it.

[Jonnyboy]

Well. Mine don't feel more devalued today because of Charlie

 

So there we go

 

That's cos you love him and want his children.

[alpine_saint]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18468118

 

Not much comment to make really. Clearly an inspiration to every man serving in the forces and a born military leader. Fully deserved.

 

B*ll*cks. In which battles has he served, led, been wounded ?

 

This is the sort of stunt that banana republics pull.

 

At least Phillip, Andrew and Harry have served in wars, and William is at a normal rank.

[Weston Super Saint]

B*ll*cks. In which battles has he served, led, been wounded ?

 

This is the sort of stunt that banana republics pull.

 

At least Phillip, Andrew and Harry have served in wars, and William is at a normal rank.

 

Phillip, Andrew and Harry are not directly in line for the throne.

 

William is and has been denied on several occasions to enter a war zone - apparently he'd love to go, but isn't allowed.

 

Charles may well have done nothing and may well be a complete idiot, but like it or not, once his Mum pops her clogs he's going to be the head of ALL the armed forces!

 

My guess is, Mummy is just smoothing the way for when that eventually happens in a couple of years.

[Viking Warrior]

Alpine and co you talk ****e as usual. if you did your research you would realise that Prince Charles does not have any war or campaign medals,

Do the research before spouting of your false crap

[Thedelldays]

Alpine and co you talk ****e as usual. if you did your research you would realise that Prince Charles does not have any war or campaign medals,

Do the research before spouting of your false crap

 

Do you feel under valued after reading about Charlie. As according to Tim, you should be

[Thedelldays]

But they do because of the Wren, otherwise you wouldnt have mentioned it.

 

I mentioned it because it happens. An will happen in the future. I know I was out there. Hoooraaay fuking doo

[Lord Duckhunter]

Fantastic, I'm really pleased for the guy.

 

Where would we be without his "support for the Commander-in-Chief" (mummy)?

[70's Mike]

B*ll*cks. In which battles has he served, led, been wounded ?

 

This is the sort of stunt that banana republics pull.

 

At least Phillip, Andrew and Harry have served in wars, and William is at a normal rank.

 

Glad you did not mention Edward

[alpine_saint]

Alpine and co you talk ****e as usual. if you did your research you would realise that Prince Charles does not have any war or campaign medals,

Do the research before spouting of your false crap

 

I never said he did. So it seems you are the one talking crap, as usual.

 

I am finding it difficult to understand why he has been promoted to a five-star rank for each armed force when in fact he has not demonstrated ANY leadership qualities in a battle enviroment.

 

This also has NOTHING to do with valour. I simply believe in leading by example, and he hasnt set any example.

[Viking Warrior]

Dear mr alpine Mannering you have no concept of military honorary ranks let alone the military structure . I suggest you spend a few years at Sandhurst it shrivenham then you might understand . They are honary awards . My col in chief is now the duke of gloucester was the queen mum . Lord Guthrie was also made a field marshal today or had you forgotten that . But I guess your happy in the good old fatherland ?

[Viking Warrior]

Oh a on another point yes there is a lot of bling about these days but no where near as many as the yanks get .

[Thedelldays]

I never said he did. So it seems you are the one talking crap, as usual.

 

I am finding it difficult to understand why he has been promoted to a five-star rank for each armed force when in fact he has not demonstrated ANY leadership qualities in a battle enviroment.

 

This also has NOTHING to do with valour. I simply believe in leading by example, and he hasnt set any example.

alpine, he will have NO authority to give orders....nor will he

Edited 16 June, 2012 by Thedelldays

[View From The Top]

Oh a on another point yes there is a lot of bling about these days but no where near as many as the yanks get .

 

TBF they are campaign medals.

 

Starting wearing mine to the cenotaph on Rememberence Sunday. Felt odd the 1st time as it was always "old men" who wore theirs when I went as a nipper.

 

Wife convinced me I should, saying I'd earned them them the hard way and they shouldn't be just put away in a draw.

