Frontline Spring/Summer 2021

THE MAGAZINE OF ABF THE SOLDIERS’ CHARITY SPRING / SUMMER 2021

ISSUE 23

KOREA 70: REMEMBERING A FORGOTTEN CONFLICT SUPPORTING THE DEFENCE MEDICAL WELFARE SERVICE IN CONVERSATION WITH CLARE BALDING

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ISSUE 23

FRONTLINE

CONTENTS FEATURES KOREA 70: GEORGE’S STORY Aged just 19, George witnessed first-hand the brutality of the Korean War when he was shot 15 times in an ambush.

KOREA 70: REMEMBERING A FORGOTTEN CONFLICT Fought between 1950–1953, the Korean War is a forgotten war that helped shape the modern world.

SUPPORTING THE DEFENCE MEDICAL WELFARE SERVICE Our three-year project to support 5,500 members of the Army family in hospitals across Southern England.

PERSPECTIVES: CLARE BALDING Leading broadcaster Clare Balding on sports, the Armed Forces and the history of animals in war.

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REGULARS OUR IMPACT A snapshot of our ongoing support for the Army family.

NEWS The latest news and stories from the Army’s national charity.

NATIONAL EVENTS Phoenix Group becomes principal sponsor of the Virtual Lord Mayor’s Big Curry.

PARTNERSHIPS AND PHILANTHROPY Highlights from the Partnerships and Philanthropy team.

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LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL Our Armed Forces will never stop fighting for us.

With a gift in your Will, you’ll never stop fighting for them.

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WELCOME

THE MAGAZINE OF ABF THE SOLDIERS’ CHARITY SPRING / SUMMER 2021

ISSUE 23

KOREA 70: REMEMBERING A FORGOTTEN CONFLICT SUPPORTING THE DEFENCE MEDICAL WELFARE SERVICE IN CONVERSATION WITH CLARE BALDING

COVER IMAGE Korean War veteran George Brown, who shares his story on page 14 (credit: Em Fitzgerald).

FRONTLINE ISSUE 23 First published 2021.

© ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

While every effort is made to check the information in Frontline, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

EDITOR Lizzie Stephens

SPECIAL THANKS Clare Balding George and Anne Brown

DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION OneAgency.co

ABF THE SOLDIERS’ CHARITY 12 Elizabeth Street London SW1W 9RB T: 020 7901 8900 E: info@soldierscharity.org

WELCOME FROM THE CHIEF EX EC U TIVE I write this in my final six months as Chief Executive of this important charity. For nine years, I have proudly worked alongside our magnificent community of supporters, staff, volunteers and partners to undertake the charity’s work. The pandemic has revealed to me the strength of our community and the vital nature of the mission that drives us: ensuring lifelong support for soldiers, past and present, and their families.

2021 continues to prove another challenging year for our charity, but I am pleased to say that we are responding well to the current exceptional circumstances. Our Grants & Welfare office continues to operate as normal, awarding grants within 48 hours to individuals and families in crisis.

Last year, we spent £8.3m assisting 60,000 members of the Army family in 63 countries around the world. This represents a decrease on the previous year – driven by fewer individuals and organisations making applications for support. There are various factors at play, including organisations scaling back planned activity and individuals in crisis relying on enhanced government support. We are clear that this state of affairs is unlikely to continue indefinitely, and are taking steps to ensure we are prepared for a surge in demand as government support schemes come to an end and the full impact of the pandemic is felt in homes across the country.

The pandemic brings with it constantly changing regulations and guidance but our fundraisers continue to respond with great ingenuity. In this issue, you will read about former soldiers

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Edwin Towler and Mark Harding, who have found innovative ways to raise money for the Army family in need; and about the 2021 Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, which this year transformed into a three-month programme of virtual events and activities. You can also find out more about our Korea 70 commemorations, including the recollections of Korean War veteran George Brown, who lives in accommodation operated by our longstanding partner, Stoll.

Once again, I would like to emphasise how incredibly grateful I am to you, our wonderful supporters, for your ongoing commitment and generosity. With your help, we remain well-positioned to continue our work as the Army’s national charity – providing lifelong support to the Army family in need, now and for generations to come.

MAJOR GENERAL (RET’D) MARTIN RUTLEDGE CB OBE

OUR IMPACT

FRONTLINE

IMPACT In 1944, the Army Board envisaged a new, national charity to provide lifelong support to soldiers, former soldiers and their families. Almost 80 years later, we remain true to that founding purpose.

Here are some of the ways your support made a difference last year:

WE REACHED

60,000 MEMBERS OF THE ARMY FAMILY

We supported people in 63 COUNTRIES around the globe

We helped people between the ages of TWO AND 103

KUZIVA’S STORY Kuziva left the Royal Horse Artillery to pursue his passion for nursing. During his studies, Kuziva and his wife, who have two young sons, struggled to support their family on a minimal wage.

When his boiler broke, the family could not afford a replacement and Kuziva became desperately worried. We supported him with a grant for a boiler replacement to ensure his family could be kept safe and warm. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kuziva worked as an intensive care nurse, caring for critically ill patients. He says: “I saw some of the sickest COVID patients. Some managed to recover, but I saw the worst as well.

