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PTE ROBERT LAWS
PTE ROBERT LAWS (FUNERAL DETAILS)
WE NOW HAVE THE PROVISIONAL DETAILS. THEY HAVE NOT YET BEEN FINALLY CONFIRMED AS THE CORONER HAS YET TO RELEASE THE BODY BUT SHOULD BE TREATED AS A FIRM WARNING ORDER UNLIKELY TO CHANGE.
NOTE THE FUNERAL IS NOW ON WED 22 JULY.
THE FORMAT WILL BE:
MEMORIAL SERVICE. 1300-1400:
ST JOHN'S PARISH CHURCH
KIDDERMINSTER ROAD
BROMSGROVE
B61 7JW
PARKING MAY BE AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOL OPPOSITE (TBC POLICE WILL SIGN). CLEARLY ATTENDEES SHOULD BE THERE BY 1230-1245 AT THE LATEST.
IT IS ANTICIPATED A LARGE NUMBER OF LOCAL PEOPLE WILL WISH TO ATTEND.
OFFICIAL STANDARD BEARERS ARE WELCOME BUT MUST NOT IMPEDE THE BEARER PARTY.
THE MEMORIAL SERVICE IS TO BE FOLLOWED BY A PRIVATE CREMATION AT REDDITCH CREMATORIUM AT 1445 HOURS.
(FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS ONLY PLUS UNIT AND REGIMENTAL REP, BUGLERS, BEARER PARTY AND FIRING PARTY). CAPACITY OF CREMATORIUM IS ONLY ABOUT 50-60.
FURTHER DETAILS TO FOLLOW WHEN KNOWN.
NOTE THE FUNERAL IS NOW ON WED 22 JULY.
THE FORMAT WILL BE:
MEMORIAL SERVICE. 1300-1400:
ST JOHN'S PARISH CHURCH
KIDDERMINSTER ROAD
BROMSGROVE
B61 7JW
PARKING MAY BE AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOL OPPOSITE (TBC POLICE WILL SIGN). CLEARLY ATTENDEES SHOULD BE THERE BY 1230-1245 AT THE LATEST.
IT IS ANTICIPATED A LARGE NUMBER OF LOCAL PEOPLE WILL WISH TO ATTEND.
OFFICIAL STANDARD BEARERS ARE WELCOME BUT MUST NOT IMPEDE THE BEARER PARTY.
THE MEMORIAL SERVICE IS TO BE FOLLOWED BY A PRIVATE CREMATION AT REDDITCH CREMATORIUM AT 1445 HOURS.
(FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS ONLY PLUS UNIT AND REGIMENTAL REP, BUGLERS, BEARER PARTY AND FIRING PARTY). CAPACITY OF CREMATORIUM IS ONLY ABOUT 50-60.
FURTHER DETAILS TO FOLLOW WHEN KNOWN.
PRIVATE ROBERT LAWS
ANOTHER SAD DAY FOR THE REGIMENT
Private Robert Laws, aged 18, joined 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) [2 MERCIAN] during Op HERRICK 10. His basic training started at the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, which prepares young men for the rigours of the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick. After completing the Combat Infantryman's Course in March of this year he passed off the square at Catterick and deployed to Helmand province to join B Company.
Known to friends as Robbie, Private Laws was killed alongside his mates in B Company while they were operating under command of The Light Dragoons Battle Group during Operation PANCHAI PALANG.
Private Laws, from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, was a popular member of his platoon during training and achieved 'Best Shot' on the Light Machine Gun.
When Robbie arrived at 2 MERCIAN he quickly became known for his mischievous sense of humour and a cheeky wit which endeared him well to his Platoon Sergeant.
To undertake basic training and be on the front line in Afghanistan within a year is a tremendous undertaking, especially for someone who is 18 years old.
Private Laws rose to this challenge by embracing all the best qualities of being a soldier: ability to adapt and learn; strength of character; and determination.
Private Laws' family issued the following statement:
"The parents and close family are immensely proud of their popular and loving son. They would like to thank all their friends for their loving support at this very difficult time."
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton, Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), said:
"Robbie only joined 2 MERCIAN (Worcesters and Foresters) a very short time ago but had already begun to make his mark.
He was excited and eager to deploy to Afghanistan and this only a few days after his 18th birthday.
"He was a warm and cheerful young man who mucked in when there was work to be done and quickly made friends.
Robbie's falling has taken a good soldier from us; a man who was not afraid to move forward, endure hardship, and he had the courage to fight the enemy alongside his brothers.
"Robbie died alongside his mates in B Company, 2 MERCIAN, and his death has rocked them - they will hold him in their hearts as they fight on. The entire regiment's prayers are with Robbie's family who are devastated by his loss."
Lieutenant Colonel Gus Fair, Commanding Officer, The Light Dragoons Battle Group, said:
"Private Laws had only been in the Battle Group a short time, but had already made an impression on his company as a bright, keen and enthusiastic soldier.
