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INCORPORATED BY FULL RECOGNITION REGISTERED CHARITY |
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Once Navy Always Navy
HEADQUARTERS ROLL Proof of Service Cards Our records show that some cards will require updating in 2008. Please contact Mrs Noeline Lee in HQ (0207-352-6764) to obtain a new card. The Royal Naval Association Yearbook for 2008Because of an unprecedented number of changes to Branch Officials, the 2008 Year Book has been slightly delayed. It will be despatched separately to Shipmates who have ordered it as soon as it received from the printers. The Carrier Debate – An input from the Royal Naval Association National President As part of the Association’s strategy for relocation to Portsmouth, the National Council have authorised placement of the following advertisement in various publications and have also notified the Employment Liaison Officer (Naval), the Naval Resettlement Information Officer and the White Ensign Association of the requirement. Deputy General Secretary – The Royal Naval AssociationThe Royal Naval Association (a long established Membership Association founded by Royal Charter and with Registered Charity Status) is looking for a Deputy to its General Secretary (Chief Executive) to start by early summer 2008 and both to set up a new Headquarters following the Association’s decision to relocate and to help evolve the Association’s links with the Royal Navy and its veterans in the 21st century. A competitive salary with attractive benefits is offered. As a successful applicant you will be have broad based administrative skills (including being IT literate), be motivated to support the charity’s 25,000 members, have experience of the Royal Navy and be in sympathy with the Association. This will be a busy appointment ; enthusiasm for responsibility, a good sense of humour and the ability to manage subordinate members of staff are essential. You will also deputise for the General Secretary. Portman Building Society – Merger with the Nationwide – Cautionary Tale The Portman Building Society, which had a number of RNA Branches as customers, merged with the Nationwide Building Society in 2007 and declared bonus payments to existing customers. On Branches requesting their bonus payments they were informed by Portman/Nationwide that a consolidated corporate bonus payment would be made to RNA Headquarters in respect of all the accounts held by RNA Branches and wrote to HQ informing the General Secretary of this. The General Secretary responded that RNA HQ had never had an account with The Portman Building Society and that individual bonuses were due to those Branches holding individual accounts – this view was supported by recent guidance from the Charity Commission which stated inter alia “Branches of the Royal Naval Association in England and Wales are self governing; each Branch has a trustee body and produces its own accounts. This qualifies them as charities in their own right and separately registerable”. The Portman/Nationwide were notified of this guidance but refused to accept it,, stating that their solicitors took the view that notwithstanding the Association’s Constitution they were treating the many RNA Branch Accounts as one Corporate Account which would be due one bonus. The Portman/Nationwide have said they will send RNA HQ a cheque for £160-00 (£200 less £40 tax) in final settlement to the Association. The General Secretary has instructed HQ Staff not to accept any cheque from Portman/Nationwide in this regard since the HQ is not and never has been an account holder with them, and the Building Society has been so informed. They have indicated that they intend to continue in their interpretation of the facts as they see it – we appear to have a Mexican standoff. The bonuses due to individual account holders (Branches) are considerably more than the Society has offered and The General Secretary considers that the actions of the Portman/Nationwide are perverse and cynical. The costs of taking legal action against the Portman/Nationwide are likely to be such that the Association will be unable to afford to do so, however efforts continue to break the log jam. In the meanwhile, Shipmates maintaining accounts with Portman/Nationwide may wish to consider whether they wish to continue their relationship with that organization. The Royal Naval Association Website The Royal Naval Association website has now been uploaded to http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/. The Association webmaster is S/M Chris Hore - chris@delabole.com. The Royal Charter, Rules and Bye-Laws of the Association are now included on the website for ease of reference as are other specialist guidance publications. Other pertinent information will be added as time permits. e-MAIL ADDRESSES RNA HQ Staff are attempting to build a library of e-mail addresses within the Association. It would