View allAll Photos Tagged Forces,
Iraqi forces during fighting in west Mosul on April 8, 2017 in Mosul, Iraq. Despite air support from the U.S and U.K, Iraqi forces have had to engage Islamic State in house to house fighting as they continue their battle to retake Iraq's second largest city of Mosul. Despite now controlling most of the city, Iraqi forces continue to face extremely stiff resistance from I.S fighters who are now surrounded on all sides and are fighting to the death.
Photos: Carl Court
Two Special Forces Soldiers examine a metal can containing unknown liquid while conducting a cordon and search of a suspected bomb making facility in the Arghandab District December 10, 2009.
Soldiers who were among several hundred that took up positions around a Ukrainian military base walk on the base's periphery in Crimea on March 2, 2014 in Perevanie, Ukraine. Several hundred heavily-armed soldiers not displaying any idenifying insignia took up positions outside the base and parked several dozen vehicles, mostly trucks and patrol cars, nearby. The new government of Ukraine has appealed to the United Nations Security Council for help against growing Russian intervention in Crimea, where thousands of Russian troops reportedly arrived in recent days at Russian military bases there and also occupy key government and other installations. World leaders are scrambling to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to refrain from further escalation in Ukraine. Ukraine has put its armed forces on combat alert.
"Forces Through Stone"
The fierce Potomac River cuts through bedrock as it makes its way down through Great Falls to the Atlantic Ocean
Featured in a new blog post on my recent set of images from Great Falls Park:
navinsarmaphotography.com/blog/a-summer-at-great-falls-na...
I was downtown near the Union Station and the Royal York Hotel one day when I came across two Forces.Ca coaches.
At first I thought they're just regular coaches with a special army advertisement, upon close examination, I noticed that they have special Canada licence plates (not provincial licence plates), so now I think they're real army-operated coaches.
I think they're were taken on Veterans Day during the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) fair.
British Royal Marines with 40 Commando Royal Marines participate in Exercise Raven, a unit readiness exercise, with Marine Forces Special Operations Command, May 20, 2023.
Ex. Raven is a training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special Operations Company prior to a special operations deployment.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Henry Rodriguez
Troops under Russian command stand firmly after firing their weapons into the air and screaming orders to turn back at an approaching group of over 100 hundred unarmed Ukrainian troops at the Belbek airbase, which the Russian troops are occcupying, in Crimea on March 4, 2014 in Lubimovka, Ukraine. The Ukrainians are stationed at their garrison nearby, and after spending a tense night anticipating a Russian attack following the expiration of a Russian deadline to surrender, in which family members of troops spent the night at the garrison gate in support of the soldiers, their commander Colonel Yuli Mamchor announced his bold plan this morning to retake the airfield by confronting the Russian-lead soldiers unarmed. The Russian-lead troops fired their weapons into the air but then granted Mamchor the beginning of negotiations with their commander. Russian-lead troops have blockaded a number of Ukrainian military bases across Crimea.
IDF Soldiers Training in the Golan Heights
IDF soldiers training among the beautiful hillsides of the Golan Heights, Regional Brigade of the Golan Heights.
Photo Credit: Matan Portnoy, IDF Spokesperson Unit
The University of Toronto hosted the "1914 - 1918 In Memoriam" ceremony on 2014-07-31 to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War at the Varsity Stadium.
The ceremony includes speeches from Brian Stewart, Margaret MacMillan, Brigadier-General John Fetcher, Meric Gertler, General Thomas Lawson, His Honour David Onley, as well as performances by the Massed Military Bands, Ruth Ann Onley, and the Canadian Children's Chorus.
During World War I, 60,000 Canadian soldiers died, 4,000 of them from Toronto, and 900 of which were University of Toronto staff and students.
Check out this Youtube video that I took at the event with Ruth Ann Onley performing live the People of the Maple Leaf, which was based on the tune of Highland Cathedral.
2023 Armed Forces Cross Country Championship held in conjunction with the USA Track and Field Cross Country National Championship in Richmond, Va. The Armed Forces Championship features teams from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy (with Coast Guard runners), and Air Force (with Space Force Runners). Department of Defense Photo by Mr. Steven Dinote - Released.
The Air Forces Memorial, or Runnymede Memorial in Surrey is a dedicated to over 20,000 men and women from the British Empire who were lost in air operations during World War II. Those recorded have no known grave anywhere in the world, and many were lost without trace. The name of each of these airmen and airwomen is engraved into the stone walls of the memorial, according to country and squadron.
The M4 Sherman was the primary tank of allied forces in World War II, and was used both by the US Army and US Marine Corps. Originally equipped with a 75mm gun, the Sherman was a match for German armor early in the war but was outgunned against the more advanced Tiger and Panther tanks. Late in the war, the Sherman was upgraded with a larger, more powerful gun with enough muzzle velocity to penetrate German armor. Still, it took real guts and steady nerves to take a Sherman into battle against a Panther or Tiger. The M4 served well into the Korean War, eventually being replaced by the PATTON. In Mark Karvon's stirring print, a pair of M4's of the late war version, (the M4A3E8 with the HVSS suspension and the 76mm gun) are shown with a couple of Mustangs making a low pass. The combination of air power and armor was unstoppable in 1945. Hence the title, "Forces of Liberty".
1st Special Commando Regiment in Lubliniec
The origin of the unit dates back to 1957, when the reconnaissance company, based in the barracks of 16th Assault Squadron, was founded in Krakow. Over the years, the unit changed its location (Dziwnów on Wolin Island) and the nature of organization (the company was transformed to the 1st Assault Battalion). In 1986, it was moved to Lubliniec in Upper Silesia. On 8 October, 1993 a Chief of General Headquarters of Polish Army issued a decree on the formation of a new unit: 1st Special Regiment. The unit reached operational readiness in 1994 and on 23rd November, 1995 the President, at the request of Minister of National Defense, has granted the new unit a banner.
The unit is a continuation of tradition of the following formations:
•1st Polish independent Special Battalion
•National Army Battalion PARASOL
•Independent Company COMMANDO
In addition, being a part of the Regiment, Noncommissioned Officer and Junior Special Operations Specialists School cultivates the heritage of the National Army Battalion ZOŚKA.
Today's 1st Special Commando Regiment from Lubliniec, directly subordinated to a Commander of Special Forces, is intended for conducting special operations in the country and beyond its borders in conditions of peace, crisis and war.
The regiment specializes in the following areas of activity:
1.Special reconnaissance;
2.Direct operations, especially subversive warfare;
3. Military support;
4.Unconventional actions.
