Mark Reckless, the MP for Rochester and Strood, was delighted to present local hero James Hargreaves with his GSM Medal with clasp Near East after taking up his case with the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Mr Hargreaves of Cliffe Woods had previously been unable to get the MoD to accept his claim for award of the medal following his service with the 40th Field Regiment Royal Artillery during the Suez Crisis in 1956.

Mr Hargreaves sailed out from Cardiff on the US ship S.S. Kingsbury to the conflict zone with a small complement from his Regiment.

Although the ship was on the list of those eligible for the GSM with Near East clasp, the MoD had previously turned down James?s request for the medal as the deployment was not shown on his service record.

In a bid to resolve the situation James turned to Mark Reckless to help break the deadlock with the MoD, and Mark was more than happy to take up the case on behalf of his constituent.

After writing to the Medal Office asking them to review Mr Hargreaves? case, the MoD wrote back to advise they would look into the matter. Shortly thereafter the MoD confirmed that, following Mark?s intervention, they had agreed to issue the medal to James for his service during the Suez Crisis.

Speaking after meeting Mr Hargreaves, Mark said??I was absolutely delighted when I heard that the Medal Office had agreed to issue Mr Hargreaves with his GSM with clasp Near East.

“Mr Hargreaves had tried for a long time to get the Ministry of Defence to review his claim for the medal, but had had no joy in doing so and subsequently asked for my assistance.

“I was able to write to the MoD as Mr Hargreaves? Member of Parliament to insist they look into the case, and I am glad to report that the matter has now been resolved to my constituent?s satisfaction.

“Being able to help people like Mr Hargreaves was the primary reason why I entered politics. Casework is a large part of the role of being an MP, and I am honoured to be in the position to help a local hero like James gain the recognition he so richly deserves.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet James in person and thank him for his service to our country. I hope the medal will be a source of pride and pleasure for him for many years to come.”

In response to the meeting, James Hargreaves said “I?d like to thank Mark most sincerely for his help and assistance in procuring my GSM and clasp Near East. I am sure that without Mark?s help I would still be trying to obtain it.

“Thank you again.”

Five years ago next month, David Cameron was elected leader of the Conservative Party. What followed was meteoric, yet sometimes controversial, rise in the fortunes and make-up of the party, culminating with the formation of the historic coalition government with the Liberal Democrats in May.

Since then, popular support has wavered for the party. Initially, polls turned in our favour, with the Liberal Democrats losing out. But then, as tough decisions were being made to reduce the budget deficit, we started to feel the pinch. It has always been said that a government must do what is right, not what is popular, and that is something that Conservative governments have usually been good at.

I have said before, and I will say again, that I can stand on the doorsteps and defend almost everything the government is doing to turn this nation of ours around. But I am completely at odds with government policy on defence.

I held back on commenting following the defence review – I thought that I should wait and see how the Armed Forces fared after the cull, despite disagreeing with it whole-heartedly. I thanked my lucky stars that I did not campaign in Brompton for the River by-election, as there was no way I could stand on the doorsteps and defend the review to angry service personnel (and their families).

Regular readers will know that defence is an issue close to my heart, that I will always speak to defend our Armed Forces. I have condemned on numerous occasions the Labour government for its betrayal of those brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us, no questions asked, and do not believe that, just because the government is now “my” government, I should feel compelled to hold back from voicing my concerns – and, if applicable, anger.

And so it is today, as The Times reports (?), when David Cameron signs away our Armed Forces’ independence, that my anger boils over. In a move billed as a ‘hard-headed assessment’ of ‘Britain’s national interest’, and one which will “maintain sovereignty”, David Cameron and President Nicolas Sarkozy of France are to sign a defence-sharing treaty, whereby training, procurement, equipment, and, possibly, combat fighting, can be done on a joint basis.

Liam Fox, the Defence Secretary, and a man who I will always maintain respect for after trying to defend our Armed Forces from the cuts, said that ‘when nations can benefit from co-operation without losing sovereignty, they should aim to do so, which is why this week will mark the beginning of a long-term commitment to closer defence and security links with France’.

The buzz-word is still “progressive”. It is still used by government and opposition alike, to defend or attack policy, and I am loathed to use it. But there is noting progressive about relying on another nation to maintain a long-term military force. It is nothing short of out-sourcing our Armed Forces, and insults every single one of the tens of thousands of serving personnel being unceremoniously dumped into the dole queue.