I continued in this role throughout the pandemic, working shift hours as well as undertaking further nursing training.”

Our support at this juncture meant Kuziva was able to continue focusing on his nursing training and care for the most vulnerable in our community, free from worry about his family’s wellbeing.

“ I WORKED IN INTENSIVE CARE, NURSING SOME OF THE SICKEST PATIENTS. SOME MANAGED TO RECOVER BUT I SAW THE WORST AS WELL.” 38% OF THE GRANTS we made to other charities benefited the serving Army

We funded 43 OTHER CHARITIES and organisations

KUZIVA

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OUR IMPACT

GLOBAL

SUPPORT

Thanks to our supporters, we are able to help the Army family all over the world.

The Army continues to recruit extensively from across the Commonwealth and many soldiers and their families later settle overseas, often in places where they have served. Last year, we reached 60,000 people in 63 countries through a combination of grants to individuals and other organisations. A significant proportion of our overseas work is delivered in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL), which assists veterans and their spouses in 48 countries across the Commonwealth.

Here are just some of the ways your support made a difference to soldiers, former soldiers and their families around the world.

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KEY Individual grants RCEL partnership Individual grants and RCEL partnership

How your support helped in:

How your support helped in:

How your support helped in:

ECUADOR

JAMAICA

GERMANY

We awarded a grant to a former soldier who needed to purchase a mobility scooter following major surgery to both knees.

We contributed to the cost of a new minibus for the Curphey Home in Jamaica, where several elderly veterans reside.

We helped a soldier’s former wife and their child to purchase furniture following a house move during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FRONTLINE

How your support helped in:

How your support helped in:

How your support helped in:

KENYA

AUSTRALIA

FIJI

We made a contribution towards care costs for an elderly veteran who had served the British Crown in Kenya.

We awarded a grant to a disabled veteran who was struggling to provide for his family after being made redundant.

We helped a Fijian veteran to rebuild his house after Tropical Cyclone Harold destroyed his family home.

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NEWS

THE LATEST NEWS AND STORIES FROM THE ARMY’S NATIONAL CHARITY

THE POWER OF SONG In March, members of the Military Wives Choirs spoke for our charity’s special podcast to mark the movement’s 10th anniversary.

Hosted by Harry Bucknall, the podcast charts the evolution of the Military Wives Choirs from its first rehearsal in Catterick Garrison to a global network of 72 choirs united through the power of song.

Founding members including Caroline Jopp and Nicky Clarke – whose speculative letter to TV choirmaster Gareth Malone sparked the group’s incredible journey – discuss how music has enabled them to cope with the ups and downs of military life, from the strain of family separation due to deployment, to the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast also features members of the Military WAGS Choir, Catterick Garrison and Chivenor Military Ladies Choir.

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FRIDAY NIGHT IN Clare Balding, John Simpson, Simon McCoy and General Lord Dannatt joined us for a jam-packed evening of virtual entertainment.

Nicky remarks: “It wasn’t about the glitz and the glamour – it was about the joy of bringing women together to sing and support one another.”

Friday Night In was the brainchild of our Scotland team, who struck upon the idea after numerous events were cancelled due to COVID-19. Supporters across the United Kingdom tuned in for the evening, which included an online auction, prize draw, music from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and exclusive interviews with figures from the worlds of sport, entertainment and the Armed Forces. All in all, our wonderful supporters raised over £25,000 for soldiers, former soldiers and their immediate families.

To listen, search Voices of the Military Wives Choirs on Audioboom, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Charles Dunphie, our Scotland Regional Director, said: “It was fascinating to hear from our various

FRONTLINE

HOME RUN FOR THE ARMY FAMILY In April, former soldier Edwin Towler took on an epic 76-mile run for the Army family.

Edwin set out to complete the challenge after finishing a 33-mile run from Blackpool to Burscough during the first lockdown. He initially believed he would “never again” attempt such a feat, but was inspired by the efforts of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore to take on an even bigger challenge.

On 2nd April, Edwin set off from Blackpool supported by a team of ex-service personnel from The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Over 60 scooters formed a guard of honour that escorted him on the first miles out of Blackpool, and he was met at the finish in Halifax by standard bearers and around 100 veterans. Edwin raised over £6,000 through his efforts – an incredible achievement.

Edwin said: “The reason I picked the charity is simple.

It looks after the broad spectrum of the Army family, from children to pensioners or someone who is finding it difficult to readjust to civilian life. I also love the mantra, ‘A hand up, not a hand out’, which resonates with most serving soldiers and veterans alike.”

celebrities on the evening, who were all extremely generous with their time.”

“ THE EVENT ALSO TURNED OUT TO BE A REALLY GOOD CHANCE TO COME TOGETHER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING THESE TOUGH TIMES.” CHARLES DUNPHIE

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NEWS

A ROYAL COMMENDATION

HRH The Duke of Kent recognises our ambassador Mark Harding for his virtual Atlantic row.