1. PSK (1st Special Commando Regiment), took part in the following trainings involving soldiers from other countries - NATO members:
•07.1995 - taking part in "DWA ORŁY" exercise, (30 soldiers) along with 10th SFG company `C '- exercise area - Wędrzyn
•1998 - joint exercises under the code name " SZTYLET I i II” (250 soldiers)
•during April and August with groups 1 / 10 SFG, soldiers of 75th “Rangers” regiment, the GROM unit - exercise area - south western Poland;
•08.1999 - "ARTIST ULAN" exercise with 21st SAS regiment (300 soldiers) exercise area - Bieszczady, Kraków, Rudniki
•01.2000 - joint exercises of KGS (50 soldiers) with 10th SFG group – exercise area - Lubliniec
•01.2000 – participation of KGS (8 soldiers) in a training in mountains with the German 200th long distance recon company
•08.2000 - joint exercises of KGS (48 soldiers) with 10th SFG group, training area - Lubliniec
•04.2001 - joint exercises of KGS (50 soldiers) with 10th SFG group, training area - Lubliniec
•03.2002 - participation in an international training "Strong Resolve" (130 soldiers) - Słupsk;
•Autumn 2006 - international training "SHAMROCK KEY" - Lithuania
At present, the unit is in constant contact with 10th SFG of U.S. Army based in Germany, German 200th long distance recon company, Royal Noncommissioned Officer School from Netherlands and with soldiers from Multinational Corps in Szczecin.
Remembrance Sunday, 8 November 2015
In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday in November, which is the Sunday nearest to 11 November, Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War at 11 a.m. on 11 November 1918. Remembrance Sunday is held to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
Remembrance Sunday is marked by ceremonies at local war memorials in most cities, towns and villages, attended by civic dignitaries, ex-servicemen and -women, members of local armed forces regular and reserve units, military cadet forces and uniformed youth organisations. Two minutes’ silence is observed at 11 a.m. and wreaths of remembrance poppies are then laid on the memorials.
The United Kingdom national ceremony is held in London at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. Wreaths are laid by Queen Elizabeth II, principal members of the Royal Family normally including the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal, the Earl of Wessex and the Duke of Kent, the Prime Minister, leaders of the other major political parties, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Commonwealth High Commissioners and representatives from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets and the civilian services, and veterans’ groups. Two minutes' silence is held at 11 a.m., before the laying of the wreaths. This silence is marked by the firing of a field gun on Horse Guards Parade to begin and end the silence, followed by Royal Marines buglers sounding Last Post.
The parade consists mainly of an extensive march past by veterans, with military bands playing music following the list of the Traditional Music of Remembrance.
Other members of the British Royal Family watch from the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
After the ceremony, a parade of veterans and other related groups, organised by the Royal British Legion, marches past the Cenotaph, each section of which lays a wreath as it passes. Only ticketed participants can take part in the march past.
From 1919 until the Second World War remembrance observance was always marked on 11 November itself. It was then moved to Remembrance Sunday, but since the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 1995, it has become usual to hold ceremonies on both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Each year, the music at the National Ceremony of Remembrance remains the same, following a programme finalised in 1930:
Rule, Britannia! by Thomas Arne
Heart of Oak by William Boyce
The Minstrel Boy by Thomas Moore
Men of Harlech
The Skye Boat Song
Isle of Beauty by Thomas Haynes Bayly
David of the White Rock
Oft in the Stilly Night by John Stevenson
Flowers of the Forest
Nimrod from the Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar
Dido's lament by Henry Purcell
O Valiant Hearts by Charles Harris
Solemn Melody by Walford Davies
Last Post – a bugle call
Beethoven's Funeral March No. 1, by Johann Heinrich Walch
O God, Our Help in Ages Past – words by Isaac Watts, music by William Croft
Reveille – a bugle call
God Save The Queen
Other pieces of music are then played during the march past and wreath laying by veterans, starting with Trumpet Voluntary and followed by It's A Long Way To Tipperary, the marching song of the Connaught Rangers, a famous British Army Irish Regiment of long ago.
The following is complied from press reports on 8 November 2015:
"The nation paid silent respect to the country's war dead today in a Remembrance Sunday service. Leading the nation in remembrance, as ever, was the Queen, who first laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in 1945 and has done so every year since, except on the four occasions when she was overseas.
Dressed in her customary all-black ensemble with a clutch of scarlet poppies pinned against her left shoulder, she stepped forward following the end of the two-minute silence marked by the sounding of Last Post by 10 Royal Marine buglers.
The Queen laid her wreath at the foot of the Sir Edwin Lutyens Portland stone monument to the Glorious Dead, then stood with her head momentarily bowed.
She was joined by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, who was invited to the Cenotaph for the first time to lay a wreath marking the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by British troops.
Watched by his wife Queen Maxima, who stood next to the Duchess of Cambridge in the Royal Box, the King laid a wreath marked with the simple message, 'In remembrance of the British men and women who gave their lives for our future.'
Wreaths were then laid by members of the Royal Family, all wearing military uniform: Prince Philip; then Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Prince William at the same time ; then Prince Edward, Princess Anne and the Duke of Kent at the same time.
Three members of the Royal Family laying wreaths at the same time was an innovation in 2015 designed to slightly reduce the amount of time of the ceremony and thereby reduce the time that the Queen had to be standing.
Prince Charles attended a remembrance service in New Zealand.
The Prime Minister then laid a wreath. The Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, appeared at the Cenotaph for the first time. He wore both a suit and a red poppy for the occasion.
His bow as he laid a wreath marked with the words 'let us resolve to create a world of peace' was imperceptible – and not enough for some critics. Yet unlike the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Battle service earlier this year, Mr Corbyn did join in with the singing of the national anthem.
Following the end of the official service at the Cenotaph, a mammoth column more than 10,000-strong (some 9,000 of whom were veterans) began marching along Whitehall, saluting the Cenotaph as they passed, Parliament Street, Great George Street, Horse Guards Road and back to Horse Guard Parade. The Duke of Cambridge took the salute from the column on Horse Guards Parade.
Time takes its inevitable toll on even the most stoic among us, and this year only a dozen World War Two veterans marched with the Spirit of Normandy Trust, a year after the Normandy Veterans' Association disbanded.
Within their ranks was 95-year-old former Sapper Don Sheppard of the Royal Engineers. Sheppard was of the eldest on parade and was pushed in his wheelchair by his 19-year-old grandson, Sam who, in between studying at Queen Mary University, volunteers with the Normandy veterans.
'It is because of my admiration for them,' he says. 'I see them as role models and just have the utmost respect for what they did.'
While some had blankets covering their legs against the grey November day, other veterans of more recent wars had only stumps to show for their service to this country during 13 long years of war in Afghanistan.
As well as that terrible toll of personal sacrifice, the collective losses – and triumphs - of some of the country’s most historic regiments were also honoured yesterday.
The Gurkha Brigade Association - marking 200 years of service in the British Army – marched to warm ripples of applause. The King’s Royal Hussars, represented yesterday by 126 veterans, this year also celebrate 300 years since the regiment was raised.
They were led by General Sir Richard Shirreff, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander of Nato and Colonel of the regiment who himself was marching for the first time.
