Pathfinder International Magazine – the leading UK Military Resettlement Magazine

Category: Military Muscle Supplement

A Pathfinder supplement focussed on health and wellbeing.

  • Wider services and support available to UK Armed Forces and Veterans

    Wider services and support available to UK Armed Forces and Veterans

    Defence Business Services, on behalf of the MOD, is responsible for delivering a range of services and support for UK Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

    Summary guidance on each service can be found below. If you require additional assistance or advice, please contact the helpline number 0808 1914 2 18 or email veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk

    Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

    The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) compensates for any injury, illness or death which was caused or made worse by service on or after 6 April 2005.

    To find out more simply click here

    War Pension Scheme

    The War Pension Scheme (WPS) compensates for any injury, illness or death which was caused or aggravated by service before 6 April 2005.

    To find out more simply click here

    Armed Forces Pensions

    When a member of the armed forces reaches their retirement age, providing they have qualified for an occupational pension, they receive one of the most generous pensions available in the UK. This fairly reflects the unique sacrifice they have provided their country throughout their career. All members of the armed forces are automatically enrolled into the Armed Forces Pension Scheme. Unlike all other public schemes, members pay 0% in contributions each month. The scheme is unfunded and paid from the public purse.

    To find out more simply click here

    Welfare support

    The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides information, guidance and support to veterans and their families, as well as those supporting veterans through a network of case managers across the UK and Republic of Ireland. We work with appropriate organisations in the single Services, Defence, wider UK Government, the Devolved Administrations, local authorities and charities to ensure clients receive the help they need from the appropriate provider.

    To find out more simply click here

    Respect and recognition

    The Ministry of Defence Medal Office (MODMO) issues medals to currently serving members of the armed forces, veterans and MOD employees. You can apply for a medal if you meet the criteria.

    To find out more simply click here

    You can apply for or replace an armed forces veterans badge. You can get a veterans badge for regular or reserve service in any of the UK armed forces. There’s no fee if you’re applying for your first veterans badge or if you’re replacing it for the first time.

    To find out more simply visit www.gov.uk/apply-medal-or-veterans-badge

    An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK armed forces. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran. It’s free to apply.

    To find out more simply search via www.gov.uk

    Enquiry Centre and armed forces pensions enquiries

    The Ministry of Defence’s veterans helpline provides assistance on many issues including AFCS, WPS, benefits, housing and welfare whilst the Joint Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC) provides assistance regarding armed forces pensions.

    Veterans helpline

    veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk

    Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 2 18

    Phone (overseas): 0044 1253 866 043

    Normal Service 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday

    Joint Personnel Administration Centre

    dbs-pensionshelp@dbspv.mod.uk

    Phone: 0800 085 3600

    Phone (overseas): 0044 141 224 3600

    Phone (military): 94560 3600

    Normal Service 7.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Friday

     

  • British troops thanked for defending Polish airspace as successful air defence deployment concludes

    British troops thanked for defending Polish airspace as successful air defence deployment concludes

    British personnel have been thanked for their work in supporting the defence of Poland’s airspace, as the UK’s Sky Sabre air defence deployment comes to an end.

    Initially planned as a six-month deployment in 2022, the operation has been extended four times, playing an important role in boosting NATO’s eastern flank and strengthening the alliance’s security in light of Russian aggression in the region, and in close co-ordination with Polish and other allied forces.

    Sky Sabre will be reconstituted in the UK, ensuring that the UK Armed Forces has flexibility on operational requirements in future, including training more personnel on the system.

    UK and Polish troops marked the end of the two-year deployment of the Sky Sabre system at a ceremony in Rzeszów, Poland, last week.

    The conclusion of the deployment was marked by a joint visit from Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP and Polish Secretary of State Paweł Zalewski. The Minister for the Armed Forces thanked British service personnel who have been deployed alongside Sky Sabre over the previous 2 years.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP said:

    “This operation has been a huge success. The Sky Sabre system played an important role in defending Poland’s airspace. Our outstanding Armed Forces personnel keep us secure at home and strong abroad and I’d like to thank them for their professionalism and hard work during this extended deployment, I’d also like to welcome them home for some well-deserved rest with their loved ones over the Christmas period.