be extremely helpful if those HQ Roll Members able to communicate by e-mail would forward a short e-message to HQ on noeline@royalnavalassoc.com so that registration can begin. Gift Aid The cover price of The Navy News recently increased to £1-80 per issue which is the first increase for 3 years following a large rise in the cost of printing and distribution. However,. The Navy News is offering a special deal for annual subscribers with a subscription of £18-00 for 12 issues including postage and packing - the Navy News comes though your letterbox at a very reduced rate. The cover price saving is £3-60 before considering postage and packing - for Overseas please phone 02392-734448 for Airmail prices or contact subscriptions@navynews.co.uk. See the offer each month in The Navy News. Battle of the Atlantic Weekend 2008- Londonderry The Londonderry Branch of The Royal Naval Association is hosting A Battle of the Atlantic Weekend in Londonderry on 3rd and 4th May 2008 and would welcome participation by other RNA Branches. The planned programme is: SATURDAY 3rd MAY 1300 Depart Queens Quay in Toucan One for Wreath Casting Ceremony on Lough Foyle. SUNDAY 4th MAY 1030 Parade musters The Services Club, Spencer Road, Londonderry THE ABOVE PROGRAMME IS SUBJECT TO ALTERATION SHOULD CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE CHANGE. Should any Shipmate wish to join us they should contact the Honorary Secretary of the Londonderry Branch: S/M F J Brown 4 Myrtlefield Road, Kilfennan, Londonderry BT47 5PG Tel: 02871-291795
25th Anniversary Dinner of Woking Branch of the Royal Naval Association on Saturday 10th May 2008 at The Holiday Inn, Victoria Way, Woking : 1830 for 1930 The Shipmates of the Woking Branch are holding a 25th Anniversary Dinner to celebration being in commission from 1983 to 2008 and all are welcome to participate. The cost is £23-00 per head for a three course dinner, pleasant company, selected bitter beer at £1-80 per pint and a “Splice the Mainbrace” with a double tot of rum. There will be wine on the table and this can be replenished when it runs out with a replenishment discount of 15%. For those wishing to stay overnight, the Branch have negotiated a special rate with The Holiday Inn of a Double Room with Breakfast for £69-00 – those wishing to stay should make the arrangements direct with the hotel – Telephone 01483-221111 FAX 01483-221038. There is no parking at the hotel, however there is a car park adjacent to the hotel in Victoria Way; this costs £1 but will be validated if presented at Reception and parking thus is free. The Shipmates of Woking look forward to a splendid evening (speeches will be kept to a minimum) and to welcoming all Shipmates and their partners who are able to attend. BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Contact either : S/M Ian Fraser - 01932-344501 or Exodus 1947 Tal Mandel is researching the Exodus 1947 Operation which took place some 60 years ago. The Jewish resistance ship “President Warfield” with 4,500 illegal Jewish emigrants onboard, left the French harbour of Sete on 11th July 1947 bound for Palestine and was followed by six RN warships until its arrival at Haifa on 18th July. In Haifa harbour, British soldiers removed the emigrants from the President Warfield, placing them in three ex-Liberty Ships namely “Ocean Vigour”, “Runnymede Park” and “Empire Rival”. These ships then made passage to the French harbour of Port-de-Bouc arriving on 31st July 1947 and were said to have been escorted by up to 11 RN warships. Tal Mandel would be interested in hearing from any RN personnel involved who would be happy to share their story. She can be contacted on mandel_tal@hotmail.com or on 0033617865980 or at 6 bis rue Bernard Mule, Apt 40, Toulouse 31400 France.ARCTIC CONVOY VETERANS - SHORT NOTICE EVENT Eugene Kasevin is organising the celebration of Russian 9 May VE Day onboard HMS BELFAST and wishes to contact British Veterans of the Arctic Convoys who have received the Russian Arctic Medal. He would also like to hear from those who are entitled to the medal but who did not, for any reason, receive it. The celebration on 9th May will also include a number of Russian Veterans. If you wish to go or think you are entitled, please contact Eugene Kasevin on 0207-256-3912 of by e-mail at ekasevin@interfax.co.uk. Normandy RN/RM Memorial - Annual Service of Remembrance A Service of Remembrance will be held in Ouistreham in France at 1145 on Friday 6th June 2008 in honour of the crews of the Landing Vessels (ships, craft and barges) which took part in the D-Day Landings in June 1944 and afterwards, till the end of World War Two in May 1945. The Service will be held opposite the entrance to la gare maritime (Portsmouth-Caen Ferries Service) and will be conducted by the Reverend Martin Evans RN; the parade will be under the operational control of 1 Assault Group Royal Marines. All are welcome : groups, individuals, families