[View From The Top]

alpine, he will have NO authority to give orders....not will he

 

He yaps on a lot about HM Forces, but never had the balls to pull on a uniform or was to fat/depressed to get in. The worst sort of c**t.

[Viking Warrior]

View from what I can see they are not campaign medals the jubilee whether silver gold or bronze are just a commemorative medals . . Alpine for your infom prince Charles has no input to military planning what so ever

[View From The Top]

View from what I can see they are not campaign medals the jubilee whether silver gold or bronze are just a commemorative medals . . Alpine for your infom prince Charles has no input to military planning what so ever

 

Ah, didn't realise that you were referring to Charlie's display of bling.

[latter day saint]

He yaps on a lot about HM Forces, but never had the balls to pull on a uniform or was to fat/depressed to get in. The worst sort of c**t.

thought he did a stint in the air force & the navy in the 70's ?

[Hatch]

No big deal really,

 

just so they can put his name on the letterhead when we write to the Argies telling them to f**k off

[View From The Top]

thought he did a stint in the air force & the navy in the 70's ?

 

He did.

 

Was the skipper of a mine sweeper.

 

Didn't serve in any campaign though.

[latter day saint]

He did.

 

Was the skipper of a mine sweeper.

 

Didn't serve in any campaign though.

ok.didn't have a clue what he did.

bit more than his youngest brother though

[Saint in Paradise]

I seem to remember that an aircraft Charles was piloting made a very dodgy landing but the other pilot

was hammered for it. A BAE 146 from memory?

 

Found this:-

The Prince of Wales has given up piloting royal flights following his crash in the Hebrides last year in which a Queen's Flight passenger

jet was damaged to the tune of pounds 1m.

 

St James's Palace announced the Prince's decision yesterday as an RAF board of inquiry found that the aircraft's captain had been

negligent in allowing him to take the controls.

 

Prince Charles was not blamed because, despite holding the RAF rank of group captain, he was regarded as a passenger who was

invited to fly the aircraft. The inquiry can pass judgment on the crew.

 

It was not in dispute, however, that the Prince was at the controls of the BAe 146 when it landed awkwardly and too fast in high

winds on the Isle of Islay last June, slewed off the Port Ellen runway and came to a halt with its nose buried in mud. Six crew and

five passengers were on board but no one was injured.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/prince-gives-up-flying-royal-aircraft-after-hebrides-crash-1592247.html

Edited 16 June, 2012 by Saint in Paradise

[Thedelldays]

Of he was not the skipper of the plane then it was not his fault

[Saint in Paradise]

Of he was not the skipper of the plane then it was not his fault

 

Yes and would you have over ruled PC if he was on your Sub I suspect not :lol:

[Thedelldays]

Yes and would you have over ruled PC if he was on your Sub I suspect not :lol:

 

Weird

[alpine_saint]

He yaps on a lot about HM Forces, but never had the balls to pull on a uniform or was to fat/depressed to get in. The worst sort of c**t.

 

This comment is unfair and hurtful.

 

My "yapping" on issues related to the Armed Forces are most often about the politics of procurement and treatment of the personnel, and therefore mostly about the government and MoD. I havent served so wouldnt dream to comment on organisational or operational issues. At all times my concern has been about letting the men and women who do serve do their job in the safest and most effective way possible.

 

As for my own background, I did want to join the RN but was told because of my academic background the only way I'd fit in would be as an Engineering Officer. So just after my 16th birthday I did the Admiralty Interview Board (at HMS Sultan ?) in order to try to win a college busary, of which only 20 were awarded a year amongst 500-600 candidates. Unsurprisingly I failed, but was told my performance would probably have seen me accepted into Dartmouth. However, after mulling over the AIB process at home, I decided I didnt like the trains of some of the questioning during the personnel and panel interviews; I was annoyed at questions regarding my parents wedding date in relation to my birth date, didnt see the relevance was of what family was currently in the RN, and didnt like feeback about me wearing the wrong colour socks for one of the panel. I decided at the level I was expected to enter that I didnt like the snobbery involved, so I went to a normal uni and decided I would re-evaluate my interest when I graduated, by which time it was clear to me I was heading on another path.