Our ambassador Mark Harding was serving with 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in Afghanistan when he was shot in the neck and left paralysed. With the support of the NHS and our charity, Mark spent ten long years recovering and learning how to walk again. To give something back during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark completed an epic 88-day virtual crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on his kayak machine at home. He raised over £3,000 and in March was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent for his incredible achievement.

Mark says: “It was a bit of a shock at first. It’s not every day you receive a certificate from HRH The Duke of Kent! I just wanted to do my bit and give back to The Soldiers’ Charity and the NHS while we all went through the first national lockdown.”

ONE YEAR OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT Across the country, our staff have put their charity vans to use supporting their local communities.

Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our small fleet of charity vans were used to transport equipment to and from our exciting events. During the national lockdown, many were given a new purpose supporting key workers, vulnerable members of the local community and those who were self-isolating.

In Nottingham, our Midlands Briefing and Liaison Officer Phil Childs has spent over a year working with the Helpful Bureau to deliver meals to elderly and disabled members of the public so they can stay safe and live independently at home. Well done to Phil for repurposing our charity van and dedicating time to help his local community.

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NEW MISSION FOR 2021!

THIS JULY TAKE ON ONE, TWO OR ALL THREE OF THESE EPIC ADVENTURES

CAIRO MISSION 30 MILES

LONDON MISSION 50 MILES

It’s July 1942 and the outcome of the war is balanced on a knife edge. The Germans are racing to secure sea routes from Europe to North Africa and General Rommel’s troops have been conspiring with local agents in Cairo. So now we need our own pair of boots on the ground – Yours. Temperatures will be treacherous, but we trust that you’re up to the challenge. Churchill wants you to report back to him directly, so get cracking.

It’s 1941 and the threat of invasion is higher than ever.

German spies could take down our telephone network at any moment, so we need your help to secure a new line of communication. Your mission is to test the 50-mile route from Bletchley Park to the Cabinet War Rooms in London. You must make contact with key agents to solve puzzles along the way.

Can you figure out the code and deliver the message to Winston Churchill before it’s too late?

It’s 1942 and the situation in France is at boiling point. The Nazi occupation has cut us off from our agents on the ground, so we need you to go behind enemy lines to make contact.

We cannot afford for our intelligence to be compromised, so you must move through the shadows and crack codes along the way to avoid detection.

This mission is not for the faint hearted. Your success is critical. Do you have what it takes?

How it works

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Operation Bletchley is a growing series of virtual codebreaking challenges that you can take part in anywhere in the world. There are three code levels to crack: Junior, Codebreaker or Cypher Expert.

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PARIS 100

MISSION MILES

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Link your fitness tracker to your fundraising page and start walking at your own pace.

Receive mission updates and codes to crack when distance milestones have been reached.

Solve the codes and use the answers to decipher the hidden message.

Complete the distance and deliver the final message before time runs out.

A rewarding experience...

■ FIRST DONATION

■ RAISE £50

■ RAISE £100

■ RAISE £150

■ RAISE £250

■ COMPLETE

Receive an OB pencil (Cairo, London or Paris) to start cracking those codes.

to receive your OB codebreaking puzzle book (Cairo, London or Paris).

to receive your OB Neck Buff (Cairo, London or Paris).

to receive your OB T-Shirt (Cairo, London or Paris).

to receive your OB commemorative pin badge (Cairo, London or Paris).

your mission to receive an OB: Cairo, London or Paris medal and certificate.

Registration £10 per mission. For more information and to register for this event visit soldierscharity.org/operationbletchley or email events events@ @ soldierscharity.org or scan this QR code > Registration open now. All missions must be completed between 1 – 31 July 2021

NEWS

SUPPORTING THE VACCINE RESPONSE In Lancashire, our North West Regional Director Philip Naylor has been supporting the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

As the UK began its vaccine rollout, our North West Regional Director Philip Naylor volunteered his time to marshal at his local vaccination centre. Philip joined the Clitheroe Rotary, an international organisation that assisted at the local health centre in the heart of Lancashire and recruited the help of over 140 volunteers from the community. The vaccination programme moved quickly to safeguard all care home residents and community members over the age of 85 from the virus. Huge thanks to Philip for helping keep his local community safe during the pandemic.

UNDER-10S KICK OFF IN SUPPORT OF ARMY FAMILY

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The under-10s Rugby League team at Castleford Lock Lane in West Yorkshire has a new look for the upcoming season.

Their coach, charity supporter and ex-REME soldier Stevie Lee, has

“ IT HAS GONE VERY SMOOTHLY AND THE ONLY LIMITING FACTOR WAS THE SUPPLY OF THE VACCINE.” PHILIP NAYLOR

chosen to feature our charity’s logo on their new shirts to raise awareness of our work for the Army family. Huge thanks to Stevie for his support and best of luck to the team for the new season.

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, look no further than our online shop!

We offer soldier and Army-themed gifts, toys, homeware, clothing and collectables, as well as charity branded merchandise, sportswear and accessories.

100% of profits support soldiers, past and present, and their families.