He died going forward, taking the fight to the enemy and helping to free the local population from the tyranny of the insurgents.
His loss is felt deeply through the whole Battle Group, and we will ensure that he is not forgotten."
Sergeant Major Paul Muckle, the B Company Sergeant Major, said:
"Private Robbie Laws joined B Company on the front line south of Garmsir, a town in Helmand province. From the outset he settled well into the platoon and became known for his mischievous sense of humour.
Robbie showed great potential during his short time with B Company. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."
Major Richard Johnson, Officer Commanding Anzio Company, Infantry Training Centre Catterick, said:
"Private Laws developed noticeably throughout his time with Anzio Company.
Although initially of a quiet nature he became popular and influential with his platoon as his ability developed. Excelling in shooting for a soldier of a slight build, he was commended for achieving the award of 'Best Shot' on the Light Machine Gun.
"Robbie used to make the section laugh; whether it was him sleeping all the time, his giddy sense of humour or his random taste in music."
Private Jacob Cherry
"Private Laws was the epitome of a recruit whose heart was set on a military path.
It was a childhood dream that he could see developing steadily in front of him; he achieved his ambition of joining his chosen battalion.
He is remembered by all the military and civilian staff within Anzio Company for his quiet but determined nature."
Private Daniel Eaglesfield, fellow MERCIAN soldier from battalion and recruit training, said:
"Private Robert 'Robbie' Laws and I both joined the 2 MERCIAN after completing training at Army Training Regiment, Harrogate, and the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick.
We deployed on Op HERRICK 10 on 11th May both not knowing quite what to expect. Robbie enjoyed his snooker and swimming.
"We used to talk a lot about our girlfriends back at home and how much we loved them; he was planning to take his girlfriend to Paris when the tour was over.
"Robbie was like a brother to me and we always looked out for each other, we shared many stories and laughter together.
I will never forget the smile he always had on his face. Robbie, you were a pleasure to train and work alongside and I am proud to say you were my friend.
My heart goes out to your family, friends and that beautiful girlfriend of yours. May you rest in peace Robert Laws."
Private Jacob Cherry, fellow MERCIAN soldier and friend from training, said:
"I first met Robbie when we were both at Army Foundation College, Harrogate.
Our friendship grew even closer when we found out we were going to the same regiment and then the same battalion.
"Robbie was a great person to be around and certainly one of a kind. As we progressed through training we ended up in the same section and the same room.
In the ten weeks we spent together there was some easy times and some hard times, but we overcame them. Robbie used to make the section laugh; whether it was him sleeping all the time, his giddy sense of humour or his random taste in music.
"As our time finished at Catterick we moved on to join the battalion. Robert and I, together with another close friend Daniel, bonded as three in a huge way. We had some fun times and we were good mates and he will be deeply missed.
I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends at home. I am very sorry."
Trooper Curtis Clifton, a childhood friend serving with The Light Dragoons, said:
"I remember when Robbie was seven years old. He was stood in the school playground by himself, a small shy lad reading a book. We became very good friends.
We did everything together. We decided to join our local swimming team at the age of 13 and from then on you could see that he was a talented swimmer.
"At the age of 16 we both went to the Army Foundation Centre in Harrogate and went on a trip to Malta with the army swimming team.
My best memory of him has to be when we both brought Hallowe'en masks and went around Sliema in Malta asking people for pictures with them.
Robbie was a true friend. He would always put his family and friends before himself even if that meant him going without or getting himself into trouble."
Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth MP, said:
"The deaths of Lance Corporal David Dennis and Private Robert Laws were a desperately sad loss to their colleagues in Afghanistan, and indeed to the Armed Forces community.
These two men were highly regarded by their comrades and commanders, and their deaths remind us of the ferocious conditions endured daily by our soldiers in Afghanistan, and the great gravity of what we are doing there.
My deepest sympathies are with these two grieving families."
Private Robert Laws, aged 18, joined 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) [2 MERCIAN] during Op HERRICK 10. His basic training started at the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, which prepares young men for the rigours of the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick. After completing the Combat Infantryman's Course in March of this year he passed off the square at Catterick and deployed to Helmand province to join B Company.
Known to friends as Robbie, Private Laws was killed alongside his mates in B Company while they were operating under command of The Light Dragoons Battle Group during Operation PANCHAI PALANG.
Private Laws, from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, was a popular member of his platoon during training and achieved 'Best Shot' on the Light Machine Gun.
When Robbie arrived at 2 MERCIAN he quickly became known for his mischievous sense of humour and a cheeky wit which endeared him well to his Platoon Sergeant.
To undertake basic training and be on the front line in Afghanistan within a year is a tremendous undertaking, especially for someone who is 18 years old.
Private Laws rose to this challenge by embracing all the best qualities of being a soldier: ability to adapt and learn; strength of character; and determination.
Private Laws' family issued the following statement:
"The parents and close family are immensely proud of their popular and loving son. They would like to thank all their friends for their loving support at this very difficult time."