    “The UK remains unshakeable in its commitment to defending our NATO allies, and we will continue to work closely with our Polish Allies, including through a deployment of RAF Typhoons next year. We continue to work with our Polish friends to deliver the NAREW programme.”

    The NAREW programme is a collaboration between UK firm MBDA and Polish defence company PGZ, which will see Poland receive more than 1,000 Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles – Extended Range (CAMM-ER) and over 100 iLaunchers.

    These will boost Poland’s ability to defend itself against modern threats, including cruise missiles and fighter jets, at ranges of more than 40 kilometres.

    The programme is also a boost to the UK’s defence industry, creating growth and opportunities back home and reaffirming our commitment to defending Poland and NATO’s eastern flank.

    Since Sky Sabre’s initial deployment in 2022, Poland have continued to develop their long-term defence projects alongside the UK and our allies, which includes a new £4bn defence agreement with the UK defence industry, that will protect their airspace and NATO’s eastern flank for years to come.

    The UK will continue to play an active role in defending Poland’s air space. Next year, the Royal Air Force will take part in a NATO Air Policing mission in Poland, deterring our adversaries above NATO’s eastern flank.

    The UK-led DIAMOND initiative, which Poland is part of, will improve NATO’s integrated air and missile defence by ensuring that the different air defence systems across the Alliance operate better and more jointly across Europe. The UK launched this initiative at the October meeting of NATO Defence Ministers this year.

    In October, the Army deployed specialist engineers to support the Polish authorities deal with devastating floods that hit the country. The British Army also has more than 100 permanently deployed troops in country, as part of the UK’s enhance forward presence.

     

  • British Army successfully tests new drone-destroying laser

    British Army successfully tests new drone-destroying laser

    A high-energy laser weapon has been fired by the British Army from an armoured vehicle for the first time and successfully destroyed flying drones. 

    It works by directing an intense beam of infra-red light in the form of energy towards its target using advanced sensors and tracking systems which maintain lock-on and accuracy in real time.

    Unlike conventional munitions, laser weapons are virtually limitless in terms of ammunition supply, which means they could represent a cost-effective alternative to some current in-service weapons.

    The laser was integrated onto a Wolfhound – a protected troop-carrying vehicle – where soldiers from 16 Royal Artillery were able to track and down hovering targets at Radnor Range in mid-Wales.

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:

    “This ground-breaking technology demonstrates Britain’s commitment to staying at the forefront of military innovation. The successful testing of this laser weapon system represents a significant step forward in our development of possible future defence capabilities and showcases British engineering excellence.”

    The laser has been developed through a collaboration between the MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) – known as Team Hersa – and an industry consortium led by Raytheon UK.

    This delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change, by rapidly advancing technologies and building on the strong foundation of national security.

    Warrant Officer Matthew Anderson, trials manager for the British Army’s Mounted Close Combat Trials and Development Group, said:

    “Every engagement we’ve done has removed a drone from the sky. While we’ve been testing a variety of distances, speeds and altitudes, one thing has remained – how quick a drone can be taken out. It’s definitely a capability that could be added to the arsenal of weapons that we use on the battlefield.”

    The purpose of the capability demonstrator programme is to discover and test the potential future use of directed energy weapons by the British Army.

    Having already been tested by engineers from MOD and industry, the latest experimentation by the British Army should provide knowledge, information and experience to support future requirement decisions, ensuring the UK stays at the forefront of this novel and disruptive technology.

    Stephen Waller, Directed Energy Weapons Team Leader for DE&S, said:

    “This is still an emerging technology, but the world has changed and we are seeing more use of drones in the battlespace. This requires a more cost-effective solution to protect our troops. Having the capability to track and eliminate moving drones will give UK troops a better operational advantage and these successful trials have demonstrated that we are well on our way to achieving this.”