SHOP NOW AT: SOLDIERSCHARITYSHOP.ORG GET 10% OFF WITH CODE FRONTLINE10 OFFER ENDS 30TH SEPTEMBER 2021

FEATURE

KOREAN WAR 70:

G EOR GE’ S S TO RY George was just 19 when he experienced first-hand the brutality of the Korean War. Shot 15 times in an enemy ambush, he was medically discharged and now lives with his wife Anne in Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions.

Born in London in 1934, George lived through the Blitz during World War Two. Aged 18, he was called up for National Service with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

After six months of training, George was transferred to The King’s Regiment (Liverpool) and deployed to fight in Korea.

The five-week journey by ship to Korea made a deep impression of the teenaged George: “I got to know a lot of very nice people on that journey on HMS Asturias, most of them I had trained with as well. On the troop decks, two-person cabins were fitted with bunks to sleep six men, so we became very close over five weeks!”

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FRONTLINE

“ I GOT TO KNOW A LOT OF VERY NICE PEOPLE ON THAT JOURNEY ON HMS ASTURIAS, MOST OF THEM I HAD TRAINED WITH AS WELL. WE BECAME VERY CLOSE OVER FIVE WEEKS.” GEORGE BROWN

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FEATURE

“ THE FACILITIES HERE ARE THE BEST, ESPECIALLY WITH THE DOCTOR’S SURGERY ON SITE. THE COMMUNITY MEANS THAT YOU ARE PROTECTED AGAINST LONELINESS AND LOOKED AFTER AS YOU GET OLDER.” ANNE BROWN

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FRONTLINE

When George and his compatriots arrived, Britain had already been fighting the war in Korea for more than two years and almost 100,000 British troops had been deployed. George’s role involved conducting night patrols, but one shift would change his life forever.

and save his leg. He spent a few days there before being evacuated to Seoul, followed by a Commonwealth hospital in Japan. He spent eight months in a hospital bed before he was deemed fit enough to make the journey back to England.

George and three other soldiers from his platoon left the base on a standing patrol. When they were half a mile in front of their lines, they felt that something was not right.

They telephoned back to base, but as they awaited further orders they heard the enemy closing in around them. They began to withdraw but were met with heavy gunfire.

Aged only 19, George returned home to his parents to begin his long recovery. In London, he began working in a factory that manufactured concertinas. It was there that he met a young woman called Anne, who would become his wife.

George sustained serious injuries; 14 bullet wounds in his leg and one in his hand. He managed to use his arms to crawl across the paddy fields to evade the enemy and was eventually found by Peter, a fellow soldier he had shared a cabin with on HMS Asturias. George remembers Peter as “one of the bravest men I knew” and the man who saved his life. George was the only one of the men who left on that patrol to survive.

The United States military had just introduced its Mobile Army Surgical Hospital programme, better known as M.A.S.H., and George was first taken to one of these frontline hospitals, where medics were able to operate

Reflecting on his experiences during the Korean War, George notes how long it took for him to physically recover from his injuries. Almost 70 years later, he still relies on a walking stick and the support of Anne.

George is also now deaf in one ear, which he puts down to the heavy mortar bombardments in Korea.

In 2014, George and Anne moved into the Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions run by Stoll, one of many organisations we have provided substantial funding to over the years. The couple have a flat overlooking the estate’s gardens and are supported by the Stoll team, including their dedicated support worker Rachel who visits once a week.

AS ONE OF STOLL’S LONGSTANDING FUNDERS, WE ARE PROUD TO ENSURE THAT FORMER SOLDIERS LIKE GEORGE CAN ENJOY INDEPENDENCE AND DIGNITY LONG AFTER THEIR SERVICE HAS ENDED.

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FEATURE

Men of the Durham Light Infantry barter with Korean children on their way to the front (Imperial War Museum).

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FRONTLINE

KOREAN WAR 70: R EMEMBERING A FORG OTTEN WA R The Korean War (1950-1953) is a forgotten conflict that helped shape the modern world. As one of the first actions of the Cold War, it set the tone for decades of hostility between East and West.

THE DIVISION OF KOREA 1945

The origins of the Korean War lie in the Division of Korea, which took place at the end of World War Two. Korea had been a Japanese colony from 1910 to 1945, when it was liberated by Allied forces after the Japanese surrender. Due to concerns over ‘spheres of influence’, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed to divide Korea into two occupation zones: the communist Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the US-backed Republic of Korea (South Korea).

Due to Cold War tensions, the zones became two sovereign states, divided at the 38th Parallel, in 1948.

Although the US and the Soviet Union withdrew their troops in 1949, tension between the two nations continued to mount.

INVASION OF SOUTH KOREA JUNE 1950

On 25th June 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel into South Korea. Their aim was clear: to reunify the Korean Peninsula as a communist state. The newly-formed UN called on its members to protect South Korea, with US troops swiftly deployed.

They were joined by the troops of many nations, including Britain, Canada, Australia, India, Ethiopia, France and the Philippines.