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton, Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), said:
"Robbie only joined 2 MERCIAN (Worcesters and Foresters) a very short time ago but had already begun to make his mark.
He was excited and eager to deploy to Afghanistan and this only a few days after his 18th birthday.
"He was a warm and cheerful young man who mucked in when there was work to be done and quickly made friends.
Robbie's falling has taken a good soldier from us; a man who was not afraid to move forward, endure hardship, and he had the courage to fight the enemy alongside his brothers.
"Robbie died alongside his mates in B Company, 2 MERCIAN, and his death has rocked them - they will hold him in their hearts as they fight on. The entire regiment's prayers are with Robbie's family who are devastated by his loss."
Lieutenant Colonel Gus Fair, Commanding Officer, The Light Dragoons Battle Group, said:
"Private Laws had only been in the Battle Group a short time, but had already made an impression on his company as a bright, keen and enthusiastic soldier.
He died going forward, taking the fight to the enemy and helping to free the local population from the tyranny of the insurgents.
His loss is felt deeply through the whole Battle Group, and we will ensure that he is not forgotten."
Sergeant Major Paul Muckle, the B Company Sergeant Major, said:
"Private Robbie Laws joined B Company on the front line south of Garmsir, a town in Helmand province. From the outset he settled well into the platoon and became known for his mischievous sense of humour.
Robbie showed great potential during his short time with B Company. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."
Major Richard Johnson, Officer Commanding Anzio Company, Infantry Training Centre Catterick, said:
"Private Laws developed noticeably throughout his time with Anzio Company.
Although initially of a quiet nature he became popular and influential with his platoon as his ability developed. Excelling in shooting for a soldier of a slight build, he was commended for achieving the award of 'Best Shot' on the Light Machine Gun.
"Robbie used to make the section laugh; whether it was him sleeping all the time, his giddy sense of humour or his random taste in music."
Private Jacob Cherry
"Private Laws was the epitome of a recruit whose heart was set on a military path.
It was a childhood dream that he could see developing steadily in front of him; he achieved his ambition of joining his chosen battalion.
He is remembered by all the military and civilian staff within Anzio Company for his quiet but determined nature."
Private Daniel Eaglesfield, fellow MERCIAN soldier from battalion and recruit training, said:
"Private Robert 'Robbie' Laws and I both joined the 2 MERCIAN after completing training at Army Training Regiment, Harrogate, and the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick.
We deployed on Op HERRICK 10 on 11th May both not knowing quite what to expect. Robbie enjoyed his snooker and swimming.
"We used to talk a lot about our girlfriends back at home and how much we loved them; he was planning to take his girlfriend to Paris when the tour was over.
"Robbie was like a brother to me and we always looked out for each other, we shared many stories and laughter together.
I will never forget the smile he always had on his face. Robbie, you were a pleasure to train and work alongside and I am proud to say you were my friend.
My heart goes out to your family, friends and that beautiful girlfriend of yours. May you rest in peace Robert Laws."
Private Jacob Cherry, fellow MERCIAN soldier and friend from training, said:
"I first met Robbie when we were both at Army Foundation College, Harrogate.
Our friendship grew even closer when we found out we were going to the same regiment and then the same battalion.
"Robbie was a great person to be around and certainly one of a kind. As we progressed through training we ended up in the same section and the same room.
In the ten weeks we spent together there was some easy times and some hard times, but we overcame them. Robbie used to make the section laugh; whether it was him sleeping all the time, his giddy sense of humour or his random taste in music.
"As our time finished at Catterick we moved on to join the battalion. Robert and I, together with another close friend Daniel, bonded as three in a huge way. We had some fun times and we were good mates and he will be deeply missed.
I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends at home. I am very sorry."
Trooper Curtis Clifton, a childhood friend serving with The Light Dragoons, said:
"I remember when Robbie was seven years old. He was stood in the school playground by himself, a small shy lad reading a book. We became very good friends.
We did everything together. We decided to join our local swimming team at the age of 13 and from then on you could see that he was a talented swimmer.
"At the age of 16 we both went to the Army Foundation Centre in Harrogate and went on a trip to Malta with the army swimming team.
My best memory of him has to be when we both brought Hallowe'en masks and went around Sliema in Malta asking people for pictures with them.
Robbie was a true friend. He would always put his family and friends before himself even if that meant him going without or getting himself into trouble."
Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth MP, said:
"The deaths of Lance Corporal David Dennis and Private Robert Laws were a desperately sad loss to their colleagues in Afghanistan, and indeed to the Armed Forces community.
These two men were highly regarded by their comrades and commanders, and their deaths remind us of the ferocious conditions endured daily by our soldiers in Afghanistan, and the great gravity of what we are doing there.
My deepest sympathies are with these two grieving families."
ENJOY
LATEST FROM THE FRONT (13 JULY 2009)
A soldier from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) has faced Taliban gunfire to help out colleagues in trouble not once but twice in recent months.