'We are joined by a golden thread to all those generations who have gone before us,” he said. “We are who we are, because of those that have gone before us.' "
Cenotaph Ceremony & March Past - 8 November 2015
Summary of Contingents
Column Number of marchers
B (Lead) 1,754
C 1,298
D 1,312
E 1,497
F 1,325
A 1,551
Ex-Service Total 8,737
M (Non ex-Service) 1,621
Total 10,358
Column B
Marker Detachment Number
1 Reconnaissance Corps 18 Anniversary
2 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment Old Comrades Assoc 10
3 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery Association 60
4 Royal Artillery Association 18
5 Royal Engineers Association 37
6 Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal Association 65 Anniversary
7 Airborne Engineers Association 24
8 Royal Signals Association 48
9 Army Air Corps Association 42
10 Royal Army Service Corps & Royal Corps Transport Assoc 54
11 RAOC Association 18
12 Army Catering Corps Association 48
13 Royal Pioneer Corps Association 54 Anniversary
14 Royal Army Medical Corps Association 36
15 Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers Association 48
16 Royal Military Police Association 100
17 The RAEC and ETS Branch Association 12
18 Royal Army Pay Corps Regimental Association 36
19 Royal Army Veterinary Corps & Royal Army Dental Corps 18
20 Royal Army Physical Training Corps 24
21 Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps Assoc 48
22 Royal Scots Dragoon Guards 30
23 Royal Dragoon Guards 78
24 Queen's Royal Hussars (The Queen's Own & Royal Irish) 12
25 Kings Royal Hussars Regimental Association 126
26 16/5th Queen's Royal Lancers 36
27 17/21 Lancers 30
28 The Royal Lancers 24 New for 2015
29 JLR RAC Old Boys' Association 30
30 Association of Ammunition Technicians 24
31 Beachley Old Boys Association 36
32 Arborfield Old Boys Association 25
33 Gallipoli & Dardenelles International 24
34 Special Observers Association 24
35 The Parachute Squadron Royal Armoured Corps 24 New
36 Intelligence Corps Association 48
37 Women's Royal Army Corps Association 120
38 656 Squadron Association 24
39 Home Guard Association 9
40 British Resistance Movement (Coleshill Research Team) 12
41 British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association 48
42 British Ex-Services Wheelchair Sports Association 24
43 Royal Hospital Chelsea 30
44 Queen Alexandra's Hospital Home for Disabled Ex-Servicemen & Women 30
45 The Royal Star & Garter Homes 20
46 Combat Stress 48
Total 1,754
Column C
Marker Detachment Number
1 Royal Air Force Association 150
2 Royal Air Force Regiment Association 300
3 Royal Air Forces Ex-Prisoner's of War Association 20
4 Royal Observer Corps Association 75 Anniversary
5 National Service (Royal Air Force) Association 42
6 RAFLING Association 24
7 6 Squadron (Royal Air Force) Association 18
8 7 Squadron Association 25
9 8 Squadron Association 24
10 RAF Habbaniya Association 25
11 Royal Air Force & Defence Fire Services Association 30
12 Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Association 30
13 Units of the Far East Air Force 28 New
14 Royal Air Force Yatesbury Association 16
15 Royal Air Force Airfield Construction Branch Association 12
16 RAFSE(s) Assoc 45 New
17 Royal Air Force Movements and Mobile Air Movements Squadron Association (RAF MAMS) 24
18 Royal Air Force Masirah & Salalah Veterans Assoc 24 New
19 WAAF/WRAF/RAF(W) 25
19 Blenheim Society 18
20 Coastal Command & Maritime Air Association 24
21 Air Sea Rescue & Marine Craft Sections Club 15
22 Federation of RAF Apprentice & Boy Entrant Assocs 150
23 Royal Air Force Air Loadmasters Association 24
24 Royal Air Force Police Association 90
25 Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service Association 40
Total 1,298
Column D
Marker Detachment Number
1 Not Forgotten Association 54
2 Stoll 18
3 Ulster Defence Regiment 72
4 Army Dog Unit Northern Ireland Association 48
5 North Irish Horse & Irish Regiments Old Comrades Association 78
6 Northern Ireland Veterans' Association 40
7 Irish United Nations Veterans Association 12
8 ONET UK 10
9 St Helena Government UK 24
10 South Atlantic Medal Association 196
11 SSAFA 37
12 First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal's Volunteers Corps) 12
13 Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen & Women 48
14 British Nuclear Test Veterans Association 48
15 War Widows Association 132
16 Gurkha Brigade Association 160 Anniversary
17 British Gurkha Welfare Society 100 Anniversary
18 West Indian Association of Service Personnel 18
19 Trucial Oman Scouts Association 18
20 Bond Van Wapenbroeders 35
21 Polish Ex-Combatants Association in Great Britain 25
22 Stowarzyszenie Polskich Kombatantów Limited 18 New
23 Royal Hong Kong Regiment Association 12
24 Canadian Veterans Association 10
25 Hong Kong Ex-Servicemen's Association (UK Branch) 24
26 Hong Kong Military Service Corps 28
27 Foreign Legion Association 24
28 Undivided Indian Army Ex Servicemen Association 11 New
Total 1,312
Column E
Marker Detachment Number
1 Royal Marines Association 198
2 Royal Naval Association 150
3 Merchant Navy Association 130
4 Sea Harrier Association 24
5 Flower Class Corvette Association 18
6 HMS Andromeda Association 18
7 HMS Argonaut Association 30
8 HMS Bulwark, Albion & Centaur Association 25
9 HMS Cumberland Association 18
10 HMS Ganges Association 48
11 HMS Glasgow Association 30
12 HMS St Vincent Association 26
13 HMS Tiger Association 25
14 Algerines Association 20
15 Ton Class Association 24
16 Type 42 Association 48
17 Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service 36
18 Association of WRENS 90
19 Royal Fleet Auxiliary Association 10
20 Royal Naval Communications Association 30
21 Royal Naval Medical Branch Ratings & Sick Berth Staff Association 24
22 Royal Naval Benevolent Trust 18
23 Yangtze Incident Association 24
24 Special Boat Service Association 6
25 Submariners Association 30
26 Association of Royal Yachtsmen 30
27 Broadsword Association 36
28 Aircraft Handlers Association 36
29 Aircrewmans Association 40 Anniversary
30 Cloud Observers Association 10
31 The Fisgard Association 40
32 Fleet Air Arm Armourers Association 36
33 Fleet Air Arm Association 25
34 Fleet Air Arm Bucaneer Association 24
35 Fleet Air Arm Field Gun Association 24
36 Fleet Air Arm Junglie Association 18
37 Fleet Air Arm Officers Association 30
38 Fleet Air Arm Safety Equipment & Survival Association 24
39 Royal Navy School of Physical Training 24
Total 1,497
Column F
Marker Detachment Number
1 Blind Veterans UK 198
2 Far East Prisoners of War 18
3 Burma Star Association 40
4 Monte Cassino Society20
5 Queen's Bodyguard of The Yeoman of The Guard 18
6 Pen and Sword Club 15
7 TRBL Ex-Service Members 301
8 The Royal British Legion Poppy Factory 4
9 The Royal British Legion Scotland 24
10 Officers Association 5
11 Black and White Club 18
12 National Pigeon War Service 30
13 National Service Veterans Alliance 50
14 Gallantry Medallists League 46
15 National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association 98
16 National Gulf Veterans & Families Association 30
17 Fellowship of the Services 100
18 Memorable Order of Tin Hats 24
19 Suez Veterans Association 50
20 Aden Veterans Association 72
21 1st Army Association 36
22 Showmens' Guild of Great Britain 40
23 Special Forces Club 12
24 The Spirit of Normandy Trust 28
