SRS

[Zia Yusuf @ZiaYusufUK]

This Remembrance Sunday, I recommend reading the words of Lance Sergeant Bill Gibson of No.2 Commando 6 troop.

Written before he set off on Operation Chariot, to be delivered in the event of his death.

Sadly Bill and the friend he mentions, Lance Sergeant Peter Harkness were both killed in action during the raid.

“My dearest Dad, by the time you get this I shall be one of the many who have sacrificed their unimportant lives for what little ideals we may have - my own ideals I can thank you for.

The job we have been on has been something worthwhile - it has virtually been suicide but the repercussions after we will have finished our task will be very far reaching in as much as the raiders who sink so many of our merchant ships will be put out of action for at least six months - so the food line from America should be unimpaired. Peter and I will be together- our task is just a wee bit dangerous, but if we can hold Jerry off it will mean the saving of the lives of a lot of our pals.

We have been on this boat for a fortnight now, and we are all determined to see this through. I salute you all, No.2 Commando - they are a great lot of lads.

Tomorrow moming I am going to Holy Communion - the first communion I have ever been at - but I know God will help us all he can, and I pray, Dad, that he will help you, and bless Betty for all she has been to us. My will has been made out - it seems so silly but we have all had to do it.

I would like you. Dad, to write a note to my Irish girl and let her know what has happened. You will get her address in any of the letters - her name is Anne Brien - would you do this for me.

The reason I am writing this at all, Dad, is just the thought that it might be a little better for you to get this rather than the dreaded telegram.

I don't think I have made any enemies in the world - I have made a lot of good friends, but you've been the best pal I've ever had. Your influence, plus our Alex's, has certainly helped me to pass through life with a character which, though a bit rough in some things, still has all the fine thoughts gained from both of you. Sandy, I suppose, I'll have met by this time so don't be worried, Dad.

It seems ever so peculiar to be writing this letter. We've just finished our tea and the sunshine is streaming through the portholes. We've been on deck sunbathing all day. Peter is very red now, and I am myself, and everything seems so far removed from the job ahead of us. We have not been allowed to leave the boat for over a fortnight now except for organized parties to get some exercise. With spring in the air and everything looking so beautiful we can only now appreciate how lovely everything is - almost like condemned criminals.

Well, Dad dearest, I'll close now. Don't worry and don't be too unhappy - remember what you always told me - to keep my chin up. I'll have done what chance has made my duty, and I can only hope that by laying down my life the generations to come might in some way remember us, and also benefit by what we've done.

It is unnecessary for me to tell you how sorry I am at not being able to do a lot of the things I have longed to do to pay you back for the chance you gave me. In a time like this I turn to you, Dad, and God - I hope there will be peace for everyone soon. Give my love to everyone - I'll remember you.

Your loving son, Bill"

We will remember them.

[Commonwealth War Graves @CWGC]

A burial service took place this week for an unknown British soldier and an unknown German soldier, discovered together in a shell hole during work on the Vrijbosroute cycle path, north of Ieper in Belgium.

Despite extensive and diligent research by our Commemorations Department and the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre, it was sadly not possible to identify these casualties.

In an incredibly poignant ceremony at our Poelcapelle British Cemetery, the two soldiers were laid to rest in a single coffin.

📷 Eric Compernolle

[SRS @sam59r]

@khnh80044 @GetVideoHQ

[Lord Ashcroft @LordAshcroft]

For every retweet of this post, I will donate £1 to the @VC_and_GC_Assoc up to £50,000.
Time is running out following @I_W_M’s decision to close the Lord Ashcroft Gallery.
Visit while you still can, to honour the bravery of those who risked so much to protect our great nation.

[SRS @sam59r]

@ed800m @poetwithpace @LydiardsWay @j_ashworth656 @Tigga594 I meant awesome! I’d be happy with that form at your age!

[SRS @sam59r]

Great thread!

[derek guy @dieworkwear]

I believe this jacket is from Dobell, a company that produces their tailoring in Turkey. I'll show you some telltale signs of quality and where you can buy a tailored jacket made in Britain. 🧵

[SRS @sam59r]

Kurdish PKK to lay down arms in big step towards ending Turkey conflict https://t.co/OtPJ3YJlgL

[SRS @sam59r]

@JeremyTate41 @StreamviDL

[SRS @sam59r]

@ExxAlerts @StreamviDL

[SRS @sam59r]

@ProBikeUK @Kawasaki_News @DucatiUK

[SRS @sam59r]

@ProBikeUK @DucatiUK Termignoni Uscite4

[SRS @sam59r]

@visegrad24 https://t.co/NuAF6axbEG

[Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office @FCDOGovUK]

On the 110th anniversary of Anzac Day, we stand alongside our friends in Australia and New Zealand to honour those who gave their lives for our freedoms.

May the Anzac spirit live on 🇦🇺🇳🇿

#AnzacDay #LestWeForget

[SRS @sam59r]

@BootneckStuff @ForcesReviewUK 2011 for sure. I think that’s the CSM closest to camera

[BBC News Africa @BBCAfrica]

The Presidents of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi, and of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, have called for an 'immediate ceasefire', after holding talks in Qatar — the first time the two leaders have met since Rwanda-backed M23 rebels started an offensive in eastern DRC. https://t.co/1frklMPH0E

[SRS @sam59r]

Fine cancelled! https://t.co/ThmsiaRMGR

[SRS @sam59r]

This is just ridiculous. Officials at the Home Office need to make changes to ensure this unjust decision is overturned and policies adjusted. https://t.co/vQ8ubJwJpN

[SRS @sam59r]

@Proud_Sappers Old Etonians

[Just Dave now @justdavenow89]

The scary thing is this is actually happening