Tag: Christmas

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British Forces mark Christmas in Helmand

By Sharon Black

British forces serving in southern Afghanistan have been marking Christmas at military bases across Helmand Province today (25 December). The festivities took place as the troops completed a full day of operational duties. Many soldiers from the UK-led Task Force Helmand spent the day on patrol in support of the Afghan security forces, yet still most found time to open presents and ring home – and enjoy a freshly-prepared Christmas lunch with all the trimmings

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The Choir: a year with the Military Wives

By Sharon Black

In February 2011, Gareth Malone went to the military base at Chivenor to set up a choir for the wives left at home alone while their men are on duty for months at a time. In the Christmas Day show , we hear from Gareth and key members of the choir as they reflect on their extraordinary journey including their performance of a song, specially written by royal composer Paul Mealor , at The Royal Albert Hall.

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Christmas joy for old soldier who finally got his medal

By Sharon Black

Army veteran Joe McKenna, 72, who volunteers at the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Lancashire Infantry Museum in Preston, left the military in 1970 just months before his Northern Ireland service medal was minted and eventually decided to track down his medal after years of attending parades where he was the only veteran not wearing one.

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Christmas message from the Defence Secretary

By Sharon Black

The full text of the message is reproduced below: 2012 has been a busy and challenging year for Defence – on operations in Afghanistan, on our many other overseas commitments, and here at home, delivering security for the Olympics and beginning the huge process of Defence Transformation.