25 Italy Star Association, 1943-1945, 48
Total 1,325
Column A
Marker Detachment Number
1 1LI Association 36
2 Royal Green Jackets Association 198
3 Parachute Regimental Association 174
4 King's Own Scottish Borderers 60
5 Black Watch Association 45
6 Gordon Highlanders Association 60
7 Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Association 12
8 Queen's Own Highlanders Regimental Association 48
9 London Scottish Regimental Association 30
10 Grenadier Guards Association 48
11 Coldstream Guards Association 48
12 Scots Guards Association 48
13 Guards Parachute Association 36
14 4 Company Association (Parachute Regiment) 24
15 Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment 72
16 Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) Past & Present Association 30
17 Prince of Wales' Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) Regimental Association 24
18 Royal Hampshire Regiment Comrades Association 14
19 The Royal Hampshire Regimental Club 24 New for 2015
20 Royal Northumberland Fusiliers 48 New
21 Royal Sussex Regimental Association 12
22 Green Howards Association 24
23 Cheshire Regiment Association 24
24 Sherwood Foresters & Worcestershire Regiment 36
25 Mercian Regiment Association 30
26 Special Air Service Regimental Association 4
27 The King's Own Royal Border Regiment 100
28 The Staffordshire Regiment 48
29 Rifles Regimental Association 40
30 The Rifles & Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire & Wiltshire Regimental Association 30
31 Durham Light Infantry Association 60
32 King's Royal Rifle Corps Association 50
33 King's African Rifles 14 New for 2015
Total 1,551
Column M
Marker Detachment Number
1 Transport For London 48
2 Children of the Far East Prisoners of War 60
3 First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal's Volunteers Corps) 24
4 Munitions Workers Association18
5 Evacuees Reunion Association48
6 TOC H 20
7 Salvation Army 36
8 Naval Canteen Service & Expeditionary Force Institutes Association 12 Previously NAAFI
9 Royal Voluntary Service 24
10 Civil Defence Association 8
11 National Association of Retired Police Officers 36
12 Metropolitan Special Constabulary 36
13 London Ambulance Service NHS Trust 36
14 London Ambulance Service Retirement Association 18
15 St John Ambulance 36
16 British Red Cross 12
17 St Andrew's Ambulance Association 6
18 The Firefighters Memorial Trust 24
19 Royal Ulster Constabulary (GC) Association 36
20 Ulster Special Constabulary Association 30
21 Commonwealth War Graves Commission 12
22 Daniel's Trust 36
23 Civilians Representing Families 180
24 Royal Mail Group Ltd 24
25 Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 24
26 The Blue Cross 24
27 PDSA 24
28 HM Ships Glorious Ardent & ACASTA Association 24 Anniversary
29 Old Cryptians' Club 12
30 Fighting G Club 18 Anniversary
31 Malayan Volunteers Group 12
32 Gallipoli Association 18
33 Ministry of Defence 20
34 TRBL Non Ex-Service Members 117
35 TRBL Women's Section 20
36 Union Jack Club 12
37 Western Front Association 8
38 Shot at Dawn Pardons Campaign 18
39 Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes 24
40 National Association of Round Tables 24
41 Lions Club International 24
42 Rotary International 24
43 41 Club 6
44 Equity 12
45 Romany & Traveller Society 18
46 Sea Cadet Corps 30
47 Combined Cadet Force 30
48 Army Cadet Force 30
49 Air Training Corps 30
50 Scout Association 30
51 Girlguiding London & South East England 30
52 Boys Brigade 30
53 Girls Brigade England & Wales 30
54 Church Lads & Church Girls Brigade 30
55 Metropolitan Police Volunteer Police Cadets 18
56 St John Ambulance Cadets 18
57 YMCA 12
Total 1,621
Remembrance Sunday, 8 November 2015
In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday in November, which is the Sunday nearest to 11 November, Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War at 11 a.m. on 11 November 1918. Remembrance Sunday is held to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
Remembrance Sunday is marked by ceremonies at local war memorials in most cities, towns and villages, attended by civic dignitaries, ex-servicemen and -women, members of local armed forces regular and reserve units, military cadet forces and uniformed youth organisations. Two minutes’ silence is observed at 11 a.m. and wreaths of remembrance poppies are then laid on the memorials.
The United Kingdom national ceremony is held in London at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. Wreaths are laid by Queen Elizabeth II, principal members of the Royal Family normally including the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal, the Earl of Wessex and the Duke of Kent, the Prime Minister, leaders of the other major political parties, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Commonwealth High Commissioners and representatives from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets and the civilian services, and veterans’ groups. Two minutes' silence is held at 11 a.m., before the laying of the wreaths. This silence is marked by the firing of a field gun on Horse Guards Parade to begin and end the silence, followed by Royal Marines buglers sounding Last Post.
The parade consists mainly of an extensive march past by veterans, with military bands playing music following the list of the Traditional Music of Remembrance.
Other members of the British Royal Family watch from the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
After the ceremony, a parade of veterans and other related groups, organised by the Royal British Legion, marches past the Cenotaph, each section of which lays a wreath as it passes. Only ticketed participants can take part in the march past.
From 1919 until the Second World War remembrance observance was always marked on 11 November itself. It was then moved to Remembrance Sunday, but since the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 1995, it has become usual to hold ceremonies on both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Each year, the music at the National Ceremony of Remembrance remains the same, following a programme finalised in 1930:
Rule, Britannia! by Thomas Arne
Heart of Oak by William Boyce
The Minstrel Boy by Thomas Moore
Men of Harlech
The Skye Boat Song
Isle of Beauty by Thomas Haynes Bayly
David of the White Rock
Oft in the Stilly Night by John Stevenson
Flowers of the Forest
Nimrod from the Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar
Dido's lament by Henry Purcell
O Valiant Hearts by Charles Harris
Solemn Melody by Walford Davies
Last Post – a bugle call
Beethoven's Funeral March No. 1, by Johann Heinrich Walch
O God, Our Help in Ages Past – words by Isaac Watts, music by William Croft
Reveille – a bugle call
God Save The Queen
Other pieces of music are then played during the march past and wreath laying by veterans, starting with Trumpet Voluntary and followed by It's A Long Way To Tipperary, the marching song of the Connaught Rangers, a famous British Army Irish Regiment of long ago.
The following is complied from press reports on 8 November 2015:
"The nation paid silent respect to the country's war dead today in a Remembrance Sunday service. Leading the nation in remembrance, as ever, was the Queen, who first laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in 1945 and has done so every year since, except on the four occasions when she was overseas.