    As well as Raytheon, Fraser Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems and Cambridge Pixel have been involved in developing the weapon under a £16.8 million contract awarded by Team Hersa.

    UK MOD will take the learnings of the project into account and assess the necessary steps to develop Laser Directed Energy Weapons for frontline use by the British Army in the future.

    Matt Cork, Head of Team Hersa Dstl said:

    “The successful testing of the Laser Directed Energy Weapon demonstrator is an important step towards a future capability. This technology has the potential to offer a credible and cost-effective means to defeat a range of current and future threats, which would improve the effectiveness of our armed forces.”

     

    Image: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024

     

  • New research further progresses MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD

    New research further progresses MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD

    New research has successfully tested the safety of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) assisted psychotherapy with five UK veterans experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

    The trial supported that the treatment could be feasible, safe, and potentially effective for use in the UK, and supports that further research is warranted into the treatment.

    In the phase II trial, Supporting Wounded Veterans worked in conjunction with King’s College, London (KCL), the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and NHS England in a project part-funded by Forces in Mind Trust.

    PTSD is a psychiatric disorder caused by traumatic events, such as those experienced during conflict, accidents and abuse. Existing treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy can be less than 30% effective for ex-Service personnel experiencing PTSD. MDMA-assisted therapy has shown promising results in other countries for those with PTSD that is treatment-resistant but has not been tested in the UK before.

    The trial’s small size allowed for careful testing of the treatment where the participants could be monitored overnight in hospital for adverse events and assessed in follow-up to their MDMA therapy.

    The effectiveness of treating PTSD was similar to that witnessed elsewhere in larger studies and participants did not report any notable negative incidents.

    Full results cannot be published until the conclusion of the international MAPS study, of which the UK trial forms one part. The success of the trial allows for further clinical testing of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in a larger trial.

    The short report on the UK trial can be read here.

    Gilly Norton, Chief Executive of Supporting Wounded Veterans, said:

    “Working with King’s College London to execute this successful clinical trial on a potential alternative treatment for PTSD has been a key step in improving support for veterans affected by treatment-resistant PTSD in the UK. The rigorous protocols and establishing of safety and efficacy in trial design during research were essential to the success of the trial, and allowing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to become closer to being available for use in the UK. We are delighted to be moving the dial towards better treatment for veterans.”

    Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, said:

    “The vast majority of ex-Service personnel leave the Armed Forces and have a successful transition to civilian life but those experiencing PTSD often face much greater challenges in civilian life. Given some individuals can find that existing treatments aren’t effective for them, it is key that we advance new treatments to support all those with PTSD. This study forms a building block towards better treatments that can enable more former Service personnel and families to live thriving civilian lives.”

     

  • Building on success: expanding the Sail Together – Youth Crew project

    Building on success: expanding the Sail Together – Youth Crew project

    Fun, accessible and free of charge, Greenwich Hospital and the Royal Naval Sailing Association (RNSA) are delighted to announce the continuation of the Sail Together sailing project for a further 3 years.

    We aim to deliver RYA recognised sailing weeks and water-based activities to over 2000 young people from serving Royal Navy, Royal Marine and Royal Fleet Auxiliary families.

    Greenwich Hospital and the Royal Naval Sailing Association (RNSA) are pleased to announce the success of the first year of the Sail Together programme, with over 350 young people taking part. As a result, the programme will expand to include 8–17-year-olds and will be funded for a further 3 years.

    Drawing on the expertise of the Andrew Simpson Foundation as delivery partner, the programme will continue to offer RYA recognised sailing opportunities, including residential courses, for young people from serving families across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

    Deirdre Mills, Director of Greenwich Hospital, commented:

    “Sailing is exciting, builds new skills and enhances personal fitness, teamwork and well-being. By making sailing both rewarding and inclusive for young people taking part, our project aims to engage and support Naval families across the UK.”

    Philip Warwick, Chief Executive Officer, RNSA, commented:

    “We are absolutely delighted to be able to continue to deliver this level of support for Service families and introduce them to the fun and many benefits of sailing. We will be doing everything we can to make these weeks fully accessible and inclusive to serving families across the UK with no previous experience needed to participate.”