Sergeant Andrew McNulty first showed his fighting spirit when he rolled his broken-down vehicle down a hill to join his colleagues in a battle with the Taliban.
Then only a few weeks later he saved the lives of three colleagues after their vehicle plunged into a fast-flowing canal in the dead of night in Helmand province.
Sgt McNulty, known to all as 'Mac', is in the middle of a six-month deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan.
He is the Platoon Sergeant, the Second-in-Command, of Ava Platoon, a 30-strong team based at Camp Bastion providing protection for the huge resupply convoys, known as Combat Logistic Patrols (CLPs), conducted by 19 Light Brigade Combat Service Support Battalion.
On a recent resupply convoy, which included about 100 vehicles and snaked for more than 3km through the Helmand desert, Sgt McNulty was in a vehicle which had broken-down when the Taliban attacked the convoy as it went over a hill.
Sgt McNulty was in charge of a heavily-armed Weapons Mounted Installation Kit vehicle, or WMIK, which carries heavy and grenade-firing machine guns. His vehicle was in the middle of the convoy when it began experiencing difficulties as they went up a steep hillside of soft sand. He said:
"[We] pushed it to the brow of the hill before we leapt back into the cab and using the momentum of the hill we rolled about 800 metres until we levelled out in a valley where the firefight was taking place."
Sergeant Andrew McNulty
"My vehicle was having trouble with the gears because of the sand and the clutch went so we couldn't move anywhere. At that point we heard gunfire over the other side of the hill as another vehicle, about 1km ahead, came into contact."
At that stage his Platoon Commander, Captain Jack Bellfield, came past in a different vehicle, himself eager to offer protection to the convoy:
"I asked my Platoon Commander to tow our vehicle to the top of the hill," said Sgt McNulty.
"Initially the plan was to tow us to the top of the hill so I could fire, but when I got to the top there was something in the way so we could see our colleagues but we couldn't see the enemy's firing point."
Capt Bellfield had already unhooked his vehicle and driven on to get into the battle. But Sgt McNulty was determined not to be thwarted from his task:
"We jumped out of the WMIK, just opened the doors and pushed it to the brow of the hill before we leapt back into the cab and using the momentum of the hill we rolled about 800 metres until we levelled out in a valley where the firefight was taking place," he added.
With the vehicle coming to a stop however and coming under fire Sgt McNulty and his team still couldn’t get an accurate shot on the enemy, so they jumped out and pushed the vehicle again to allow them to get a clean shot:
"There is only one reason that my platoon was brought to Helmand and that's to protect the CLPs," he said.
"My vehicle has got a lot of fire power on board plus medical facilities, so I've got a lot of assets. No matter how we do it we have to get my vehicle to the fight; that's all that went through my mind."
The firefight lasted about 45 minutes, with the CLP passing through the danger zone relatively unscathed. Sgt McNulty said:
"It is crucially important to ensure the safety of the CLP and the delivery of the essential supplies to the troops out in the forward operating bases and smaller patrol bases; they rely on us for ammunition, rations and water.
Some items are delivered by helicopter but the main bulk of their supply is via the CLPs."
After this incident Sgt McNulty once again showed his bravery when he noticed a wheel sticking out of the water in a canal as another CLP made its way to a forward operating base from Camp Bastion.
"His selfless actions undoubtedly saved the lives of three of his colleagues. It's clearly an innate part of his character, given how he responded just one month ago when his vehicle broke down as the enemy attacked another convoy."
Captain Jack Bellfield
Close to Nad e-Ali, fast-flowing water had eroded the path that the convoy was moving along, causing it to collapse under a Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle. The vehicle tumbled into the water trapping three soldiers inside it.
In the pitch darkness the accident had gone unnoticed by the rest of the 40-vehicle convoy.
Bringing up the rear of the convoy in a Mastiff, Sgt McNulty glanced out at the canal and could just make out the shape of a wheel protruding from the water.
One of the three soldiers inside the Panther was completely submerged in the back of the vehicle:
"I knew I didn't have much time. I managed to pull the driver out the driver's side window and then pulled the passenger across the steering column and out the same way.
"I got them both safely onto the canal bank and then went back for the lad who was in the back. I eventually managed to pull him out past the signalling equipment. I squeezed him through a hole not much bigger than an A4 piece of paper.
I'm amazed he fitted through it. If he'd been any fatter, I'm not sure he'd have made it."
"I can honestly say if Sgt McNulty hadn't acted like he did, I would be dead. It's unbelievable what he did."
Private Lee Davison
The soldier in the back of the Panther was Private Lee Davison, 19, from Portadown. He said:
"All I could hear was screaming and shouting. I could hear people trying to open the hatches, then I heard a large thud which must have been Sgt McNulty jumping onto the vehicle.
"Three or four minutes after everybody else managed to climb out of the vehicle I started to struggle to breathe and began having flashbacks of home. I could feel myself slipping away."
During this time Sgt McNulty was desperately trying to pry Private Davison from the vehicle.
