Royal British Legion Urges Action Over Gulf War Syndrome

Little is known about the causes of the syndrome but Gulf veterans report symptoms up to three times the rate of other veterans.
The Royal British Legion is calling for more help for veterans suffering from Gulf War Syndrome amid concerns that up to 33,000 could be affected.

The charity wants the Government to carry out more research into illnesses linked the 1991 Gulf War, in which 53,462 Britons served.

"We still do not know how to effectively treat Gulf War Illnesses," said the charity, which was speaking as the 25th anniversary of the start of the war is marked this weekend.

Acute and chronic fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, rashes and diarrhoea are some of the symptoms of the syndrome.

The charity points to research that shows Gulf War veterans report such symptoms at two to three times the rate of other veterans, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder.  Read More
HERE  


(RG) Instead of me writing a long winded post on GWS, I will keep it short, GWS is very real, the reason the MOD are dragging their heals is simple, its all about money and not wanting to pay pensions.

Royal British Legion Industries sign of approval for Rochdale’s World War One battle streets

Five streets in Rochdale named after World War One battles will be re-dedicated next week and have special new signs unveiled during a public ceremony in the town.

Mons Avenue, Falkland Avenue, Jutland Avenue, Marne Crescent and Verdun Crescent will be fitted with new commemorative road signs produced by the Royal British Legion Industries as part of an ongoing programme to help ensure future generations understand about sacrifices made during past conflicts.

Residents are invited to attend the event at 1pm on Sunday 13 December, as part of Rochdale Borough Council’s World War One centenary commemorations.

The new signs have been manufactured by the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) social enterprise based in Kent, who provide road, rail and commercial signs employing veterans and people with disabilities.

Geoff Streetley, RBLI Director of Commercial Operations said: “We’re delighted Rochdale have used RBLI to supply these new heritage street signs. It is fitting that these signs commemorating the First World War were made by Armed Forces veterans. We’re looking forward to working with other councils in Greater Manchester to supply more signs across the region, which will help us to continue supporting veterans in our social enterprise and other ex-service personnel across the country.”

The dedication service will be held at the corner of Jutland Avenue and Longfield Road and the council are hopeful of a big turnout.

Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “Royal British Legion Industries employ people with a disability, health condition or an ex-service connection and we are very pleased to support them. The Battle Streets of Rochdale are a part of our history and it is important that over the centenary of World War One we do as much as we can to ensure the local community can reflect on the impact of conflict and honour those who have served their country.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy, the council’s lead member for Armed Forces, added: “The hardest step for someone in the military is that first step back into civilian life. Royal British Legion Industries bridge that gap. The money raised goes back into the organisation to allow them to support other veterans who find the transition difficult.”

A street closure will be in place prior to the service and will run from Longfield Road South from the junction of Falkland Ave to Jutland Ave, and from Jutland Ave East from the junction of Marne Crescent to Longfield Road. Additional parking will be available at Spotland Stadium, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale OL11 5DS.Read more HERE    

How Do You Wear Your Poppy?

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Your local Royal British Legion

A few remembrance Sundays ago I made a rare decision to march with my local Royal British Legion, something I probably would never have thought of doing when I was a young man. Considering my War was nearly 30 years ago it did not seem that strange to me that I had officially become an `Old Git.`  In the bar I spoke to a small band of mainly World War Two veterans and asked about joining the Legion as a member. I was told “There is no need to do that just come in for a pint when you want.” I just shrugged my shoulders and never really thought about what they were saying. Over the subsequent years I have spoken to several other veterans some from the same town that had a similar story and all were dissuaded from joining for one reason or another. I have heard the same story from other towns in the area. From what I could see on my day marching it was a very small group and I was told they were dwindling on a yearly basis due to deaths. Very sad as now all of the  first world War veterans are gone, RIP. Eventually it will be the turn of the WW2 veterans and then Korea and the Falklands and so on. I believe its about time that the Legion at local levels should openly start to recruit more veterans from recent conflicts to take the place of those sadly past and build a bright future. This is in no way taking anything away from the work the RBL does and the money raised by the poppy collection is amazing, but its still better to see a veteran collecting than a civilian doing it on the RBLs behalf in my opinion. The Legion at Head office is a well oiled machine and helps our veterans on a daily basis, but like the Conservative clubs and church's around the Country I would hate to see the clubs closing and being turned into apartments and only see the RBL march on special occasion like the Cenotaph in Whitehall. So if your reading this and a member of the Legion  next time a veteran from post WW2 asks if he can join, get him a form and make him feel welcome , because like it or not he is the future of the RBL.

2010 Poppy Appeal Launch

SUPPORT THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

HT/ and more fabulous art work here at Spud Jock Milne

Please buy a Poppy

Please buy a poppy to Remember
Those brave men who gave their all
They fought to keep us safe
Names now engraved upon the wall
World War two to the Falklands
Now Afghanistan
They gave their lives for others
Please buy a poppy if you can.

© Tony McNally

Launch of London Poppy People

Launch of London Poppy People

The Royal British Legion Schools Postcards to the Armed Forces

It brings a tear to your eye