    RNSA – the charity providing sailing opportunities for the Royal Navy – enables young people from Service families to join the ‘RNSA Youth Crew’ and enjoy free Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Start sailing weeks throughout the UK. Consolidation sessions are also available free of charge with the aim of maximising the many benefits and encouraging the participants to go on and enjoy sailing for life. Greenwich Hospital funds the Sail Together programme as part of its life opportunities grants.

    Throughout 2024, over 350 young people participated in learning to sail. In the next 3 years, our ambition is to deliver this opportunity for 2000+ more young people.

    The programme will also continue to provide a series of family days to allow families to take part in Sail Together and share the experience and benefits.

    The Sail Together courses aim to promote physical and mental fitness, foster teamwork and a sense of community, encouraging sea sense and safety awareness for those attending. They include a core water safety element to support young people’s confidence in the water. Each certified course provides an opportunity to record and recognise achievements, including RYA certification.

    See the website www.rnsayouthcrew.org.uk for more details and bookings. If you are involved in a Royal Navy community group and would like RNSA’s outreach team to expand on the opportunities available, then please email them via outreach@rnsa.org.uk

     

  • LGBT veterans to receive up to £75 million in financial recognition for historic wrongs

    LGBT veterans to receive up to £75 million in financial recognition for historic wrongs

    LGBT veterans will receive up to £70,000 each to acknowledge the historic wrongs they experienced in the Armed Forces – with the Government increasing the total amount available for payments to £75 million, significantly above the level recommended in the Etherton Review into the treatment of LGBT veterans.

    The increase follows extensive engagement with LGBT veterans and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting veterans alongside recognising the historic hurt caused.

    LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identify will receive £50,000. As a result of the increased funding, additional payments of up to £20,000 will be available for veterans and Service Personnel who were negatively affected by the ban on LGBT personnel from 1967 to 2000 during their time in Service – this is an increase of 50% to the Financial Recognition Scheme.

    Ministers have also announced that LGBT veterans, dismissed or discharged due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, can apply to have their rank restored and discharge reason amended.

    Defence Secretary John Healey said:

    “The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was a moral stain on our nation. Our Government is determined to right the wrongs of the past and recognise the hurt that too many endured. We have listened to veterans and will continue to deliver against the recommendations set out in the Etherton review.

    “We will continue to support our veterans as we work to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, and have served. This work was rightly started by the previous Government, and will be taken forward and delivered by this Government.”

    The Financial Recognition Scheme and other restorative measures will be debated in the House of Commons with a portal for applications opening tomorrow. Several veterans affected by the LGBT ban have been invited to watch the debate.

    The announcements mark a significant step towards implementing Lord Etherton’s review, which looked at the appalling treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000. With applications opening tomorrow for the Financial Recognition Scheme, which will leave only seven recommendations outstanding, the Ministry of Defence is working closely with other Government departments and stakeholders to ensure all remaining recommendations are delivered in 2025.

    The payments will be exempt from income tax and means tested benefits, ensuring LGBT veterans benefit from the full amount available.

    Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns said:

    “This response to Lord Etherton’s Review indicates the urgent action we’re taking to help redress the regrettable chapter in the history of the Armed Forces.

    “The treatment of LGBT people is a shameful chapter in the history of our Armed Forces and we are working hard to address the wrongs of the past. We fully welcome our LGBT veterans back into Defence and acknowledge their vital contribution to keeping the nation safe.”

    To help as many eligible people to apply as possible, the Ministry of Defence has set aside a £90,000 fund for key charities to support LGBT veterans with their applications.

    Four non-financial restorative measures, including the two announced on rank restoration and the qualification of administrative discharges, will be extended to those who served before 1967. The other two are certificates of service being reissued and former Officers having their service details published in The Gazette.

     

  • Combat Stress’ Festival of Lessons and Carols 2024

    Combat Stress’ Festival of Lessons and Carols 2024

    On Thursday 5 December, Combat Stress – the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity, held their annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, in the Royal Military Chapel, at Wellington Barracks, the beautiful spiritual home of the Household Division.