Platoon Commander, Captain Jack Bellfield, said of Sgt McNulty:
"He didn't think twice about jumping out of his vehicle to help those stuck in the Panther. Not only did he face the challenge of freeing his trapped colleagues, but he also risked coming under enemy fire as he did so.
"His selfless actions undoubtedly saved the lives of three of his colleagues. It's clearly an innate part of his character, given how he responded just one month ago when his vehicle broke down as the enemy attacked another convoy.
"On both occasions he showed great initiative and bravery. His rapid reactions and steadfast resolve to help others, regardless of the danger to himself, ensured that everyone returned safely from both CLPs."
Also reflecting on Sgt McNulty's actions, Private Davison added:
"I can honestly say if Sgt McNulty hadn't acted like he did, I would be dead. It's unbelievable what he did."
Sergeant Andrew McNulty first showed his fighting spirit when he rolled his broken-down vehicle down a hill to join his colleagues in a battle with the Taliban.
Then only a few weeks later he saved the lives of three colleagues after their vehicle plunged into a fast-flowing canal in the dead of night in Helmand province.
Sgt McNulty, known to all as 'Mac', is in the middle of a six-month deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan.
He is the Platoon Sergeant, the Second-in-Command, of Ava Platoon, a 30-strong team based at Camp Bastion providing protection for the huge resupply convoys, known as Combat Logistic Patrols (CLPs), conducted by 19 Light Brigade Combat Service Support Battalion.
On a recent resupply convoy, which included about 100 vehicles and snaked for more than 3km through the Helmand desert, Sgt McNulty was in a vehicle which had broken-down when the Taliban attacked the convoy as it went over a hill.
Sgt McNulty was in charge of a heavily-armed Weapons Mounted Installation Kit vehicle, or WMIK, which carries heavy and grenade-firing machine guns. His vehicle was in the middle of the convoy when it began experiencing difficulties as they went up a steep hillside of soft sand. He said:
"[We] pushed it to the brow of the hill before we leapt back into the cab and using the momentum of the hill we rolled about 800 metres until we levelled out in a valley where the firefight was taking place."
Sergeant Andrew McNulty
"My vehicle was having trouble with the gears because of the sand and the clutch went so we couldn't move anywhere. At that point we heard gunfire over the other side of the hill as another vehicle, about 1km ahead, came into contact."
At that stage his Platoon Commander, Captain Jack Bellfield, came past in a different vehicle, himself eager to offer protection to the convoy:
"I asked my Platoon Commander to tow our vehicle to the top of the hill," said Sgt McNulty.
"Initially the plan was to tow us to the top of the hill so I could fire, but when I got to the top there was something in the way so we could see our colleagues but we couldn't see the enemy's firing point."
Capt Bellfield had already unhooked his vehicle and driven on to get into the battle. But Sgt McNulty was determined not to be thwarted from his task:
"We jumped out of the WMIK, just opened the doors and pushed it to the brow of the hill before we leapt back into the cab and using the momentum of the hill we rolled about 800 metres until we levelled out in a valley where the firefight was taking place," he added.
With the vehicle coming to a stop however and coming under fire Sgt McNulty and his team still couldn’t get an accurate shot on the enemy, so they jumped out and pushed the vehicle again to allow them to get a clean shot:
"There is only one reason that my platoon was brought to Helmand and that's to protect the CLPs," he said.
"My vehicle has got a lot of fire power on board plus medical facilities, so I've got a lot of assets. No matter how we do it we have to get my vehicle to the fight; that's all that went through my mind."
The firefight lasted about 45 minutes, with the CLP passing through the danger zone relatively unscathed. Sgt McNulty said:
"It is crucially important to ensure the safety of the CLP and the delivery of the essential supplies to the troops out in the forward operating bases and smaller patrol bases; they rely on us for ammunition, rations and water.
Some items are delivered by helicopter but the main bulk of their supply is via the CLPs."
After this incident Sgt McNulty once again showed his bravery when he noticed a wheel sticking out of the water in a canal as another CLP made its way to a forward operating base from Camp Bastion.
"His selfless actions undoubtedly saved the lives of three of his colleagues. It's clearly an innate part of his character, given how he responded just one month ago when his vehicle broke down as the enemy attacked another convoy."
Captain Jack Bellfield
Close to Nad e-Ali, fast-flowing water had eroded the path that the convoy was moving along, causing it to collapse under a Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle. The vehicle tumbled into the water trapping three soldiers inside it.
In the pitch darkness the accident had gone unnoticed by the rest of the 40-vehicle convoy.
Bringing up the rear of the convoy in a Mastiff, Sgt McNulty glanced out at the canal and could just make out the shape of a wheel protruding from the water.
One of the three soldiers inside the Panther was completely submerged in the back of the vehicle:
"I knew I didn't have much time. I managed to pull the driver out the driver's side window and then pulled the passenger across the steering column and out the same way.