Dressed in her customary all-black ensemble with a clutch of scarlet poppies pinned against her left shoulder, she stepped forward following the end of the two-minute silence marked by the sounding of Last Post by 10 Royal Marine buglers.
The Queen laid her wreath at the foot of the Sir Edwin Lutyens Portland stone monument to the Glorious Dead, then stood with her head momentarily bowed.
She was joined by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, who was invited to the Cenotaph for the first time to lay a wreath marking the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by British troops.
Watched by his wife Queen Maxima, who stood next to the Duchess of Cambridge in the Royal Box, the King laid a wreath marked with the simple message, 'In remembrance of the British men and women who gave their lives for our future.'
Wreaths were then laid by members of the Royal Family, all wearing military uniform: Prince Philip; then Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Prince William at the same time ; then Prince Edward, Princess Anne and the Duke of Kent at the same time.
Three members of the Royal Family laying wreaths at the same time was an innovation in 2015 designed to slightly reduce the amount of time of the ceremony and thereby reduce the time that the Queen had to be standing.
Prince Charles attended a remembrance service in New Zealand.
The Prime Minister then laid a wreath. The Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, appeared at the Cenotaph for the first time. He wore both a suit and a red poppy for the occasion.
His bow as he laid a wreath marked with the words 'let us resolve to create a world of peace' was imperceptible – and not enough for some critics. Yet unlike the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Battle service earlier this year, Mr Corbyn did join in with the singing of the national anthem.
Following the end of the official service at the Cenotaph, a mammoth column more than 10,000-strong (some 9,000 of whom were veterans) began marching along Whitehall, saluting the Cenotaph as they passed, Parliament Street, Great George Street, Horse Guards Road and back to Horse Guard Parade. The Duke of Cambridge took the salute from the column on Horse Guards Parade.
Time takes its inevitable toll on even the most stoic among us, and this year only a dozen World War Two veterans marched with the Spirit of Normandy Trust, a year after the Normandy Veterans' Association disbanded.
Within their ranks was 95-year-old former Sapper Don Sheppard of the Royal Engineers. Sheppard was of the eldest on parade and was pushed in his wheelchair by his 19-year-old grandson, Sam who, in between studying at Queen Mary University, volunteers with the Normandy veterans.
'It is because of my admiration for them,' he says. 'I see them as role models and just have the utmost respect for what they did.'
While some had blankets covering their legs against the grey November day, other veterans of more recent wars had only stumps to show for their service to this country during 13 long years of war in Afghanistan.
As well as that terrible toll of personal sacrifice, the collective losses – and triumphs - of some of the country’s most historic regiments were also honoured yesterday.
The Gurkha Brigade Association - marking 200 years of service in the British Army – marched to warm ripples of applause. The King’s Royal Hussars, represented yesterday by 126 veterans, this year also celebrate 300 years since the regiment was raised.
They were led by General Sir Richard Shirreff, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander of Nato and Colonel of the regiment who himself was marching for the first time.
'We are joined by a golden thread to all those generations who have gone before us,” he said. “We are who we are, because of those that have gone before us.' "
Cenotaph Ceremony & March Past - 8 November 2015
Summary of Contingents
Column Number of marchers
B (Lead) 1,754
C 1,298
D 1,312
E 1,497
F 1,325
A 1,551
Ex-Service Total 8,737
M (Non ex-Service) 1,621
Total 10,358
Column B
Marker Detachment Number
1 Reconnaissance Corps 18 Anniversary
2 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment Old Comrades Assoc 10
3 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery Association 60
4 Royal Artillery Association 18
5 Royal Engineers Association 37
6 Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal Association 65 Anniversary
7 Airborne Engineers Association 24
8 Royal Signals Association 48
9 Army Air Corps Association 42
10 Royal Army Service Corps & Royal Corps Transport Assoc 54
11 RAOC Association 18
12 Army Catering Corps Association 48
13 Royal Pioneer Corps Association 54 Anniversary
14 Royal Army Medical Corps Association 36
15 Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers Association 48
16 Royal Military Police Association 100
17 The RAEC and ETS Branch Association 12
18 Royal Army Pay Corps Regimental Association 36
19 Royal Army Veterinary Corps & Royal Army Dental Corps 18
20 Royal Army Physical Training Corps 24
21 Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps Assoc 48
22 Royal Scots Dragoon Guards 30
23 Royal Dragoon Guards 78
24 Queen's Royal Hussars (The Queen's Own & Royal Irish) 12
25 Kings Royal Hussars Regimental Association 126
26 16/5th Queen's Royal Lancers 36
27 17/21 Lancers 30
28 The Royal Lancers 24 New for 2015
29 JLR RAC Old Boys' Association 30
30 Association of Ammunition Technicians 24
31 Beachley Old Boys Association 36
32 Arborfield Old Boys Association 25
33 Gallipoli & Dardenelles International 24
34 Special Observers Association 24
35 The Parachute Squadron Royal Armoured Corps 24 New
36 Intelligence Corps Association 48
37 Women's Royal Army Corps Association 120
38 656 Squadron Association 24
39 Home Guard Association 9
40 British Resistance Movement (Coleshill Research Team) 12
41 British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association 48
42 British Ex-Services Wheelchair Sports Association 24
43 Royal Hospital Chelsea 30
44 Queen Alexandra's Hospital Home for Disabled Ex-Servicemen & Women 30
45 The Royal Star & Garter Homes 20
46 Combat Stress 48
Total 1,754
Column C
Marker Detachment Number
1 Royal Air Force Association 150
2 Royal Air Force Regiment Association 300
3 Royal Air Forces Ex-Prisoner's of War Association 20
4 Royal Observer Corps Association 75 Anniversary
5 National Service (Royal Air Force) Association 42
6 RAFLING Association 24
7 6 Squadron (Royal Air Force) Association 18
8 7 Squadron Association 25
9 8 Squadron Association 24
10 RAF Habbaniya Association 25
11 Royal Air Force & Defence Fire Services Association 30
12 Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Association 30
13 Units of the Far East Air Force 28 New
14 Royal Air Force Yatesbury Association 16
15 Royal Air Force Airfield Construction Branch Association 12
16 RAFSE(s) Assoc 45 New
17 Royal Air Force Movements and Mobile Air Movements Squadron Association (RAF MAMS) 24
18 Royal Air Force Masirah & Salalah Veterans Assoc 24 New
19 WAAF/WRAF/RAF(W) 25
19 Blenheim Society 18
20 Coastal Command & Maritime Air Association 24
21 Air Sea Rescue & Marine Craft Sections Club 15
22 Federation of RAF Apprentice & Boy Entrant Assocs 150
23 Royal Air Force Air Loadmasters Association 24
24 Royal Air Force Police Association 90
25 Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service Association 40
Total 1,298
Column D
Marker Detachment Number
1 Not Forgotten Association 54
2 Stoll 18
3 Ulster Defence Regiment 72
4 Army Dog Unit Northern Ireland Association 48
5 North Irish Horse & Irish Regiments Old Comrades Association 78
6 Northern Ireland Veterans' Association 40
7 Irish United Nations Veterans Association 12
8 ONET UK 10
9 St Helena Government UK 24
10 South Atlantic Medal Association 196
11 SSAFA 37
12 First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal's Volunteers Corps) 12
13 Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen & Women 48
14 British Nuclear Test Veterans Association 48
15 War Widows Association 132
16 Gurkha Brigade Association 160 Anniversary
17 British Gurkha Welfare Society 100 Anniversary