    The service began at 7pm, with Army Chaplain Revered Alex Bennett CF — who has spent two decades in the army, including being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan – welcoming the 260 people in attendance.

    What followed was a beautiful collection of carols, including a poignant Ukrainian carol, led by the brilliant chapel choir and accompaniments from the Pinstripe Highlanders and the Band of the Welsh Guards.

    The beautiful music was interspersed by readings from some of the charity’s supporters, including:

    • Lt Col James Coleby, (Commanding Officer, London Central Garrison, Wellington Barracks)
    • Sir Malcolm Rifkind KCMG KC (Former Cabinet Minister)
    • Peter Turner (Royal Chelsea Hospital Pensioner)
    • Fenella Woolgar (British Film, Television and Theatre Actress)
    • Steve Poutney (Army veteran who received Combat Stress life-changing treatment)
    • Chloe Mackay (CEO at Combat Stress)

    After the service, the evening concluded with a drink’s reception at the Officer’s Mess.

    Chloe Mackay, CEO at Combat Stress, said:

    “As I mark my first Christmas as CEO, it was wonderful to be able to come together in this beautiful setting to mark the start of the festive season.

    “For many veterans with PTSD, Christmas can be a very difficult time, so we are incredibly grateful to all those who attended our Festival of Lessons and Carols, and all those who continue to support us.”

    The money raised from the event will go directly to providing specialist treatment to veterans with complex mental health issues arising from military service.

     

  • FAITH: New Trauma Support Programme for Families of Armed Forces Veterans

    FAITH: New Trauma Support Programme for Families of Armed Forces Veterans

    Military Veterans mental health charity PTSD Resolution has announced the launch of FAITH (Family Assistance & Intervention for Trauma Healing), a pioneering programme supporting families affected by living with a traumatised armed forces Veteran.

     

     

    The initiative responds to growing evidence that trauma can impact relatives and entire households of sufferers.

    PTSD Resolution delivers free, prompt access to trauma therapy for Veterans, and now their family members too, through a nationwide network of 200 qualified Human Givens therapists, requiring no GP referral or diagnosis. The programme launches following a successful pilot showing significant improvements in family members’ mental health outcomes, with proven recovery rates of 68% among family members receiving therapy from the charity.

    Recent data reveals that 17% of PTSD Resolution’s clients are related to Veterans, with partners comprising 65% of these referrals and children 32%. The remaining 3% includes parents and siblings affected by living with trauma-affected Veterans.

    Colonel Tony Gauvain (retired) Chairman and founder of PTSD Resolution, explains:

    “FAITH represents a significant evolution in military mental health support. When a Veteran struggles with trauma, the entire family may be bearing that burden. Our data shows that with proper support, families can heal together. With our growing understanding of the issues, 68% of clients see a reliable improvement after therapy. This programme offers hope to thousands of families across the UK.”

    The programme’s success stems from the charity’s comprehensive approach, delivering:

    • Personalised treatment plans
    • Average of seven therapy sessions per family member
    • Individual and joint family sessions according to need
    • Continuous progress monitoring using clinical assessment tools
    • Choice of in-person or online therapy
    • Immediate access without waiting lists

    Dr. Ben Grall, Specialty Doctor and member of Change Grow Live’s Veterans Task Force, comments:

    “FAITH addresses a critical gap in Veteran support services. The programme’s focus on the whole family unit, combined with its impressive recovery rates, makes it a vital resource for military families struggling with the impact of trauma. The ability to access treatment without lengthy referral processes is particularly significant.”

    PTSD Resolution’s latest data demonstrates the programme’s effectiveness, with 68% of clients seeing a reliable improvement after therapy.

    The FAITH programme builds on PTSD Resolution’s established record in Veterans’ mental health support, maintaining their commitment to prompt, effective treatment. The charity, accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services, continues to offer free support to Veterans, reservists, and their families.