 

So it has nothing to do with balls or fitness. So knock it off with the judgementality, especially as you were probably just a stoker or a powder monkey.

[Viking Warrior]

Alpine your the one that is judgemental . You have know concept of military boards . Wrong coloured socks that might have been the case many moons ago in the army . You probably read that stuff on the Internet . Your not a a Walter by any chance? Don't talk about service life when you have no authority having never served . The closest you got to a uniform was probably your school uniform. Your bring a tossed with your referral to powder monkeys and stokers my uncle in laws brother was a stoker in ww2 and lost his life when the ship he served in was hit by the Germans . Okay Walt

[moonraker]

Charles served as full time naval officer and commanded the minesweeper HMS Bronningtion, where he was much respected by the crew. There were no 'conflicts' during this period and few servicemen racked up a chest full of medals, the most common campaign medal awarded was the General Service Medal for Northern Ireland and as a rating if you stayed in long enough and behaved yourself you got a long service and good conduct medal. The Silver Jubilee (1977) medal was a restricted award, in my submarine 3 were given out for a crew of 70 as opposed to the Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals which were awarded to all serving servicemen including reserves. The Royal Family have a very special and important relationship with the armed forces. Many comments here stem from ignorance of the honours and awards system, no Royal current has ever been awarded a British medal for bravery or valour (Prince Phillip was mentioned in dispatches), the campaign medals they have have been awarded on the same basis as all other servicemen (Harry, Phillip and Andrew). It is common for heads of state to be Commander in Chief of there armed forces even when they have no experience of the military.

[moonraker]

This comment is unfair and hurtful.

 

My "yapping" on issues related to the Armed Forces are most often about the politics of procurement and treatment of the personnel, and therefore mostly about the government and MoD. I havent served so wouldnt dream to comment on organisational or operational issues. At all times my concern has been about letting the men and women who do serve do their job in the safest and most effective way possible.

 

As for my own background, I did want to join the RN but was told because of my academic background the only way I'd fit in would be as an Engineering Officer. So just after my 16th birthday I did the Admiralty Interview Board (at HMS Sultan ?) in order to try to win a college busary, of which only 20 were awarded a year amongst 500-600 candidates. Unsurprisingly I failed, but was told my performance would probably have seen me accepted into Dartmouth. However, after mulling over the AIB process at home, I decided I didnt like the trains of some of the questioning during the personnel and panel interviews; I was annoyed at questions regarding my parents wedding date in relation to my birth date, didnt see the relevance was of what family was currently in the RN, and didnt like feeback about me wearing the wrong colour socks for one of the panel. I decided at the level I was expected to enter that I didnt like the snobbery involved, so I went to a normal uni and decided I would re-evaluate my interest when I graduated, by which time it was clear to me I was heading on another path.

 

So it has nothing to do with balls or fitness. So knock it off with the judgementality, especially as you were probably just a stoker or a powder monkey.

 

So the AIB did its job and kept you out.

[buctootim]

It is common for heads of state to be Commander in Chief of there armed forces even when they have no experience of the military.

 

Thats the point though. When did you last see Presidents of the US, Germany, France etc dressed up in military uniform? The way to do it is to have a proper top military commader promoted from within the armed forces accountable to the Head of State who only dresses in civvies. Puppet leaders dressed up in gold braid make us look like Uganda or Libya. l

[moonraker]

Thats the point though. When did you last see Presidents of the US, Germany, France etc dressed up in military uniform? The way to do it is to have a proper top military commader promoted from within the armed forces accountable to the Head of State who only dresses in civvies. Puppet leaders dressed up in gold braid make us look like Uganda or Libya. l

 

True but elected presidents are politicians, the British Riyal Family have a historical tradition of serving in the armed forces stretching back before any of the 3 countries you have named existed within their current borders or under their current constitutional model.