and friends and especially Standards. Contact Maurice Hillebrandt MBE on 01395-442800 or e-mail: hillebrandt@btopenworld.com Dorchester Branch of the Royal Naval Association – Veterans Day Dorchester’s Veterans Day - on Sunday 29 June 2008 - will start at 1100 with a parade of Veterans – WWII to Iraq/Afghanistan, including the TA - in the town centre. In the afternoon a concert will take place in the Borough Gardens with performances by the Wessex Military Band, the Weymouth Accordion Band and The Thomas Hardye School Orchestra. There will be stalls in the Gardens demonstrating how veterans contribute to the community and showing the support available to veterans. The Keep Military Museum will be open, free to children, and veterans will be available to discuss their experiences. Maidstone Branch of The Royal Naval Association – Annual Sea Service The Maidstone Branch of the Royal Naval Association will be holding its Annual Sea Service on Sunday 20th July 2008, celebrating 20 years of this event and also the 60th Anniversary of its Commissioning. Additionally, the Branch will be laying up its Standard. All are welcome and details of this event are available from the Honorary Secretary, S/M David Fiander on 01622-202995. The Association of WrensThe Association of Wrens is still having FUN! It was formed in 1920 by a group of ex-Wrens who felt that both the friendships they had made and the spirit of the Service should be kept alive. Now many years later that same ideal is upheld by approximately 7000 women in an Association where no distinction is made between ranks, just a determination to enjoy something unique and worthwhile. All our members receive ‘The Wren’ magazine, posted to their home, three times a year. This features a variety of news, comments and photos contributed from women across the decades, and also from those women who are currently serving in the RN today. It’s a good resource for finding out about special events, such as the next National Reunion which will be held in York in August 2008 where we hope at least 1200 members will gather together for a wonderful weekend. We are very pleased that many RN and ex-RN women have shown an interest in the Association and believe that our upgraded website may reassure those who believed that the Association belonged exclusively to previous generations. In turn, our veterans have welcomed the genuine interest and affection shown to them whilst being escorted around ships or establishments, and fully appreciate the lively contributions made by RN women members to the magazine. We are very pleased to be given the opportunity to appear in RNA publications, believing that we have a common interest in working towards the best interests of those who have served, and who are currently serving in both the WRNS, and the RN. If you, or someone known to you, would like further information or perhaps a complimentary Wren magazine, please let us know. Contact HQ 0207 932 0111 ASSOCIATION OF WRENSNational Reunion at York22-24 August 2008 Saturday RM Assn. Band Concert & Re-dedication Socialising - goods stalls - photo displayYork visitor trips optional
Good accommodation on campus Expecting over 1,000 members, why not join us? REUNION HOTLINE 01489 505226 Not a member? Not a problem, contact 0207 9320111 wrensassoc@aol.com www.wrens.org.uk Serving RN Women especially welcome!
Friends of HMS VIDALThe 2008 reunion of The Friends of HMS VIDAL will be held at The Burlington Palm Hotel, North Drive, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1EG on 6th September 2008. Please contact David Parker, 28 The Sanctuary, Green Lane, Morden, Surrey CM4 5NX (Tel : 0208-648-0160) for full details.HMS MATCHLESS Association 1942-46 (including other “M” Class Destroyers of the Flotilla)Shipmates from the first and second commission of the above are welcome to attend the 22nd Annual Reunion of the Association which will take place on 20th September 2008 in The Union Jack Club, London. Contact J Horton at 10 Finch Court, Coles Close, Ongar, Essex CM5 OAY (Tel : 01277-366617). HMS ULSTER 1958-60 Commission – 50th and Final Re-union The 50th Anniversary and Final Re-union will take place between 24-27 October 2008 at the Kistor Hotel, Torquay. Booking forms and full details can be obtained from Reg Ralph, 20 Penhale Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN22 7JX (Tel : 01323-725978) e-mail rejoice@milnet.co.uk Falklands War – Commemorative Covers An enthusiastic philatelist has manufactured a set of commemorative covers, each one date cancelled 25 years on from the actual date of the event. The series was originally to number 25 but the addition of the Fox Bay surrender made the actual number 26. These covers are available at a cost of £65-00 for the set (including the cost of airmail despatch) from : Phil Middleton