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FEATURE

LANDINGS AT INCHON SEPTEMBER 1950

By August, North Korean forces had overrun vast swathes of South Korea, with UN forces retaining a small defensive perimeter in the country’s south east, near Busan. In September, UN Commander General MacArthur launched a daring amphibious landing at Inchon (now called Incheon), a port on South Korea’s western coast held by North Korea.

UN forces repelled the North Korean Army and rapidly advanced north across the 38th Parallel into North Korea, capturing the capital Pyongyang. By late November, they had come within 40 miles of the Chinese border. At this stage, the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army was deployed into North Korea to push the UN back into the south.

THE BATTLE OF THE IMJIN RIVER APRIL 1951

The Battle of the Imjin River was the bloodiest battle endured by the British Army since World War Two. On 22nd April, Chinese forces attacked the British 29th Brigade, which was supported by Belgian forces along the Imjin River.

Heavily outnumbered, troops of The First Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment held their position for three days before they were forced to withdraw amid heavy casualties. Numerous men were taken as Prisoners of War by the Chinese. The brave actions of British and Belgian troops gave UN forces the chance to retreat to a stronger position and block the Chinese advance on Seoul.

STALEMATE 1951-53

The Battle of the Imjin River marked the end of the mobile phase of the war, demonstrating that the Chinese and North Koreans did not have the capacity to defeat UN forces. The war entered a period of stalemate, with the UN undertaking a naval blockade and strategic bombing campaign against North Korea. US bombs, including napalm, incendiaries and explosives, devastated North Korea, killing countless civilians and destroying an estimated 85 percent of its buildings.

On 27th July 1953, an armistice was agreed between North and South Korea. While the armistice ended hostilities, no peace treaty was signed to re-establish relations until 2018, when the leaders of North and South Korea came together to sign the Panmunjom Declaration. This declaration committed the two countries to cooperate on officially ending the Korean War, heralding a new era of peace and reconciliation.

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FRONTLINE

LEGACY Top to bottom: Private Ron Pattison, 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, is greeted on his arrival in Korea by American Sergeant First Class Robert Tutt (IWM) • Private John Rudd of the First Battalion, Middlesex Regiment sitting at the roadside in a Korean village with his dog, which has been trained for guard duties (IWM) • A British soldier talks to Korean children (IWM).

The Korean War was the first battle of the Cold War era, marking the first in a series of conflicts that would be played out across the globe. In many ways it remains a forgotten conflict, overshadowed by the wars that preceded and followed it, but its impact is still felt by those who live with its legacy – from the soldiers who fought, to the Korean families who remain separated on either side of the 38th Parallel.

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FEATURE

SUPPORTING TH E D EFENCE MED ICA L WELFARE SERV ICE Supporting soldiers and veterans on their road to recovery was more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic when so many of them were prevented from seeing their loved ones.

Last year we awarded the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) a further grant of £200,000. This supports a network of welfare officers who work within 11 NHS Trusts providing practical and emotional support to patients in the Armed Forces community and their families.

Welfare officers are specialists in helping patients navigate the recovery pathway, which reduces the pressure on the NHS. With the welfare officer focused on unlocking the solutions that will enable independent living, clinicians are able to focus on providing the very best medical care. And by identifying

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the support needed when the patient returns home, the discharge process is made more efficient and unnecessary readmission is avoided.

So far, more than 5,500 members of the Armed Forces community have benefited from the service, with 75 percent of patients accessing the DMWS reporting an increase in wellbeing.

Susan was unable to visit her husband in hospital due to COVID-19 restrictions after he sustained a life-threatening head injury during a cycling holiday. An iPad was made available so Susan could see her husband after he woke from an induced coma. She was also assisted with accommodation near to the hospital and a DMWS welfare officer was provided to give her the emotional support she needed to reduce her isolation and anxiety.

FRONTLINE

Susan said: “Due to COVID-19, the wards were closed and I was not able to see my husband. Having someone visit him and then update me was so much easier than trying to contact the hospital; I felt like I had someone on my side.”

Throughout the pandemic, the DMWS has continued to assist new and existing patients from the Armed Forces community, adapting its service provision where possible to ensure that lonely and isolated people receive regular friendly contact. Our latest grant for the project takes our support to the DMWS to some £1.7m over the last four years: this was a project we initiated and were fortunate to obtain LIBOR funding for, in addition to using our own resources. We are now looking to broaden this project further to reach out to more potential beneficiaries in due course.

Paul Gaffney, CEO of the DMWS, says: “Working in partnership with ABF The Soldiers’ Charity has enabled the Defence Medical Welfare Service to optimise support to those that need it most. It is at extraordinary times like these that both organisations step forward and make a real difference on the ground.”

“ DUE TO COVID-19, THE WARDS WERE CLOSED AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO VISIT MY HUSBAND. HAVING SOMEONE VISIT HIM AND THEN UPDATE ME WAS SO MUCH EASIER THAN TRYING TO CONTACT THE HOSPITAL.” SUSAN

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EVENTS

NATIONAL EVENTS COVID-19 put the entire live events world on hold, but thanks to a lot of hard work and innovation from our wonderful supporters, partners and volunteers, we have continued to raise vital funds for soldiers, former soldiers and their families.

