Free Republic

I recently learned a valuable lesson about the ways in which we support our service people for fighting the battles that change the tides of war and, inevitably, history. Before departing for an extended business trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, my Dad -- a genealogist since his retirement -- suggested that I visit the gravesite of my maternal Great-Great-Great Grandfather, 1st Lieutenant Joseph R.D. Clendenning. I crammed into my briefcase a file containing documents about my ancestor. He was 115 years forgotten since the United States Army buried him in Pittsburgh on March 10, 1890. Distracted by the business at hand,...

Fury as famous regiments go into Hoon's melting potBy Michael Smith, Defence Correspondent(Filed: 16/07/2004) The Army is to undergo its most radical reform since the 1870s with all 19 famous-name infantry units amalgamated into multi-battalion regional regiments, it was disclosed yesterday. The move is likely to cause outrage among supporters of the single-battalion regiments, in particular those such as the Green Howards, the Highlanders and the Black Watch, which face the axe. Many believe that the generals have caved in to Geoff Hoon, the Defence Secretary, who has advocated similar plans since shortly after his appointment. But Gen Sir Mike...