An RNA Contact in Florida S/M Margaret Tedrick is well known to many in the Royal Naval Association since she attends Conference each year without fail, being a member of the Long Beach Branch which is the only RNA Branch in USA. Although Margaret is a member of Long Beach she actually lives some 3,000 miles away in Florida just north of Daytona Beach, and would be 226 N Nova Road Tel : 386-323-9043 Pembroke House is a care home situated in Gillingham, Kent and is run by the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT). The home caters for residential and nursing care needs of those who have served as ratings in the Royal Navy or as other ranks in the Royal Marines and their spouses. The Commission for Social Care Inspectorate has awarded its highest accolade to Pembroke House in recognition of the home setting and maintaining the highest standards of care. The home provides care for the elderly frail but is not registered for the mentally infirm, particular those suffering from dementia. Pembroke House has 49 beds with 19 allocated for nursing care on a dedicated floor. It stands in fine landscaped grounds with a panoramic view overlooking the River Medway. The home is tastefully decorated on a nautical theme and all rooms are single and have en-suite facilities. The home has an excellent relationship within the local community and Chatham Historic Dockyard. It also maintains strong ties with the Royal Naval Association, several branches of which regularly visit the home and in turn invite the residents to their meetings and social events that include BBQs in the home’s lovely walled garden. Fees for FY ‘07/’08 range from £368.00 to £399.00 for residential care and £557.00 to £652.00 for nursing to reflect the level of care required; packages are tailored to each individual and are subject to regular review as needs change. Pembroke House is most definitely not a ‘one size fits all’ care home! Both self-funding and Social Services funded residents are accommodated provided the fees are topped up where there is a shortfall in local authority funding. The Trust’s policy is not to match any shortfalls in funding on the basis that its charitable funds are utilised to provide the highest standards of care and facility within the home at rates that are below the market average. Fees are revised annually. The Trust only employs staff with the right combination of skills and caring attitude. The home is equipped to the highest standards and prides itself on its bright and airy environment with a dedicated staff who assist residents in enjoying a full, independent and active life. For more details contact the Home Manager on 01634 852431 or e-mail to enquiry@pembrokehouse-rnbt.org.uk ; further details may also be found on the RNBT’s web site www.rnbt.org.uk/ A Proposed RNA Trip to New Zealand - February/March 2009 Attached to this Newsletter at Annex B are details of the proposed RNA tour to New Zealand in March next year. The minimum group number is 30 and while the current maximum is 45, if there is enough interest shown then it may be possible to organise a second tour. This all-inclusive tour (from Heathrow and return) means that the only additional expense is for your own travel/medical insurance, within NZ departure taxes - International NZ$25 and Rotorua Domestic NZ$5, together with items of a personal nature such as beverages, laundry, telephone, personal purchases etc. This trip is similar to the very successful Association of Wrens 2006 tour and is organised by the same company – C R (Ron) McPhail Ltd, based in New Zealand. Ron has been organising tours to New Zealand for parties from all over the world since 1992, most recently from China, Sweden, Czech Republic and the UK. Ron has lived in NZ all his life and has Royal New Zealand Navy connections in that his father, Surgeon Captain McPhail was Medical Officer on HMNZS LEANDER in World War II and later Director of Naval Medical Services. The co-organiser is Mrs Christina Edwards, who again organises tours throughout the world for groups from many countries. She is the long-time organiser of the successful Association of Wrens Overseas tours, normally 3 or 4 a year. She and Ron organised the 2006 Association of Wrens tour to NZ. In 2007 the Wrens visited Madeira, Greece and the Greek Islands, and Apulia (Italy); while this year they are off to Tenerife in February, South Africa in March, Sardinia in May, and the South of France in September. Additional copies of the itinerary and booking form should be produced locally and completed booking forms returned to be received in HQ Offices no later than Wednesday, 28 May 2008. It should be noted that very few single hotel accommodation rooms are available – single room supplement is £500. If you are willing to share a room please indicate this on the booking form and you will be put in touch with a.n.other also willing to share. This does not commit you to sharing with that, or another, person, but may increase you chances of being on the tour.