    PTSD Resolution is a UK charity providing mental health therapy for Forces’ Veterans, Reservists and their families. The charity has helped over 4,500 people to date, with an average treatment cost of £940 per person. All treatment is delivered free of charge to beneficiaries.

    The charity operates with no salaried staff or assets, ensuring 93% of donations directly support treatment delivery.

    Families seeking support can access FAITH services immediately by calling 0300 302 0551 or visiting www.ptsdresolution.org

     

  • Royal Navy destroyer returns home for Christmas after Eastern Mediterranean mission

    Royal Navy destroyer returns home for Christmas after Eastern Mediterranean mission

    Sailors from Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan have been reunited with loved ones for Christmas after returning to Portsmouth following an Eastern Mediterranean mission.

    The ship sailed just over six months ago from UK shores to replace HMS Diamond in the Red Sea to join the multinational effort keeping trade flowing amid ongoing attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

    However, Duncan was ordered to stay in the Eastern Mediterranean as regional tensions grew due to the Israel-Hamas and Israel-Hezbollah conflicts.

    Duncan sailed more than 36,000 nautical miles and operated with 21 allied warships, while the ship’s flight deck has been abuzz with 400 landings— 20 by US, French and German aircraft— and the deployed Wildcat helicopter carried out 89 sorties.

    Nearly 1,000 family members and loved ones braved Storm Darragh to greet the 200 sailors aboard Duncan home in Portsmouth after a voyage home that included stops in Malta and Barcelona.

    Leading Hand Andrew Lynch, a member of HMS Duncan’s logistics team, said:

    “I look around. The faces of the people who have become my new family. The laughter that fills the mess, the shared struggles that have bound us together in this challenging world. The friendships forged not by proximity, but by necessity and resilience.

    “When I return home, when I’m finally reunited with the faces I’ve missed so terribly, I will carry a piece of this experience with me. The friends I’ve made on this deployment, the lessons I’ve learned, the moments of silent strength when I thought I couldn’t go on—these will be a part of who I am, who I’ve become.

    “And when I hold my loved ones again, I’ll do it with a new kind of appreciation, a deeper love, and a quiet resolve that no distance, no time, no separation can ever truly break.”

    Duncan spent 3,000 hours – 125 days – of her six-month deployment at sea, working for the stability of the region alongside allies, including from Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Cyprus and the United States.

    The destroyer acted as main escort, providing world-class air defence – thanks to the Type 45’s powerful radars and Sea Viper missile system – to the USS Wasp task group as it carried out a mission to ensure regional stability.

    The Portsmouth-based warship also spent six month of 2023 in the Eastern Mediterranean, leading NATO’s premier security mission in the region. That means for some sailors, they’ve spent 12 of the last 24 months at the sharp end on deployments.

    Engineering Technician Bradley Jones said:

    “Having endured another long deployment onboard HMS Duncan, I can say without hesitation that I have developed a deep gratitude for the friends and family I have back home.

    “No words can give justice to what it’s like being deployed. I went through periods of self-doubt, frustration and fear, but these emotions were often followed with love, laughter, and hope. Hope for a better tomorrow.

    “Hope for the day to be re-united with loved ones, and hope that our efforts whilst deployed have helped to secure a safer world.”

    Able Rating (Above Water Warfare) David Jackson added:

    “The opportunity to work with allied nations across NATO was a highlight. The cross polls that we conducted with them offered a unique insight into the lifestyle of other navies. The unique stops and strong sense of community of our Ship’s Company helped everyone get through the tougher times, and come through to the end stronger.”

    HMS Duncan’s sailors ate more than 31,000 eggs, nearly 11,000 pints of milk, 50,000kg of butter and more than 3,000kg of chicken during her deployment.

    Meanwhile, for her outstanding work on operations in the Med, Duncan was recently awarded the Destroyer Trophy – for the second year running – at the Fleet Efficiency Awards.

    Commanding Officer Commander Dan Lee said:

    “As we return home after a challenging six-month deployment, I could not be prouder of my ship’s company and all they have achieved.