From cracking codes with World War Two spymasters to creating delicious curries at home with Cyrus Todiwala, virtual events for The Soldiers’ Charity have kept things interesting throughout the lockdowns and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds. Why not take part yourself over the next few months? You can find our extensive list of live and virtual events on our website soldierscharity.org/events.

In 2020, over 6,000 people tackled our Operation Bletchley codebreaking challenge, raising over £220,000 for the Army family.

Some of our Operation Bletchley agents in the field.

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FRONTLINE

PHOENIX GROUP BECOMES PRINCIPAL SPONSOR FOR THE VIRTUAL LORD MAYOR’S BIG CURRY 2021

PRUE LEITH

Image by Geoff Pugh

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch Committee entered 2021 unsure as to whether the annual Lunch would take place.

With restrictions set to continue for the foreseeable future, the Committee decided to transform the one-day event at London’s Guildhall into a ten-part programme of virtual activities and events, including authors’ conversations, masterclass wine and champagne tastings and curry cook-alongs, spanning over three months. This new format, which also included a 59-lot online auction and a 12-prize draw, represents the single largest change to the event since its inception in 2008.

CYRUS TODIWALA

Renowned chefs including Prue Leith and Cyrus Todiwala hosted a series of cookalongs, where they taught supporters to create delicious curries from the comfort of their own homes, with wine and ingredients delivered.

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SIR MICHAEL PALIN

Image by John Swannell

EVENTS

LEVISON WOOD

Our Authors’ Series featured ‘Travellers Tales’, a conversation between famed writer and comedian Sir Michael Palin and international explorer, Levison Wood.

In March 2021, the Committee was delighted to receive the news that Phoenix Group would be principal sponsor for the 2021 Virtual Lord Mayor’s Big Curry. The event has never before had a principal sponsor and this was thrilling news to receive, particularly given the challenging circumstances wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All money raised will support veterans’ employability and employment opportunities, with the aim of funding 18 veterans through King Edward VII’s Hospital’s Pain Management Programme, which helps veterans manage the debilitating impact of pain – and other organistions that help Armed Forces personnel ultimately find employment. We are most grateful to Phoenix Group for its generosity in helping make this a reality.

Claire Hawkins, Director of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at Phoenix Group, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting this year’s Lord Mayor’s Big Curry

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Lunch and to be helping the three national service charities to raise funds for the Pain Management Programme at King Edward VII’s Hospital’s Centre for Veterans’ Health.

“Phoenix Group’s purpose is to help people secure a life of possibilities and that’s exactly what the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch is all about, helping veterans manage their pain and return to work, so they have a life that is not limited, but full of potential. We always look to play an active role in our communities, in particular focusing on initiatives that support greater inclusion and social mobility.

“We have many former service personnel at Phoenix and a particularly active Armed Forces Network that is led by our employees. We see first-hand the diversity of thought and skills that former service personnel bring to our organisation, which is why we were particularly keen to support

FRONTLINE

“ WE’RE DELIGHTED TO BE SUPPORTING THIS YEAR’S LORD MAYOR’S BIG CURRY LUNCH AND TO BE HELPING NATIONAL SERVICE CHARITIES TO RAISE FUNDS.” CLAIRE HAWKINS Director of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations

the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch. We hope that all those taking part thoroughly enjoy this year’s virtual events and know they are contributing to a programme that really does change lives, harnesses skills and contributes to a diverse workforce and thriving community.”

Michael Hockney, Co-Chairman of the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, added: “The Lord Mayor and I are delighted that Phoenix Group agreed to be the principal sponsor of the 2021 Virtual Lord Mayor’s Big Curry. This has been a difficult year for the Committee, as it has been for everyone in this country and across the globe. The uncertainty we faced at the start of the new year regarding the shape and form of the 2021 event has been replaced with optimism

and a new sense of purpose as Phoenix Group, our other commercial and Livery Company sponsors and supporters have provided a level of support that is greater than ever before. The virtual programme of events and activities has been a great success and we have carried the message about the needs of veterans to many more people via our combined social media, postal and email publicity campaigns.”

Since its inception in 2008, the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch has raised more than £2 million for the three national service charities – supporting the Armed Forces community when in need.

Edouard Moueix led a virtual masterclass and guided tasting from his chateau in Bordeaux, encompassing the history, making and character of the wines of Moueix.

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FEATURE

PERSPECTIVES C LARE B A LDI NG Winner of a BAFTA Special Award for her coverage of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Clare Balding is one of Britain’s leading broadcasters. In this wide-ranging interview for our Friday Night In virtual event, she spoke to fellow broadcaster Simon McCoy on topics spanning sport, the Armed Forces and her new book, Heroic Animals.

Do you have any military connections in your family?

My grandfather and my great grandfather were in the Army, one was in the Scots Guards, one was in the Welsh Guards. I also had a boyfriend in the Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars so I was very aware of life in Army camps, whether it was Fallingbostel or Catterick Garrison.