DON’T MISS OUT ON GOVERNMENT CASH – ADVICE FROM THE NATIONAL WELFARE ADVISER – S/M RITA LOCK 26. Too many pensioners are missing out on money which is rightfully theirs so we urge all members or their family members who may be over 60 to check their entitlements. Pension Credit Most of these, except Housing Benefit, cannot be back-dated so if you delay claiming you have lost that portion of your entitlement for good. Pension Credit. Eligibility How to apply; Council Tax Benefit Financial help towards your council tax bills. Eligibility. How to apply If you claim pension credit, income support or job seekers allowance, you should automatically receive a council tax benefit claim form, otherwise contact your local council. Housing Benefit This is Benefit paid by councils to help towards rent payment. Also called rent rebate or rent allowance. Eligibility How to Apply: Winter Fuel Allowance People over 60 who have not had a winter fuel payment should check their entitlement. Most pensioners automatically receive the £200 payment or £300 for those over 80, but some must make a claim, notably men aged between 60 and 65 who are still working. Extra payments for those with a disability or an illness. Attendance Allowance (AA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are Benefits aimed at helping disabled people with the cost of care. People over 65 can claim AA if they need physical help with personal care because they physically or mentally disabled. The under 65’s should claim DLA instead. Neither payment is means tested and will not affect your entitlement to other benefits. AA is paid at two rates depending on your disability, £43.15 or £64.50 a week. DLA is split into two parts, the care component and the mobility component. You might be able to claim both. To apply for any of these payments, phone the Benefit Enquiry line on 0800 88 22 00 8.30am to 6.30pm on Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday. Savings and Tax If you do have savings try to ensure that they are in an ISA (tax free) or a higher savings account. If you do not pay tax then speak to an adviser at your bank or building society to avoid paying tax on the interest. If you have been paying tax unnecessarily you can claim some of this back by calling your tax office and asking for a tax rebate form. Understandably, most people assume the Revenue know your age. If you are over 65, contact your Tax Office to check you are benefiting from the age-related allowance. Gift Aid As outlined above, you can get help completing many of the necessary forms. The only form you need to complete yourself if you are a tax payer, is the Gift Aid form to the RNA. This means that your Association can claim the tax back on your subscriptions, thus helping to keep them at the current level. Rest assured that there is NO invasion of your privacy or inspection of your financial affairs by the Revenue (HMRC) so please do help by completing the Gift Aid form available from your Branch Secretary. History Notes 1 April 1859........................ Captain Mansfield Cumming born. Founder and first Director in 1909 of the Secret Service Bureau, later MI6 and the Secret Intelligence Service. His code name C and use of green ink adopted by all later Directors of the Secret Intelligence Service. James McClurg ANNEX A GIFT AID DECLARATIONROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATIONTitle ..... Forename(s) ................................. Surname ................……………. I want the charity to treat all donations I have made from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise as Gift Aid Donations Signature:- .................................................. Date:- ................................................……… Notes1. If your declaration covers donations you may make in the future: 2. You must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax that the charity reclaims on your donations in the tax year (currently 25p for each £1 you give). 3. If in the future your circumstances change and you no longer pay tax on your income and capital gains equal to the tax that the charity reclaims, you can cancel your declaration (see note 1). 4. If you pay tax at the higher rate you can claim further tax relief in your Self Assessment tax return. If you are unsure whether your donations qualify for Gift Aid tax relief, ask the charity. Or you can ask you local tax office for leaflet IR113 Gift Aid.
ANNEX B ITINERARY FOR TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND FOR THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION 27 FEBRUARY - 15 MARCH 2009 Days 1 and 2 - Friday 27 February and Saturday 28 February 2009 Day 4 - Monday 2 March 2009 - Auckland Day 5 - Tuesday 3 March 2009 - Auckland - Omapere Day 6 - Wednesday 4 March 2009 - Omapere – Waitangi, Bay of Islands Day 7 - Thursday 5 March 2009 - Waitangi - Rotorua Day 8 - Friday 6 March 2009 - Rotorua – Tauranga - Rotorua Day 9 - Saturday 7 March 2009 - Rotorua - Queenstown Day 10 - Sunday 8 March 2009 - Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau Day 11 - Monday 9 March 2009 - Te Anau – Doubtful Sound – Te Anau Day 12 - Tuesday 10 March 2009 - Te Anau - Dunedin Day 13 - Wednesday 11 March 2009 - Dunedin Day 14 - Thursday 12 March 2009 - Dunedin - Christchurch Day 15 - Friday 13 March 2009 - Christchurch - Nelson Day 16 - Saturday 14 March - Nelson – Auckland Day 17 – Sunday 15 March – Heathrow IncludedTransport in air conditioned coach Not IncludedTravel/Medical insurance.Departure taxes UK, NZ International (NZ$25), Rotorua Domestic (NZ$5) COST: £2999-00 (excluding airport taxes) per person sharing a twin/double room. RNA NEW ZEALAND TOUR NAME…………………………………………………………… Address:……………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………… ….. Post Code: ……………………………………………………. Telephone Number: …………………………………………………. ……………. E-Mail Address: ……………………………………………………………………..