    “Despite a significantly compressed regeneration period following last year’s deployment, they stepped up at every opportunity, displaying remarkable dedication, professionalism and an unwavering sense of duty in often dangerous situations.

    “As we return home in time for Christmas, with my team selected as the best destroyer in the fleet, they should be rightly proud of everything they’ve done.”

     

    Image: © Crown copyright 2024

     

  • HMS PRINCE OF WALES CREW MAKE ‘INSPIRING’ VISIT TO BROUGHTON HOUSE VETERANS

    HMS PRINCE OF WALES CREW MAKE ‘INSPIRING’ VISIT TO BROUGHTON HOUSE VETERANS

    Crew members from HMS Prince of Wales swapped stories with veterans at a Greater Manchester care home during the aircraft carrier’s visit to the north west.

    Among the residents of Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford who met the seven-strong party were 99-year-olds Monty Black and Cliff Butterworth, who both served in the Royal Navy during the second world war.

    HMS Prince of Wales docked for a week in Liverpool – its affiliated city – to receive the Freedom of the City and allow members of the public an insight into life on board.

    She is the Royal Navy’s biggest warship, with a flight deck measuring 280 metres long and 70 metres wide – large enough for three football pitches. The Portsmouth-based warship, which has an 800-strong crew, is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft.

    The crew members who visited Broughton House were led by Warrant Officer Wolfie Nagel. They were given a tour of the museum, talked with staff and residents and had lunch in the veterans’ mess. They also presented Broughton House with a plaque bearing the crest of the HMS Prince of Wales as a memento of their visit.

    Care home staff members attended a reception on board during the ship’s stay on Merseyside.

    Warrant Officer Nagel said:

    “We meet lots of members of the community and we really like to see veterans. The opportunity to talk to them about their experiences is a brilliant education for our crew and helps to keep the memories alive.

    “It was genuinely inspiring to hear the stories of the veterans at Broughton House and to pay our respects to them. Their eyes lit up when they were talking to us, sharing their experiences and their stories. It’s an amazing place, and it was wonderful to see how veterans are being taken good care of there.”

    Monty was conscripted into the army at the age of 18 in December 1943, later transferring to the Royal Navy, He worked in communications and served in Ceylon and India, gaining experience in sending Morse code messages.

    He said: “Having been in the Royal Navy, it was interesting to meet the crew and to hear how they live and what they do. It was very nice that they came to Broughton House.”

    Cliff joined the Royal Navy as a volunteer in 1942 at the age of 17 and served as a deck hand on HMS Brocklesby, a Hunt-class destroyer whose missions included escorting convoys of troopships for the seaborne landings on Sicily in July 1943 and the Italian coast in September 1943, before operating in The Channel until the end of the war in Europe.

    Broughton House chief executive Karen Miller said:

    “Our veterans sadly had to decline a prestigious invitation to attend a reception on HMS Prince of Wales due to their frailty, but our disappointment soon turned to delight when crew from the ship informed us that they would make the journey from Liverpool to Broughton House.

    “Our residents, particularly our maritime veterans, had a rather magical morning spending time with members of the ship’s crew, swapping stories past and present.

    “We can’t thank them enough for their generosity of time and kinship. We are very grateful, and wish all the crew fair winds for the future.”

    Among the crew members visiting Broughton House was engineer technician Joe Davis-Moore, 18, from Bristol, who was inspired to join the Royal Navy by stories of his great-grandfather John Rowles, an Able Seaman who served on HMS Wild Goose.

    He said: “I really enjoyed hearing the Broughton House veterans’ stories. It was genuinely lovely to hear from them first-hand and share our different experiences.”

    Broughton House has cared for more than 8,000 veterans since it opened its doors to the ex-service community in 1916.

    It was recently redeveloped into a complex with a 64-bed care home, including two 16-bed households dedicated to veterans with dementia, as well as independent living apartments, an array of modern facilities, a museum, gym, hairdressing and barber’s salon, and a restaurant and bar for residents.

    It also has an Armed Forces Support Hub, which provides support for elderly and working age veterans living in the community.