"I got them both safely onto the canal bank and then went back for the lad who was in the back. I eventually managed to pull him out past the signalling equipment. I squeezed him through a hole not much bigger than an A4 piece of paper.
I'm amazed he fitted through it. If he'd been any fatter, I'm not sure he'd have made it."
"I can honestly say if Sgt McNulty hadn't acted like he did, I would be dead. It's unbelievable what he did."
Private Lee Davison
The soldier in the back of the Panther was Private Lee Davison, 19, from Portadown. He said:
"All I could hear was screaming and shouting. I could hear people trying to open the hatches, then I heard a large thud which must have been Sgt McNulty jumping onto the vehicle.
"Three or four minutes after everybody else managed to climb out of the vehicle I started to struggle to breathe and began having flashbacks of home. I could feel myself slipping away."
During this time Sgt McNulty was desperately trying to pry Private Davison from the vehicle.
Platoon Commander, Captain Jack Bellfield, said of Sgt McNulty:
"He didn't think twice about jumping out of his vehicle to help those stuck in the Panther. Not only did he face the challenge of freeing his trapped colleagues, but he also risked coming under enemy fire as he did so.
"His selfless actions undoubtedly saved the lives of three of his colleagues. It's clearly an innate part of his character, given how he responded just one month ago when his vehicle broke down as the enemy attacked another convoy.
"On both occasions he showed great initiative and bravery. His rapid reactions and steadfast resolve to help others, regardless of the danger to himself, ensured that everyone returned safely from both CLPs."
Also reflecting on Sgt McNulty's actions, Private Davison added:
"I can honestly say if Sgt McNulty hadn't acted like he did, I would be dead. It's unbelievable what he did."
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EMAIL LIST "A TO H"
AS NEW NAMES ARE ADDED THEY WILL BE IN RED.
JOHN ALLCOCK, PETER ALLEN, JOHN ALSOP, DAVID ALTON, ROB ARMISTEAD, ANDY ARMSTRONG, BOB ATKINSON, GLYN AYRES, BILL BACK, GARY BAKER, PIP BALL, GRAHAME BAMFORD, COLIN BANFIELD, PAUL BAPTISTE, TREVOR BAYLISS, JOHN BECKWORTH, PAT BEECROFT, LEN BENNETT, NORMAN BENNETT, ROGER BERKLEY, DAVE BIRD, OWEN BLACKWELL, ERIC BLAGG, ALVIN BOOTH, PHIL BOWN, KELVIN BRADLEY, KELVIN BREED, MARK BRENTNALL, JOHN BRIGHTON,MATT BROOKES, RAYMOND BROOKES, MICK BROOKS, BRIAN BROOKS,PETER BROWN, DENNIS BROWN, PAUL BRUNT, JACK BRYANT, MARTIN BURNS,STEVE BULLIMORE STEVE BURTON,STEVEN BURTON MARK BUXTON, STEVE CAINE, JOHN CALLADINE, BILL (MAC) CAMPBELL, RON CARNEY, GORDON CARRAN, ALAN CARRINGTON, ALAN CARTER, JEFF CHADWICK, MIKE CHRISTIAN, MAGNUS CHAMBERS, CHARLIE CHING, DEREK CHRISTIE, ANDY CHUBB, MIKE CLENNELL, PETE CLENNELL, WAYNE CLIFTON, DAVE CLOKE, JOE COLLIER, TOM COLLINS, EDDIE CONNELL, CODY COPE, GARY CROSBY, GLENN CROSTON, PETER CROWSHAW, ALAN CRUICKSHANK, ROY CRUMP, ATHOL DEAKIN, RICHARD DEAN, NICK DENNICK, ALAN DERBYSHIRE, STEPHEN DICKENS, CLIVE DICKENS, STEVE DOBB, ANDY DOLAN, NICK