Important: Name Must be Exactly as per Passport
Group Member Emergency Contact: Please provide a contact name & phone number of a relative/friend In case of emergency, Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms (Delete as appropriate) Forename………………………………………… ……………. Surname……………………………………………. …………. Phone Number (Day)……………………………………… Phone Number (Night)…………………………………………. Relationship………………………………………………. …….
Payment Details: ………….deposits @ £150 per person (non-refundable) = £………..
Final Balance is due by Wednesday 10 December 2008.
Travel and Medical Insurance is NOT INCLUDED in the price. Please make Bookings accepted on a first come first served basis Please enclose SAE for booking confirmation
Signed………………………………………….. Date……………………
SEND COMPLETED FORM TO: RNA HEADQUARTERS (NEW ZEALAND TOUR), 82 CHELSEA MANOR STREET, LONDON SW3 5QJ Further information can be obtained by contacting Jill Stellingworth – Tel: 01932 840208/Mobile – 07742 921910 or e-mail – jill.stellingworth@virgin.net
Annex C An Announcement from the MoD about Radiation Linked Diseases The MOD/AWE Compensation Scheme for Radiation Linked Diseases The Compensation Scheme for Radiation Linked Diseases in the Ministry of Defence is a joint initiative between participating employers and their trades’ unions. Scheme members include AWE plc, DML, Babcock Naval Services, BNFL, and is administered by an independent Executive Secretary on behalf of all participants. Who is eligible?Claimants must be an employee or ex-employee of a Scheme participant or a dependant in the case of death. A radiation dose record must exist for the individual and they must have contracted or died from a disease covered by the Scheme. This includes most (but not all) forms of cancer as well as cataracts. Under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965, licence holders are liable for any harm arising from site operations and negligence need not be proven. Although compensation claims may be settled by reference to the courts, such recourse can be lengthy and expensive. The Compensation Scheme is designed to be faster, less costly, less traumatic and adopts a less vigorous test than applied by the courts. It should be borne in mind that cancer is one of the most common diseases in the developed world. Around 1 in 3 of the UK population contracts the disease and around 1 in 4 die from it. Thus not all cases applying to the Scheme will be successful. The purpose of the Scheme is to attempt to distinguish cases where there is a reasonable probability that they have been caused by occupational radiation exposure from those where there is a low probability. It is an essential feature of the Scheme that compensation cases are never closed. In the event of further evidence becoming available, such as changes to a claimant’s dose history or advances in scientific or medical knowledge, cases can be reassessed. How to apply? Applicants may apply through their trade union, or to the Compensation Scheme Executive Secretary, B582/IFS British Nuclear Group Sellafield, Cumbria CA20 1PE (Tel. 01946 774716). The Scheme is entirely voluntary; claimants can choose whether to use the scheme or to take legal action against their employer for radiation injury. The trade unions recommend the Scheme. Full details on how the Scheme operates is available on the Scheme’s website at www.csrld.org.uk Annex D An interesting paper by the Confederation of British Service and ex-Service Organisations (COBSEO) which members may find of interest |: The Unique Nature of Military Service This statement represents the collective view of COBSEO Introduction 1. The Armed Forces exist to engage in war, which means using military force to achieve a political objective. It is that function which distinguishes them from all other occupations. This places extraordinary demands on Service personnel and requires an organisation unlike any other, which must be able to compel its members to put their own lives at risk, and to take the lives of others as 2. In return for this unique liability, it is the duty of Government to provide the Armed Forces with the equipment, manpower and training they require to carry out their tasks, and to give them terms and conditions of service that are demonstrably fair and appropriate to their special status. This is a 3. Because of the unique nature of military service, the covenant must extend to the families of Service personnel, for so often it is they who suffer the consequences when a Service man or woman is killed, injured or mentally damaged in support of government objectives. For that reason the 4. The Armed Forces are frequently described as "special", not least by Ministers and the media. The Armed Forces Pay Review Body report of 2007 mentions "the unique nature of our remit group". Nevertheless, when it comes to negotiating pay, pensions, medical care or terms & conditions the words 'special', 'unique' or 'military covenant' carry no formal weight because the military covenant Aim Legal and Political Aspects