18 West Indian Association of Service Personnel 18
19 Trucial Oman Scouts Association 18
20 Bond Van Wapenbroeders 35
21 Polish Ex-Combatants Association in Great Britain 25
22 Stowarzyszenie Polskich Kombatantów Limited 18 New
23 Royal Hong Kong Regiment Association 12
24 Canadian Veterans Association 10
25 Hong Kong Ex-Servicemen's Association (UK Branch) 24
26 Hong Kong Military Service Corps 28
27 Foreign Legion Association 24
28 Undivided Indian Army Ex Servicemen Association 11 New
Total 1,312
Column E
Marker Detachment Number
1 Royal Marines Association 198
2 Royal Naval Association 150
3 Merchant Navy Association 130
4 Sea Harrier Association 24
5 Flower Class Corvette Association 18
6 HMS Andromeda Association 18
7 HMS Argonaut Association 30
8 HMS Bulwark, Albion & Centaur Association 25
9 HMS Cumberland Association 18
10 HMS Ganges Association 48
11 HMS Glasgow Association 30
12 HMS St Vincent Association 26
13 HMS Tiger Association 25
14 Algerines Association 20
15 Ton Class Association 24
16 Type 42 Association 48
17 Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service 36
18 Association of WRENS 90
19 Royal Fleet Auxiliary Association 10
20 Royal Naval Communications Association 30
21 Royal Naval Medical Branch Ratings & Sick Berth Staff Association 24
22 Royal Naval Benevolent Trust 18
23 Yangtze Incident Association 24
24 Special Boat Service Association 6
25 Submariners Association 30
26 Association of Royal Yachtsmen 30
27 Broadsword Association 36
28 Aircraft Handlers Association 36
29 Aircrewmans Association 40 Anniversary
30 Cloud Observers Association 10
31 The Fisgard Association 40
32 Fleet Air Arm Armourers Association 36
33 Fleet Air Arm Association 25
34 Fleet Air Arm Bucaneer Association 24
35 Fleet Air Arm Field Gun Association 24
36 Fleet Air Arm Junglie Association 18
37 Fleet Air Arm Officers Association 30
38 Fleet Air Arm Safety Equipment & Survival Association 24
39 Royal Navy School of Physical Training 24
Total 1,497
Column F
Marker Detachment Number
1 Blind Veterans UK 198
2 Far East Prisoners of War 18
3 Burma Star Association 40
4 Monte Cassino Society20
5 Queen's Bodyguard of The Yeoman of The Guard 18
6 Pen and Sword Club 15
7 TRBL Ex-Service Members 301
8 The Royal British Legion Poppy Factory 4
9 The Royal British Legion Scotland 24
10 Officers Association 5
11 Black and White Club 18
12 National Pigeon War Service 30
13 National Service Veterans Alliance 50
14 Gallantry Medallists League 46
15 National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association 98
16 National Gulf Veterans & Families Association 30
17 Fellowship of the Services 100
18 Memorable Order of Tin Hats 24
19 Suez Veterans Association 50
20 Aden Veterans Association 72
21 1st Army Association 36
22 Showmens' Guild of Great Britain 40
23 Special Forces Club 12
24 The Spirit of Normandy Trust 28
25 Italy Star Association, 1943-1945, 48
Total 1,325
Column A
Marker Detachment Number
1 1LI Association 36
2 Royal Green Jackets Association 198
3 Parachute Regimental Association 174
4 King's Own Scottish Borderers 60
5 Black Watch Association 45
6 Gordon Highlanders Association 60
7 Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Association 12
8 Queen's Own Highlanders Regimental Association 48
9 London Scottish Regimental Association 30
10 Grenadier Guards Association 48
11 Coldstream Guards Association 48
12 Scots Guards Association 48
13 Guards Parachute Association 36
14 4 Company Association (Parachute Regiment) 24
15 Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment 72
16 Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) Past & Present Association 30
17 Prince of Wales' Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) Regimental Association 24
18 Royal Hampshire Regiment Comrades Association 14
19 The Royal Hampshire Regimental Club 24 New for 2015
20 Royal Northumberland Fusiliers 48 New
21 Royal Sussex Regimental Association 12
22 Green Howards Association 24
23 Cheshire Regiment Association 24
24 Sherwood Foresters & Worcestershire Regiment 36
25 Mercian Regiment Association 30
26 Special Air Service Regimental Association 4
27 The King's Own Royal Border Regiment 100
28 The Staffordshire Regiment 48
29 Rifles Regimental Association 40
30 The Rifles & Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire & Wiltshire Regimental Association 30
31 Durham Light Infantry Association 60
32 King's Royal Rifle Corps Association 50
33 King's African Rifles 14 New for 2015
Total 1,551
Column M
Marker Detachment Number
1 Transport For London 48
2 Children of the Far East Prisoners of War 60
3 First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal's Volunteers Corps) 24
4 Munitions Workers Association18
5 Evacuees Reunion Association48
6 TOC H 20
7 Salvation Army 36
8 Naval Canteen Service & Expeditionary Force Institutes Association 12 Previously NAAFI
9 Royal Voluntary Service 24
10 Civil Defence Association 8
11 National Association of Retired Police Officers 36
12 Metropolitan Special Constabulary 36
13 London Ambulance Service NHS Trust 36
14 London Ambulance Service Retirement Association 18
15 St John Ambulance 36
16 British Red Cross 12
17 St Andrew's Ambulance Association 6
18 The Firefighters Memorial Trust 24
19 Royal Ulster Constabulary (GC) Association 36
20 Ulster Special Constabulary Association 30
21 Commonwealth War Graves Commission 12
22 Daniel's Trust 36
23 Civilians Representing Families 180
24 Royal Mail Group Ltd 24
25 Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 24
26 The Blue Cross 24
27 PDSA 24
28 HM Ships Glorious Ardent & ACASTA Association 24 Anniversary
29 Old Cryptians' Club 12
30 Fighting G Club 18 Anniversary
31 Malayan Volunteers Group 12
32 Gallipoli Association 18
33 Ministry of Defence 20
34 TRBL Non Ex-Service Members 117
35 TRBL Women's Section 20
36 Union Jack Club 12
37 Western Front Association 8
38 Shot at Dawn Pardons Campaign 18
39 Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes 24
40 National Association of Round Tables 24
41 Lions Club International 24
42 Rotary International 24
43 41 Club 6
44 Equity 12
45 Romany & Traveller Society 18
46 Sea Cadet Corps 30
47 Combined Cadet Force 30
48 Army Cadet Force 30
49 Air Training Corps 30
50 Scout Association 30
51 Girlguiding London & South East England 30
52 Boys Brigade 30
53 Girls Brigade England & Wales 30
54 Church Lads & Church Girls Brigade 30
55 Metropolitan Police Volunteer Police Cadets 18
56 St John Ambulance Cadets 18
57 YMCA 12
Total 1,621
Tim Frank (center), historian, Arlington National Cemetery; gives a tour to Mark Lancaster (right), minister for the armed forces, United Kingdom; and Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Parker (left), defense attaché and head of british defence staff, British Embassy; in section 46 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, March 16, 2018. Lancaster also laid a wreath at the gravesite of Sir John Dill, toured the Memorial Amphitheater Display Room, and watched the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as part of his visit to the cemetery. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)
U.S. and Portuguese airmen compete in the Defender Challenge May 30, 2014, at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal. The Portuguese air force held the challenge in celebration of the 59th anniversary of the Air Police Squadron. The challenge tested the airmen’s strength, endurance and ability to work together to accomplish tasks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Guido Melo/Released)
Military working dog teams from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) engage targets in an urban assault course during military working dog handler assessments on Fort Carson, Colorado, September 21, 2018. Military working dogs bring a critical non-lethal capability to special operations forces. Handlers are selected from within the units themselves and receive extensive additional training to master tasks before ever performing them with their canine partner. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Crail)
A Special Forces operator conducts close-quarter battle drills at the USASOC Csapabilities Exercise 2012 demonstration.
