Injured toll doubles in a year
Nearly 1,000 Service personnel have been wounded in action in Afghanistan, the latest casualty figures have disclosed. The latest figures that cover upto the 15th October. The figures show that up to October 15, 386 Service personnel had been wounded in action, taking the toll of injured since 2001 to 940. All but ten have occurred since 2006.
According to the Ministry of Defence figures, more than four members of the Armed Forces are being wounded for every death. In 2006, 85 were wounded and 234 the following year. In 2008, 235 were injured. The numbers who have been “very seriously” or “seriously” wounded have also increased sharply.
In 2006, the first year of combat with the Taleban in Helmand, 31 Service personnel received injuries in these two categories. In 2007 the total rose to 63 and in 2008 it was 65. This year the number has doubled to 121.
The MoD said that the figures reflected the “torrid summer” faced by troops in Helmand, with the Taleban laying improvised explosive devices.
All the seriously wounded are flown to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at Selly Oak in Birmingham. Defence sources said that there were contingency plans for taking seriously wounded servicemen to other hospitals in the area, but at present the Selly Oak hospital could cope with the influx of injured.
Those who have lost limbs or suffered permanent brain damage are cared for at the MoD’s rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, near Dorking, Surrey.
We shall continue to raise public awareness on these often hiden figures.
The Selfless Infantier
Below is another poem that has been sent to us by Mark Christmas, it is about the day of Richards funeral.
‘The Selfless Infantier’
Tolling noon on an August Day
the cast dome struck forth, a call
for a gathering of grief. Summoning a
silence which was heard throughout
the land as time ceased it’s meaning.
A patriotic symbol draped the
final carriage as comrades held
him aloft in a dutiful acknowledgement
of his sacrifice. Old warriors lowered
fluttering standards in salutation.
Homogeneous bearers worked in unison.
The sharpness of hobnails in time
as the choir gave voice to the ‘Men
of Harlech’, from then to now. The
stone floor eased the salt from drying tears,
And if salt were still currency, today was
paid for, ten fold. The procession halted
in front of the altar, a place for all
occasions, though today was a premature
gathering, for the warrior.
Brothers and friends stood and evoked
stories of him, his quintessence filled
the air, a reverberation of
solemnity echoed the silence. Minds
held memories of his; ‘Amazing Character’,
He was dependable, loyal and wise,
a bright enthusiastic youth. Adjectives
of one that had passed scribed for time
on the pathways which he trod
with each of those, gathered today.
Each person had a dedication for him;
the young man, whose shyness masked
the bravado. The Selfless Infantier’.
‘Masel tov’, was hailed to send him
on the path of the wandering soldier.
Today, a small border town felt the
pain of war waged a life time away.
Today people joined in the celebration
of a life but the mourning caressed
the very souls of all fellow countrymen.
When the families and media had
finally laid you to rest, I took
a repose, I sat with you and
drew the scent from the cream and
violet swathe, now laid over you.
Pride was felt in equidistance, snipers
had paid homage, Great Aunt Muriel
harboured her feelings but acknowledged
them to you. You were the focus, a milestone
though one that should never have been reached.
Your physicality now placed in view of
Ty’r Pwll while the pool falls still in your
tribute. The schoolyard no longer echoes with
your joyful cries and sound of running
feet. Today reflection is the order.
This final journey which started
in the distant, dusty, sun scorched land
has ended in the fertile, brown earth
of your homeland. We salute you
‘Welsh Warrior’.
Cliché suggests; ‘Only the good, die
young’ and ‘fame comes after one’s
death’. However, the World is a poorer place
as you meet both these criteria Richard.
Rest in Peace, Brave Soldier.
For Private Richard Hunt
200th Casualty of the War in