● Liability to implement Government policy anywhere, at any time, at no notice regardless of personal circumstances or individual wishes ● The possibility of being sentenced to military detention or prison for refusing to obey a lawful order. ● The possibility of being sentenced to military detention for not turning up for work (AWOL) ● The liability of being recalled to military service (and sent to war) even after formal retirement from ● Certain limited exemptions from working time directive legislation, and no right to overtime pay ● Exemptions from certain aspects of equal opportunities legislation (particular examples being age and disability discrimination) ● Exemption from certain aspects of health & safety legislation ● Exemption from minimum wage legislation ● No right of access to an employment tribunal on grounds of unfair or constructive dismissal or breach of contract generally ● No right to have a formally constituted independent professional association (trade union or federation) to safeguard individuals' interests, thus requiring Service men and women to rely wholly on their chain of command (the MoD) to represent all welfare and employment matters ● No right to take an active part in the affairs of any political organisation, party or movement. Specifically no right to take part in political marches or demonstrations. If a Service person wishes to stand for Parliament he or she must leave the Services beforehand ● Royal Prerogative - the authority and employment of members of the Armed Forces derives directly from the Sovereign ● Engagements in military service are voluntary but only on the part of the Crown and give no occasion for action in respect of any alleged contract Case Studies Realistic Goals
COBSEO
History of the League Founded in the early 1930s by Captain Bob Moyse MC DCM BEM with branches up and down the country, their magazine was called “The Ribbon”. The league’s president was always a distinguished soldier, eg Brigadier Sir Jackie Smythe VC MC MP. It was he in the early 1960s who left the DCM league to start the VC and GC Association. The league and the Association kept close links as a result. To this day Christmas Cards are exchanged and invitations are sent from the VC a\nd GC Association for league members to attend their annual service of thanksgiving, remembrance and re-dedication at the St. Martin in the Fields Church in London. Initially the league was run by chairman and members who had served in the 1914-18 war. Its purpose was to find work for those DCM holders who were seeking such help. There was a muster in London every year with the royal patron in attendance. Patrons have ranged from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, King George V’s daughter HRH The Princess Royal and currently His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent. The various branches with their standards paraded on Horse Guards Parade, held a service al fresco and marched to the Cenotaph to lay wreaths. An employee of the Daily Express with the DCM called Arthur Caiger conducted the singing. (he always did so at the Cup Final at Wembley so the DCM was “advertised” on the song sheet every year). Each branch was made responsible for its own fund-raising. Some branches had a simple draw, others had dinner dances and some held dug-out suppers. The London branch preferred the last type where the participants wore tin hats and ate by candlelight. The annual subscription was 3s.6d. which meant the branch treasurers were busy checking that their respective members had paid their dues each year. A card was issued for that purpose which the branch treasurer initialled as proof of the subscriptions being paid. The boost to the membership came at the end of the Second World War when DCM holders were recruited into the league by personal letters passed through the incumbent’s regimental headquarters. This fillip was felt most in 1950 but the 1914-18 chairmen clung to office, which meant by the 1970s became moribund because of the chairmen’s advanced ages. The one DCM holder who joined the league in 1950 was James Charles Cowley DCM who was serving in the Coldstream Guards as a Warrant Officer Class 1 (RSM). With the demise of so many DCMs during those years it was decided to use two establishments in London - the Victory Services Club and the Royal Chelsea Hospital Chelsea as permanent locations. In the meantime holders of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, both Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (Flying) were invited to join forces. The title changed to the DCM & CGM Association. In 1993 the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross was instituted which superseded the DCM and the CGM. All ranks of the three services are now eligible for this new Cross. The President and executive committee decided to extend the league membership by inviting all level II gallantry award holders to come under the fresh title “The Gallantry Medallists’ League”, still with world-wide membership. Membership includes Commonwealth awards within level II; Australians holding the Star of Gallantry and the Star of Courage, Canadians holding the Star for Military Valour and Star of Courage and New Zealanders holding the Gallantry Star and Bravery Star. Whilst many ex-service organisations are closing down the league keeps going which is an encouraging fact. After 27 years as President, Major Jim Cowley OBE DCM resigned at the 2000 AGM. He was succeeded by Lt. Colonel John Williams MBE DCM who, unfortunately, after nine months in post died in January 2001. His death sent shock waves through the league ranks. The President is now Lt. Colonel John Gaff GM, who was appointed at the 2002 AGM. As members grew older and few new level II awards were being made, a new class of membership was opened, Friend of the League, for those wishing to support the aims of the league. |
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Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism, and Comradeship
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