What really made me sick in the stomach was this little line: ‘Charles de Gaulle, France?s aircraft carrier, is due to arrive soon in the Indian Ocean, with a British liaison officer on board, to provide greater air power in the area’. One wonders how we can improve air power on French carriers, yet launch two brand new carriers of our own?with no aircraft?

I joined the party in 2005 – shortly before David Cameron became leader. I even voted for his election as leader. I have met him, along with various other senior Conservatives (including Liam Fox) and been impressed by their opinions, their personalities and their promises. I have campaigned for Conservative victories in Medway in 2007, in Henley in 2008, in Medway for the general election and in River (twice) this year. I will continue to campaign for the Conservative Party and defend the difficult choices that need to be made for our country.

But, after today, I will, briefly, but for the first time since I joined, be ashamed to call myself a Conservative.

This year the service will be more poignant as those gathered, with guests including the Mayor of Medway, the Mayor of Maidstone and Air Commodore Jerry Witt, who will take the salute during the parade preceding the service, remember the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The Air Cadets will form up at 17:45 to parade up to the Church at 18:00. The service will commence at 18:30.

Following the service, the Medway Towns Branch will offer a light buffet and cheap drinks, to which all are invited.

My original question was intentionally vague, with the aim of ensuring that the?respondent, Cllr Alan Jarrett, would have no idea what the supplementary question would contain:

What is Medway Council’s policy with regards to leasing council-owned properties to charities and charitable organisations?

The answer from the Portfolio Holder for Finance was exactly what those of us “in the know” expected – that Medway Council has no policy, and that each case is assessed on its individual merits.

Of course, my supplementary question was much less vague:

Building No.4 Riverside in Chatham is owned by Medway Council and leased to the Medway Towns Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association. Does the Portfolio Holder think that it is fair that such a charity should be forced to pay Medway Council?almost??2000 in rent? If so, how does he expect such a charity to meet such a demand, and what message does this send to the service community?

The response from Cllr Jarrett was not expected. Naturally, he does not know the exact figures, but he does know that the “RAFA Club” (his words, not mine) has had difficulties in paying the “extortionate rent” (my words, not his) and believes that Medway Council has done everything to help the RAFA Club. However, he promised to look into the case personally.

The last part of my supplementary was an afterthought. However, it was very poignant following the question from Labour’s River Ward candidate, John Jones. The fact is, the RAFA Club is not just used by Medway RAFA, but also by the Medway branches of the Royal Tank Regiment Association and the Submariners Association, as well as other community groups.

The fact remains, however, that no matter how many organisations use the facilities, the Club will continue to struggle to meet the disgusting rent demand from Medway Council – and that is an issue that urgently needs addressing.

I am reserving my full judgement on tonight’s events until we have heard more from Cllr Jarrett (and had the official record of the questions and answers from the meeting). However, the aim of the exercise was completed the second the one or two gasps emanated from the public gallery.

The fight continues.

Admitting that this years’ event will be far less active, the organisers are still pulling out all the stops to celebrate and pay tribute to Britain’s Armed Forces.

This year will also draw on the Sea, Army and Air Cadets more, as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the cadet forces movement.

According to the organisers, “The main elements of Chatham Armed Forces Day will be a commemorative Church Service and a Veterans and Cadets Parade with ex-services standards led by the City of Rochester Pipe Band plus some displays by the Cadets and ex-services organisations.

“The day will culminate with a prize giving ceremony and speeches, followed by a band display by the pipe band and a flag lowering ceremony.

“During the day a dedicated Reunion Hall will be open for qualifying holders of the free passes and their guests.”

Unfortunately, they later had to add that “unforeseen circumstances left the Army Cadets with no option but to withdraw their team from the Field Gun Competition” but that “the Sea Cadet Corps will continue with the display with runs made against the clock”.

Last year, Chatham hosted the first national Armed Forces Day event, but has chosen to hold its celebrations this year the day after Armed Forces Day, whilst Cardiff hosts the national event on Saturday

Reading between the lines, it seems obvious that the reasoning behind the move is to protect faceless bureaucrats?in Whitehall ahead of defence cuts set to come after the next general election, at the expense of brave men and women who have fought – and are prepared to die – for their right to be faceless bureaucrats.