[buctootim]

True but elected presidents are politicians, the British Riyal Family have a historical tradition of serving in the armed forces stretching back before any of the 3 countries you have named existed within their current borders or under their current constitutional model.

 

I dont mind them being commader in chief, just drop the uniforms, or at least only wear the rank they have earned through serving. .

[Viking Warrior]

excellent posts moonraker especially the one about AIB getting it right not selecting walt Mcalpine

[alpine_saint]

So the AIB did its job and kept you out.

 

Nope, it didnt fund my college time. I made the decision not to try again when finished with my A levels. The AIB told me I would probably have been accepted for Dartmouth if it had been normal AIB.

 

Cant you read or something ???

 

Really, you "I've been in the forces" über-men, including VFTT and Viking W*nker, have got major issues with civilians. All I said is I dont like the dishing out of promotions and ribbons to someone who hasnt earnt it just because of who is mummy is, and that it reminds me of banana republics and I get all this abuse.

 

I know you swear an oath to the Queen, and I am a monarchist myself, but this blind loyalty and intolerance of differing opinion is a bit pathetic.

[alpine_saint]

Thats the point though. When did you last see Presidents of the US, Germany, France etc dressed up in military uniform? The way to do it is to have a proper top military commader promoted from within the armed forces accountable to the Head of State who only dresses in civvies. Puppet leaders dressed up in gold braid make us look like Uganda or Libya. l

 

My point exactly. Nice to see not all ex-servicemen are d*ckheads with a sheep mentality.

[Thedelldays]

I dont mind them being commader in chief, just drop the uniforms, or at least only wear the rank they have earned through serving. .

what difference does it make if he wears a uniform or not..he HAS no power....

it is part of his job, to be the ceremonial head of the armed forces...or it will be soon enough...

[Thedelldays]

Nope, it didnt fund my college time. I made the decision not to try again when finished with my A levels. The AIB told me I would probably have been accepted for Dartmouth if it had been normal AIB.

 

Cant you read or something ???

 

Really, you "I've been in the forces" über-men, including VFTT and Viking W*nker, have got major issues with civilians. All I said is I dont like the dishing out of promotions and ribbons to someone who hasnt earnt it just because of who is mummy is, and that it reminds me of banana republics and I get all this abuse.

 

I know you swear an oath to the Queen, and I am a monarchist myself, but this blind loyalty and intolerance of differing opinion is a bit pathetic.

not at all...just laugh very much at posts about charlie from you and the likes of tim....its almost like you are trying to get offended for us.

please don't...as I have said before, the Royal are generally thought of very very fondly in the forces...so can't really see many (if at all) with charlie wearing a uniform that he has no decision making power of

[Viking Warrior]

Hey Walt . I do not have any problem with civilians not sure where you get that from. I'm a civilian now . If your such an academic as you profess to be then you would have done your research in preparation for AIB. But the tone if your posts and gutter language would suggest you went to grange hill . Or was it the university of life where you studied the bash street kids ?

[buctootim]

just laugh very much at posts about charlie from you and the likes of tim....its almost like you are trying to get offended for us.

 

Hey guess what, its not about you delldays - yeah amazing concept I know. Its about the way Britain perceived by the rest of world. Believe it or not people in a democracy are allowed to express a view about their nation. You dont have to restrict comments just to the field you happen to work in. In fact when posters constantly harp on about how secret and wonderful they are its really tiresome.

[Thedelldays]

Hey guess what, its not about you delldays - yeah amazing concept I know. Its about the way Britain perceived by the rest of world. Believe it or not people in a democracy are allowed to express a view about their nation. You dont have to restrict comments just to the field you happen to work in. In fact when posters constantly harp on about how secret and wonderful they are its really tiresome.

 

So. I assume you are mightily well travelled to think how Britain is seen over seas????