DOOLEY, KEN DOYLE, ALAN DUTFIELD, ANDY EDGE, JOHN EDWARDS, EDDIE EDWARDS, MICK EDWARDS, JOHN ELLIOTT, DAVE ELSAM, PHIL FLETCHER, JOE FLETCHER, RON FLETCHER, DAMIAN(PINKY)FLOYD, FRANCIS FREEMAN, JOHN FORD, KEITH FORD, STEVE FOREMAN, SAM FULLER, NIGEL GARLAND, LLEWELLYN GAYLE, MICK GILES, KEVIN GLOVER,BILL GOULD, RYAN GORMAN, TOM GREGORY, JOHN HADLEY, LES HAINSWORTH, GLEN HALE, EDDIE HALL, STEPHEN HALL, KES HALL, SHANE HALLAM, STEVE HAMPSON,MICK HARLOW, ROY HARRIS, COLIN HARRIS, IAN HARRISON, TERENCE HARRISON, MICHAEL HARRISON, STEWART HARRISON, JAP HASLAM, PAUL HATFIELD, BRIAN HEANEY, TED HEATH, STEVE HEMMINGS, JASON HEMPSHALL,RAY HENSHAW TREVOR HENCHCLIFFE, MIKE HENTON, CHRIS HILL, RAY HILL, TONY HILL, STUART HINTON, TONY HODGETTS, KEN HOLMES, GORDON HOULT, CLIFF HOUSLEY, MARK HOWARD, KEN HOWARD, TERRY HURST, MARK HUTCHINGS, LEROY HUTCHINSON,
JOHN ALLCOCK, PETER ALLEN, JOHN ALSOP, DAVID ALTON, ROB ARMISTEAD, ANDY ARMSTRONG, BOB ATKINSON, GLYN AYRES, BILL BACK, GARY BAKER, PIP BALL, GRAHAME BAMFORD, COLIN BANFIELD, PAUL BAPTISTE, TREVOR BAYLISS, JOHN BECKWORTH, PAT BEECROFT, LEN BENNETT, NORMAN BENNETT, ROGER BERKLEY, DAVE BIRD, OWEN BLACKWELL, ERIC BLAGG, ALVIN BOOTH, PHIL BOWN, KELVIN BRADLEY, KELVIN BREED, MARK BRENTNALL, JOHN BRIGHTON,MATT BROOKES, RAYMOND BROOKES, MICK BROOKS, BRIAN BROOKS,PETER BROWN, DENNIS BROWN, PAUL BRUNT, JACK BRYANT, MARTIN BURNS,STEVE BULLIMORE STEVE BURTON,STEVEN BURTON MARK BUXTON, STEVE CAINE, JOHN CALLADINE, BILL (MAC) CAMPBELL, RON CARNEY, GORDON CARRAN, ALAN CARRINGTON, ALAN CARTER, JEFF CHADWICK, MIKE CHRISTIAN, MAGNUS CHAMBERS, CHARLIE CHING, DEREK CHRISTIE, ANDY CHUBB, MIKE CLENNELL, PETE CLENNELL, WAYNE CLIFTON, DAVE CLOKE, JOE COLLIER, TOM COLLINS, EDDIE CONNELL, CODY COPE, GARY CROSBY, GLENN CROSTON, PETER CROWSHAW, ALAN CRUICKSHANK, ROY CRUMP, ATHOL DEAKIN, RICHARD DEAN, NICK DENNICK, ALAN DERBYSHIRE, STEPHEN DICKENS, CLIVE DICKENS, STEVE DOBB, ANDY DOLAN, NICK DOOLEY, KEN DOYLE, ALAN DUTFIELD, ANDY EDGE, JOHN EDWARDS, EDDIE EDWARDS, MICK EDWARDS, JOHN ELLIOTT, DAVE ELSAM, PHIL FLETCHER, JOE FLETCHER, RON FLETCHER, DAMIAN(PINKY)FLOYD, FRANCIS FREEMAN, JOHN FORD, KEITH FORD, STEVE FOREMAN, SAM FULLER, NIGEL GARLAND, LLEWELLYN GAYLE, MICK GILES, KEVIN GLOVER,BILL GOULD, RYAN GORMAN, TOM GREGORY, JOHN HADLEY, LES HAINSWORTH, GLEN HALE, EDDIE HALL, STEPHEN HALL, KES HALL, SHANE HALLAM, STEVE HAMPSON,MICK HARLOW, ROY HARRIS, COLIN HARRIS, IAN HARRISON, TERENCE HARRISON, MICHAEL HARRISON, STEWART HARRISON, JAP HASLAM, PAUL HATFIELD, BRIAN HEANEY, TED HEATH, STEVE HEMMINGS, JASON HEMPSHALL,RAY HENSHAW TREVOR HENCHCLIFFE, MIKE HENTON, CHRIS HILL, RAY HILL, TONY HILL, STUART HINTON, TONY HODGETTS, KEN HOLMES, GORDON HOULT, CLIFF HOUSLEY, MARK HOWARD, KEN HOWARD, TERRY HURST, MARK HUTCHINGS, LEROY HUTCHINSON,
EMAIL LIST "I TO W
