Sad, sad times.

[anotheoldgit]

http://tinyurl.com/36samnm

Who could not see these pictures or read the words, without a tear welling up in one's eyes?

Yes when I heard those words that the soldier had recorded for his daughters bed-time story, and it took me back to one of my family who had implanted recorded bed-time words into his daughters bed-time Teddy-Bear.

Cameron says now it could be only a year before some troops are re-called.

But then it was only the other month when they said they would be blowing these explosive devices remotely, instead of risking lives de-fusing them by hand.

Whatever happened to that idea?

[rowanwitch]

I found it incredibly moving such a lovely family torn apart,,, We are never going to win out there

[andy-hughes]

Absolutely tragic, and so so sad.

I know that we differ on some of the points regarding our troops abroad AOG, but we fully agree with the tragic human consequences of the conflict.

I too wonder about the remote detonation of devices, but of course, that will not save the foot patrols in Helmand who seem to be a large proprtion of the dead and injured as they tread on hidden devices.

[youngmafbog]

Yes it is, but I am sure things like this go on all the time. Afterall being in the forces is not the most dangerous job its just that its headline news. But we dont see fishermen paraded down the streets for putting food on our plates do we. I am not belittling was these brave men do or the sad loss but I think it does sometimes need a bit of perspective out on it. numbers are not that high considering the type of conflict and the length.

I do fail to understand why we have not come up with something that will stop thes IED's or render them useless without blowing someone to smitherines.

[anotheoldgit]

youngmafbog.

It isn't the first time you have come up with this fisherman's tale.

Well maybe, but we don't have to keep on asking "who has got the most dangerous job" or "who has the record numbers of deaths".

Just address the question in hand, and either show human concern or choose to ignore the question.

If you do not mean to belittle our brave troops, then don't by asking "who puts the food on our table"?

I am sure that if the Fishermen chose to parade down our streets, or the Life Boat Men, or the Fire-fighters or anyone else who is carring out a high risk job, I am sure there would be many to line up and clap them.

But then that is a different issue, perhaps you would care to raise it as a question in it's own right?

[daffy654]

I shed several tears when I read that article this morning AOG.

[horselady]

We live near Wootton Bassett and were there when the lads came through the other day, as we have been on several of these sad occasions. It is absolutely heartbreaking. The relatives arrive first and it's always seeing their grief that makes me cry, when the coffins come through I'm more composed, but those poor little children of the Ghurka soldier on Tuesday-almost unbearable to see.

[horselady]

* Gurkha

[rowanwitch]

At least there seems to be serious consideration of reducing the numbers involved...

I hope they don't let the little one ruin the toy as it will mean such a lot to her when she is older.....

[rowanwitch]

I thought that was so beautiful.... to wear a dress that symbolised their love, but now their lost hopes and dreams.... maybe it was something he asked her to do if that day arrived.....

[Ankou]

it is sad.

but i also think photographing all these people in their lowest moments of grief is ratrher insensitive.

[rowanwitch]

I tend to agree, surely it is enough to mention the kindness and dignity of the folk in Wootton Bassett with some libray footage, and acknowledge the names of those lost
It must be one of the nicest places to live they have some incredibly generous people there