You’ve got this mantra of ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’. It sounds almost military.

I’m certainly not afraid of hard work, and I’m not afraid of ambition either. I think a lot of women are conditioned to believe that ambition is something men can talk about, but women aren’t allowed to. I believe very strongly that all girls and women should be ambitious. I think we should be trying to achieve more, do more, try and do things that push us out of our comfort zone.

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FRONTLINE

Of course, the worlds of sport and the military are never far apart.

There is a strong connection between the Armed Forces and sport. There’s an understanding of the crucial role sport can play in giving people a sense of purpose, a sense of representing their country, a sense of risk-taking, all of which, I think, is very tightly connected to the Armed Forces and the Army specifically.

I think you did a programme where they looked at whether there was a future for horses in the Army?

In terms of teaching discipline, empathy and clarity of thought, I think horses are really useful. They’re terribly important for lots of mental health reasons, but they also teach you discipline – and a lack of pride. You can’t be arrogant around a horse.

While we’re on animals, let’s talk about dogs because there’s a strong link between dogs and the Army.

I was writing a book called Heroic Animals last year, and I was really touched by how cherished dogs are within the Army. If you think of the squalor of the trenches during World War One, having a dog or any animal – even rats were tended to – gave soldiers something different to focus on, and a sense not just of comfort, but of responsibility, and of being able to usefully look after something.

The Army really looks after its animals, which is another important aspect too.

Dogs are capable of so many things, and I think the Army has been aware of that for probably longer than everyone else, and absolutely honours them, protects them, cherishes them, and understands their value.

You can listen to the full interview on our General Talk podcast, available on Audioboom, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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PARTNERSHIPS

PART NERSH IPS AND PHI LANTHROPY We have a wide range of philanthropic supporters including companies, trusts and foundations as well as generous individuals. Their donations enable us to continue our vital work with the Army family, whenever they need us.

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO DONATES £126,000 IN SUPPORT OF THE ARMY FAMILY In November 2020, we were delighted to receive a generous grant of £126,000 from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, despite the unavoidable cancellation of the acclaimed show due to COVID-19.

This substantial contribution has been used to support the education and training needs of the Army family through our individual grants programme, as well as providing crucial support to our key delivery partners such as Combat Stress, which provides wide-ranging mental health support, and The Poppy Factory Scotland, which supports wounded, injured and sick veterans back into work.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s charitable purposes are at the heart of everything they do and we’re extremely proud to be one of several military charities that receive support each year.

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The latest donations bring their total charitable contributions to more than £12m since the event began in 1950. Our thanks go to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for their continued commitment to the Armed Forces community.

To find out more about The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, please visit edintattoo.co.uk.

FRONTLINE

CREATING TOMORROW’S ARMY TODAY WITH MAJOR GENERAL NEIL SEXTON With many businesses having to adapt their brands and communications following the COVID-19 pandemic, we brought together City and military professionals this March for our virtual event ‘Creating Tomorrow’s Army Today’.

Our keynote speaker, Major General Neil Sexton, addressed how the Army’s brand stays at the forefront of thinking and innovation.

As the Army’s Director of Engagement & Communications, General Sexton is responsible for communicating the Army’s purpose and key messages and is also a Trustee of our charity.

Following General Sexton’s talk, questions were taken from viewers. Topics covered brand reputation, communicating with multiple audiences and the benefits of Armed Forces networks. Our Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy, Kate Billingham Wilson, and our Director of Grants & Welfare, Barney Haugh, talked about our continued work throughout the pandemic and the importance of our own brand in ensuring that we are able to support the whole Army family.

MAJOR GENERAL NEIL SEXTON

KATE BILLINGHAM WILSON

The Influencers Network brings together former military and civilian professionals to celebrate good leadership. Guests connect with peers, share leadership skills and learn more about how companies can positively impact the lives of soldiers, former soldiers and their families.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to General Sexton and to all those who joined us for the evening.

To keep updated on our Influencers Network event series, please email influencersnetwork@ soldierscharity.org.

BARNEY HAUGH

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PARTNERSHIPS

CARS FOR CAUSES: GIVEACAR’S EXCELLENT SCHEME RAISES OVER £3,600 2020 saw our charity feature as one of Giveacar’s charities of the month, highlighting the work we do to help soldiers, former soldiers and their families.

GAME ON: MOHARISY STREAMS HIS WAY TO £1,542 IN SUPPORT OF THE ARMY FAMILY Gamer Moharisy donned his headset last October to stream Call of Duty: Warzone in aid of soldiers, former soldiers and their families in need. The 25-year-old former Army weapons engineer streams on his Facebook page most evenings and has built up a following of more than 20,000 through his live gaming.

The charity stream saw all donations go directly towards our work, raising a fantastic £1,542 and reaching over 4,000 views. With strong ties to our Army family, Moharisy is now looking to regularly game in aid of our work after the success of what was his first ever charity live stream.