BARRY IMMS, COLIN INGHAM, FRANK INNIS, GED INOTT, ALAN JACKSON, MARK JACKSON, ANGUS JAMES, ANDY JAMES, SID JAMES, DAVID JESSOP, JOHN JOHNSON, RICHARD JOHNSON, KYM JOHNSON, PAUL JUKES, ALUN KELLY, MICK KELLY, KEITH KENWORTHY, GEOFF KIRBY, ROB KNOWLES, BOB LACEY, PETE LACKEY, KEITH LANG, TERRY LEDGARD, MICK LEEMING, MARTY LEIVERS, OWEN LEWIS, TERRY LEWIS, DAVE LICENCE, MARK LINSDELL, TONY LITTLER, MAC MALLARD,KEV McCAULEY, TERRY MARKHAM, MAZZ MARRIOTT, MICK MARSDEN, DEREK MARSH, PEG MARTIN, MIKE MASON, RICHARD MASON, STEVE MATHEWS, ALEXANDER MCCANN, JOCK MCCART, ALAN McELROY. DAVE MCGARRY, DAVID MIDDLEMISS, PETER MIDDLETON, KEVIN MOORE, ROB MORRIS, STEVE NARBETT, BOB NASH, MARTIN NEEDHAM, CHRIS NESBIT, FRED NEWBOLD, REG NOBLE, JOHN NUGENT, DENNIS O’BRIEN, MICK OLIVANT, JOHN O’MAHONEY, BARRIE O’SULLIVAN, PAT PAGE, WILLIAM PARKIN, CHRIS PARR, JOHN PARROTT, BAZ PAYNE, DAVE PEACOCK , TONY PEACOCK, COLIN PERRY, DAVE PHILLIPS, JOHN PIKE, JEFF PITTAWAY, ALAN PLATTS, JOHN POTTINGER, ZAK POUND, SAM POWNALL, ALLAN POYNER, LES PRESTON, ANDY PRICE, ROD PRICHARD, MIKE PRINCE, MALCOLM PULLEN, GARY RATCLIFFE, MALCOLM RAPER GLYN RAWSON, KEN READER, MICK REEVES, KEITH RENSHAW, NEIL RHODES, PAUL RICE, DEREK RICE, BRIAN RICHARDSON, PAUL RILEY, DALE ROBINSON, MARK ROBERTSON, GEORGE ROCK, PETER RODERICK, TED ROUND,BRIAN RUSSELL JAN RUTHERFORD, BARRY SALE, CHRIS SALES, STUART SCAIFE, GRAHAM SCOTT, BOB SCOTT, KEITH SEDDON, MAGGIE SHILLAM, GARY SHOUT, NIGEL SMITH, STEVE SMITH, RONNIE SMITH, JAMES SMITH, NEIL SOLOMON, KEVIN SOMERS, PHIL SPEECHLEY, HENRY SPOONER, STEVE (GEORDIE) STEWART, KEITH STOKES, MIKE SULLIVAN, BARRY SYMMONDS, CHRIS TAYLOR, ROB TEGGIN, PHIL THACKER, DAVE THORPE, DAVE THOMAS, MARTYN TIGHE, ROBIN TILSTON, GRAHAM (SWEENEY)TODD, RICHARD TOON, PETER TOONE, DON TOPLISS, DAVE TOWNSE,JOHN TURNER BILL WALKER, DAVE WALKER, JOHN WALTERS, SAM WALTON, STEPHEN WARD, HARRY WARD, CLIVE WARD, WILLIAM WARREN, RON WATTS,BOB WAREING, LEWIS WEAVER, SPIKE WEAVER, JAMES WEBSTER, PHILLIP WELCH,RON WILKINSON, JOHN WHEELDON, DAVE WHITEHEAD, PAUL WHITTARD, ANDY WHYLEY, RAY (DEREK) (WILLY) WILSON, PAUL WHITEHOUSE, PETE WILTSHIRE, DERRICK WOOD, NICK WOODHOUSE, GRAHAM WOODS,CHIPPY WOODS
ARMY PENSION AND TAX PETITION
THE MILITARY PENSION IS A PENSION THAT HAS BEEN EARNED OVER A SUSTAINED PERIOD IN THE SERVICE OF HM THE QUEEN.
THE GOVERNMENT IS REQUESTED TO REMOVE ALL TAX LIABILITY ON THAT PENSION OR AT LEAST REMOVE IT FROM BEING CONSIDERED AS INCOME WHEN ESTABLISHING TAX LIABILITY.
THE GOVERNMENT IS REQUESTED TO REMOVE ALL TAX LIABILITY ON THAT PENSION OR AT LEAST REMOVE IT FROM BEING CONSIDERED AS INCOME WHEN ESTABLISHING TAX LIABILITY.
THE PETITION STANDS AT 13,816 AS AT 12 JULY 2009
THE LINK IS BELOW
ARMY PENSION PETITION
WFR
HIGHWAY OF HEROES
THERE IS A NEW PETITION ON THE NUMBER 10 SITE (LINK BELOW)
THE PEOPLE OF WOOTEN BASSETT LINE THE STREETS EVERYTIME A DEAD SERVICEMAN IS REPATRIATED, BEING THE DIRECT ROUTE FROM LYNEHAM TO THE M1 MOTORWAY.
THE PEOPLE OF WOOTEN BASSETT LINE THE STREETS EVERYTIME A DEAD SERVICEMAN IS REPATRIATED, BEING THE DIRECT ROUTE FROM LYNEHAM TO THE M1 MOTORWAY.
THIS STANDS AT 7,108 AS AT SUNDAY 12 JULY 2009
THE PETITION IS A REQUEST TO THE GOVERNMENT TO RE NAME THE PRESENT ROUTE "HIGHWAY OF HEROES" IF YOU THINK THIS IS A WORTHY CAUSE PLEASE SIGN (LINK BELOW)
HIGHWAY OF HEROES PETITION LINK
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