Idella stands straight where most stones have fallen, stiff-backed survival marking a life sunk short. She was dead on New Year's Day, 1876 – at the age of 1 year old. Sidney and Sarah Chute held their daughter for a calendar of months, every day on a circle around the sun, kept tight till a fatal farewell. Now I'm here, some 144 years later, though I can't say for sure just why. I'm here when no one goes to a cemetery, night falling and tripping over itself, getting down to darkness. It's still hot, and the bugs are anxious as I am, employing some kind of circling tactics around my skull. Now and then, they get brave and start dive-bombing, taking bits of skin and blood away with them. It's somehow restless and right to be standing here now, opposing forces of light and nature pushing against my presence. The harshness of death holds fast.
July 31, 2020
Loyalist Cemetery
Bear River, Nova Scotia
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Lithuanian Special Forces undergo timed range evaluations during a bilateral exercise with U.S. Special Forces, held in Kaunas, Lithuania, March 10, 2022.
A Lithuanian Special Forces member rapidly fires during a timed range evaluation as part of a bilateral exercise with U.S. Special Forces, held in Kaunas, Lithuania, March 10, 2022.
These joint range day evaluations are used to exchange tactics, enhance mission readiness and maintain advanced combat marksmanship skills while promoting a strong partnership with allied forces.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alisha Grezlik
Oriago, Venezia
Fotocamera: Canon EOS 650D
Esposizione: 2
Aperture: f/5
Lente: 10 mm
ISO: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
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Filters: B+W ND110
GPS Position: GPX Master + GPSPhotolinker
NOTE: MY photos are NOT to be used or reproduced, COPIED, BLOGGED, USED in any way shape or form. Understand clearly these are my photographs and use of them by anyone is an infringement of my copyrights and personal artistic property!
© All rights reserved. Use without permission is illegal
Special operation forces from Croatia conduct close quarter battle training to prepare for Exercise Combined Resolve II at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, May 15, 2014. The exercise is a U.S. Army Europe-directed multinational exercise at the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Areas, including more than 4,000 participants from 13 allied and partner countries including special operations forces from the U.S., Bulgaria and Croatia interoperability training during the exercise to promote security and stability among NATO and European partner nations. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Gertrud Zach/Released)
Police have joined forces with Tameside Council’s trading standards and licensing teams, Tameside Patrollers, Age UK and housing providers to combat doorstep crime.
In recent weeks a range of activities have taken place across the borough to raise awareness of the dangers of opening the door to cold callers, as there have been a number of incidents recently where offenders have tricked their way into homes and stolen property.
Thousands of residents have received crime prevention advice, and a mobile police station was located at Tesco in Hattersley and Ashton town centre where people could talk to representatives from all agencies involved.
Officers visited second hand outlets, scrap metal dealers and gold shops to check paper work and property being held, resulting in the recovery of mobile phones and bags of DVDs.
Some stolen metal was also recovered, which is now being investigated by British Transport Police.
In addition, checks were carried out on traders who did not have land lines or addresses displayed on their vehicles, and blue badges used by disabled people were also examined to ensure they were valid. One person was fined for using a badge belonging to a deceased person.
To help combat rogue traders, residents are advised not to sign up for products or services at the door, but to use a directory of approved local traders which can be found at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
One resident recently paid up front for work that was never carried out, and police and trading standards are now investigating the matter.
If people do decide to buy at the door, there are various steps they can take to protect themselves and their consumer rights.
These have been designed to help consumers stay in control when dealing with traders at the door, and to allow them breathing space to make informed and sensible decisions without feeling pressured.
Judith Hackney, crime reduction specialist for Tameside, said: “Sadly we continue to see cases of vulnerable and trusting people being targeted by conmen, and we are committed to tackling this crime by bringing offenders to justice and making people aware of how they can avoid becoming victims.
"Even groups of people who are generally trusted, like council and charity workers, should always be asked for proof of identity. Our advice is simple – if in doubt, keep them out."
Tameside Council Executive Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Catherine Piddington, said: “We would urge people not to deal with tradesmen who simply turn up at their home unannounced looking for work and always seek several quotes and references before allowing any work to start. Residents should also never hand money over for work before it has been checked to a standard the customer is happy with.”
Residents are urged to call police on 101 or the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline on 0845 404 0506 if they are concerned about the behaviour of a particular trader or traders.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or property or a crime in progress.
ADVICE TO RESIDENTS
•Keep all external doors locked and stop and think before you open the door. If possible, look out of the window or use a door viewer (spy-hole) to check whether you know the caller.
•If you have a door bar or chain, put it on before opening the door.
•Ask to see an identification card and check it carefully, but ensure you close the door on the caller while doing this.
•If you haven’t got a door bar or chain, ask the caller to push their identity card through the letterbox, then check the photograph corresponds to the caller.
•Call the company to verify the caller’s identity, but don’t rely on the number given to you as it may be fake. Look it up in the phone book or call directory enquiries.
•Do not open the door until you are happy with the caller's identity.
•If you still have any doubts, ask them to call back when either a family member, friend or neighbour can be present. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress and would be happy to call again.
•If you believe someone may be a bogus caller, try to note down a description of their appearance or the registration number of the vehicle they are using before contacting police.
•Do not deal with tradesmen you don't know on your doorstep. If you need work doing on your home, get several quotes and check out references. Never hand money over for work before it has been checked. If you are unable to check it yourself, ask a family member, friend or neighbour to do so.