The RAF plans to cut 10,000 staff – one quarter of its strength – and up to five large bases in the UK in an attempt to reduce their budget ahead of a “strategic spending review” planned by both parties after the next general election. I mean, let’s face it, heaven forbid a single civil servant should be up for the chop!

Also on the hit list are the majority of the RAF’s Harriers and Tornados, which are in line for early retirement – another cutback in the services our boys and girls need, planned, no doubt, by pen pushers they don’t.

Honestly, did unelected suit-clad jobsworths sat in their comfy offices win us the Falklands conflict? No, it was the bravery, courage and determination of our selfless soldiers in the heat of the battle grounds that won the day.

As Douglas Carswell put it: “Defence procurement is not?a choice between buying?British?for a little bit?extra, or purchasing it from overseas.??As?the decision to shut?down of a quarter of the RAF suggests, it’s?instead a decision?between?having the kit,?or not having it at all.”

Heaven help us all. If they have their way, soon we will be a defenceless nation, with only an infantry of administrators armed with red tape on our side.

Who will be the first to accept that, when it comes to national security and our defence, our servicemen do a far better job than any suit-clad moron could ever do.

So why not cut the budget by sacking 25% of them, instead? They won’t be missed!

Andrew Bairnsfather, aged 21, wrote the poem To battle they go in honour of Britain’s servicemen and women, who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The poem has a thought-provoking conclusion, trying to encourage people to really stop and remember those who have fought, and in many cases, died for our freedom.

To battle they go

Through the stillness of the morning air
Comes the call they must prepare.
For when they hear the whistle blow
They will advance to meet their foe.

With one foot on the ladder wracked with fear
Some of the men will shed a tear.
Looking around at their friends
Each of them wishing this carnage would end.

Down the line the whistle it blows
The fear inside each one of them grows.
Who will survive? No one can tell
But it?s up the ladder and forwards to hell.

So when a bird sings high in a tree
Recall the sacrifice so we might be free.
When you stand there this November
Take a few minutes and just remember.

Andrew Bairnsfather 5/11/09

Medway blogger Alan Collins has attacked anti-war protesters for vandalising billboards advertising the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Mr Collins, a member of the Royal British Legion and the Royal Air Forces Association, as well as a former member of the Air Training Corps, expressed his anger at the tactics used by the protesters.

“The whole point of the Poppy Appeal is to promote and finance support for servicemen who have fought bravely and professionally for our freedom,” Mr Collins said.

“They fought, and in many cases, died to give us the freedom to protest, not to give us the freedom to commit criminal acts.

“I’m not saying I don’t disagree with what the protesters are saying. There are many questions that need answering about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but this is not the way to go about getting heard.”

Alan Collins has long been a supporter of Britain’s Armed Forces, helping to collect money for the Poppy Appeal for the last few years, and his comments came after vandalism of the billboards with messages including “For their sake, bring ‘em home” and “For their sake, prosecute Blair” angered him.

Mr Collins added: “the Poppy Appeal isn’t about arguing about which wars are just and which should never have been entered into. It’s about supporting and helping our servicemen and women for their bravery and professionalism.

“The fact that these people have manipulated the Poppy Appeal campaign for their own political protest is, quite frankly, disgusting.”

Henry Allingham, who last month became the world’s oldest man aged 113, has lived to see three centuries, four Kings and two Queens, both the sinking of the Titanic and 9/11 and, arguably to many most importantly, the formation of the Royal Air Force.

In fact, in addition to being one of the last surviving WWI veterans, Mr Allingham was the last surviving founder member of the Royal Air Force.

Upon leaving the RAF, Mr Allingham worked for the Ford Motor Company until his retirement.

When he was asked how he wanted to be remembered, he said ‘I don’t. I want to be forgotten. Remember the others.’

The event, which takes place on June 27 every year from 2009, salutes the bravery and sacrifice of Britain’s Armed Forces in a move which has been a long time coming.

Mr Jones said “Our armed forces and veterans rightly deserve the nation?s support and recognition”.

This means that senior Royals, top military officials and hundreds of Armed Forces personnel will descend upon the Dockyard for the main event, with hundreds of smaller events taking place across the Country.

To view a video of the announcement go to the Medway Messenger’s website