Moharisy says: “I wanted to game for a cause that was close to me and a charity where I have witnessed their efforts first hand. During my time in the Army, I have seen fellow soldiers go through unfortunate circumstances, and The Soldiers’ Charity was always there providing vital support to them and their families in times of need. It was this level of support and commitment that made me decide to game for The Soldiers’ Charity and has allowed me to continue to be a part of the Army family even after my service.”

Our thanks go to Moharisy and all those who supported his efforts.

To game in aid of soldiers, former soldiers and their families, please email partnerships@soldierscharity.org.

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Giveacar is a non-profit social enterprise that can turn your old car into a charity donation. They arrange a free collection of your vehicle, then sell or scrap your car, giving the proceeds to the cause of your choice.

Through this excellent scheme, 16 individuals generously gifted their cars for our cause, resulting in a fantastic donation of £3,636. This made 2020 the most successful year in our 11-year partnership with Giveacar.

Matthew Farmer, Marketing Executive at Giveacar, said: “We are immensely proud to be celebrating our largest annual donation to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, after over a decade of working together.

We’re always heartened to hear of the life-changing grants the charity awards to the Army family in times of need, and will continue to provide a quick, easy and free way for individuals to support this work in 2021 and beyond.”

To gift your car for our cause, please visit giveacar.co.uk and select ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

FRONTLINE

NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME CONTINUES SUPPORT OF HORTICULTURAL WORK Despite the issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdowns, the National Garden Scheme was able to continue to support our horticultural work at the same level this year.

The National Garden Scheme’s donation of £80,000 has enabled us to support gardening classes for former soldiers to help their mental wellbeing and fund a veteran to re-train as a tree surgeon. Following the end of the second lockdown, the National Garden Scheme was able to open many of its gardens last summer.

We are exceptionally grateful to the Trustees for their continued support this year.

Pictured: Our partner HighGround providing their horticultural therapy service at Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall.

To find out more about the National Garden Scheme, please visit ngs.org.uk.

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LEGACIES

OUR ARMED FORCES WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING FOR US.

WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL, YOU’LL NEVER STOP FIGHTING FOR THEM.

FRONTLINE

Today, all over the world, our brave men and women in the Army face danger and violence with courage and determination. And while we don’t know what the future holds, one thing is certain: our Army will always be at the forefront in the fight for British values of freedom and justice.

A gift in your Will means veterans will always have the lifetime of support they may need following a lifetime of service.

It’s easy to include ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in your Will We all need a Will. But often people can put off writing theirs as they are worried it is too costly or complicated. At ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, we work with partners to provide a free Willwriting service to help you write or update your Will.

There’s no obligation to include a gift to us, but you are of course invited to do so. Our free Will-writing service will guide you through your options and help you decide how you wish to remember our brave soldiers. Alternatively, you can speak to your own solicitor. You will need to add our full name and registered charity number to your Will.

To find out more about how you can make this special gift, or about our free Will-writing service, email supportercare@soldierscharity.org or call us on 020 7901 8912.

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THANK YOU In recent months, the charity has said goodbye to several long-serving volunteers and members of staff.

to the wellbeing of soldiers, past and present, and their families and we wish him the very best for his retirement.

A special mention must go to Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, who retired in March after 11 years as Chief of Staff.

Robin has been a much-loved and inspirational figure at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and we are indebted to him for his invaluable, sustained and selfless service to the Army family, which followed a distinguished 32-year career in the Army.

Robin’s lifetime of service has made a significant contribution

We also say farewell and thank you to Colonel (Ret’d) Stamford Cartwright MBE TD for his loyal support and fundraising efforts over the past eight years as both a member and chairman of the Worcestershire Committee. This has been an amazing commitment to our charity and we wish him and his wife, Kate, all the very best wishes for the future.

CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE T. 0207 901 8912 E. supportercare@soldierscharity.org W. soldierscharity.org EAST ANGLIA T. 01206 817 105 E. eastanglia@soldierscharity.org

EAST MIDLANDS T. 01159 572 103 E. eastmidlands@soldierscharity.org

LONDON T. 020 3903 6030 E. london@soldierscharity.org NORTHERN IRELAND T. 02892 678 112 E. ni@soldierscharity.org

NORTH EAST T. 01748 874 127 E. northeast@soldierscharity.org

NORTH WEST T. 01772 260 356 E. northwest@ soldierscharity.org SCOTLAND T. 0131 310 5132 E. scotland@soldierscharity.org

SOUTH EAST T. 01276 412 673 T. 01276 412 603 E. southeast@soldierscharity.org

SOUTH WEST T. 01980 672 337 (Bulford office) T. 01392 496 412 (Exeter office) E. southwest@soldierscharity.org

WALES T. 02920 726 132 E. wales@soldierscharity.org

WEST MIDLANDS T. 01953 674 369 E. westmidlands@soldierscharity.org UNITED STATES The Soldiers Fund T. 001 617 435 2332 E. info@britishsoldiersfund.org

CHARITY DETAILS ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is an incorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales with Charity No.1146420, and in Scotland with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator with Scottish Charity Register No. SC039189.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609) and was incorporated on 2nd March 2012.

The Army’s National Charity