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.
You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Lithuanian Special Forces undergo timed range evaluations during a bilateral exercise with U.S. Special Forces, held in Kaunas, Lithuania, March 10, 2022.
A Lithuanian Special Forces member rapidly fires during a timed range evaluation as part of a bilateral exercise with U.S. Special Forces, held in Kaunas, Lithuania, March 10, 2022.
These joint range day evaluations are used to exchange tactics, enhance mission readiness and maintain advanced combat marksmanship skills while promoting a strong partnership with allied forces.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alisha Grezlik
The force pool for Germany in the game Axis & Allies. In a seesaw battle between the two sides, the sheer size of the Allied economies led to their victory.
1st Special Commando Regiment in Lubliniec
The origin of the unit dates back to 1957, when the reconnaissance company, based in the barracks of 16th Assault Squadron, was founded in Krakow. Over the years, the unit changed its location (Dziwnów on Wolin Island) and the nature of organization (the company was transformed to the 1st Assault Battalion). In 1986, it was moved to Lubliniec in Upper Silesia. On 8 October, 1993 a Chief of General Headquarters of Polish Army issued a decree on the formation of a new unit: 1st Special Regiment. The unit reached operational readiness in 1994 and on 23rd November, 1995 the President, at the request of Minister of National Defense, has granted the new unit a banner.
The unit is a continuation of tradition of the following formations:
•1st Polish independent Special Battalion
•National Army Battalion PARASOL
•Independent Company COMMANDO
In addition, being a part of the Regiment, Noncommissioned Officer and Junior Special Operations Specialists School cultivates the heritage of the National Army Battalion ZOŚKA.
Today's 1st Special Commando Regiment from Lubliniec, directly subordinated to a Commander of Special Forces, is intended for conducting special operations in the country and beyond its borders in conditions of peace, crisis and war.
The regiment specializes in the following areas of activity:
1.Special reconnaissance;
2.Direct operations, especially subversive warfare;
3. Military support;
4.Unconventional actions.
1. PSK (1st Special Commando Regiment), took part in the following trainings involving soldiers from other countries - NATO members:
•07.1995 - taking part in "DWA ORŁY" exercise, (30 soldiers) along with 10th SFG company `C '- exercise area - Wędrzyn
•1998 - joint exercises under the code name " SZTYLET I i II” (250 soldiers)
•during April and August with groups 1 / 10 SFG, soldiers of 75th “Rangers” regiment, the GROM unit - exercise area - south western Poland;
•08.1999 - "ARTIST ULAN" exercise with 21st SAS regiment (300 soldiers) exercise area - Bieszczady, Kraków, Rudniki
•01.2000 - joint exercises of KGS (50 soldiers) with 10th SFG group – exercise area - Lubliniec
•01.2000 – participation of KGS (8 soldiers) in a training in mountains with the German 200th long distance recon company
•08.2000 - joint exercises of KGS (48 soldiers) with 10th SFG group, training area - Lubliniec
•04.2001 - joint exercises of KGS (50 soldiers) with 10th SFG group, training area - Lubliniec
•03.2002 - participation in an international training "Strong Resolve" (130 soldiers) - Słupsk;
•Autumn 2006 - international training "SHAMROCK KEY" - Lithuania
At present, the unit is in constant contact with 10th SFG of U.S. Army based in Germany, German 200th long distance recon company, Royal Noncommissioned Officer School from Netherlands and with soldiers from Multinational Corps in Szczecin.
1st Special Commando Regiment in Lubliniec
The origin of the unit dates back to 1957, when the reconnaissance company, based in the barracks of 16th Assault Squadron, was founded in Krakow. Over the years, the unit changed its location (Dziwnów on Wolin Island) and the nature of organization (the company was transformed to the 1st Assault Battalion). In 1986, it was moved to Lubliniec in Upper Silesia. On 8 October, 1993 a Chief of General Headquarters of Polish Army issued a decree on the formation of a new unit: 1st Special Regiment. The unit reached operational readiness in 1994 and on 23rd November, 1995 the President, at the request of Minister of National Defense, has granted the new unit a banner.
The unit is a continuation of tradition of the following formations:
•1st Polish independent Special Battalion
•National Army Battalion PARASOL
•Independent Company COMMANDO
In addition, being a part of the Regiment, Noncommissioned Officer and Junior Special Operations Specialists School cultivates the heritage of the National Army Battalion ZOŚKA.
Today's 1st Special Commando Regiment from Lubliniec, directly subordinated to a Commander of Special Forces, is intended for conducting special operations in the country and beyond its borders in conditions of peace, crisis and war.
The regiment specializes in the following areas of activity:
1.Special reconnaissance;
2.Direct operations, especially subversive warfare;
3. Military support;
4.Unconventional actions.
1. PSK (1st Special Commando Regiment), took part in the following trainings involving soldiers from other countries - NATO members:
•07.1995 - taking part in "DWA ORŁY" exercise, (30 soldiers) along with 10th SFG company `C '- exercise area - Wędrzyn
•1998 - joint exercises under the code name " SZTYLET I i II” (250 soldiers)
•during April and August with groups 1 / 10 SFG, soldiers of 75th “Rangers” regiment, the GROM unit - exercise area - south western Poland;
•08.1999 - "ARTIST ULAN" exercise with 21st SAS regiment (300 soldiers) exercise area - Bieszczady, Kraków, Rudniki
•01.2000 - joint exercises of KGS (50 soldiers) with 10th SFG group – exercise area - Lubliniec
•01.2000 – participation of KGS (8 soldiers) in a training in mountains with the German 200th long distance recon company
•08.2000 - joint exercises of KGS (48 soldiers) with 10th SFG group, training area - Lubliniec
•04.2001 - joint exercises of KGS (50 soldiers) with 10th SFG group, training area - Lubliniec
•03.2002 - participation in an international training "Strong Resolve" (130 soldiers) - Słupsk;
•Autumn 2006 - international training "SHAMROCK KEY" - Lithuania
At present, the unit is in constant contact with 10th SFG of U.S. Army based in Germany, German 200th long distance recon company, Royal Noncommissioned Officer School from Netherlands and with soldiers from Multinational Corps in Szczecin.
Iraqi Forces Battle ISIS Jihadists During an Ongoing Military Operation in the Al-Intisar Area of Eastern Mosul
Iraqi forces in the Al-Intisar area in eastern Mosul in an ongoing military operation against Islamic State (IS) group jihadists, on January 1, 2017..Iraqi forces have retaken more than 60 percent of eastern Mosul from the Islamic State group since the battle for the city began in mid-October.
Photos: Ahmad Al-Rubye
Members of the Iraqi Special Forces prepare to enter a training compound during a final air mobility operations exercise at Camp Taji, Iraq, Nov. 27, 2017. Camp Taji is one of four Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve building partner capacity locations dedicated to training partner forces and enhancing their effectiveness on the battlefield. CJTF-OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rachel Diehm)