Clarkson - Operation Chariot

[c240yaz]

Just watched it there 9-10pm. Clarkson, what a presenter. He can turn his hand to any subject. And what an interesting refresher on that commando raid.

Anyone else see it ?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Yep, albeit whilst mopping the floor.

Fascinating stuff.

Stood beside the Falmouth monument (rock) - good to see what it was all about.

 

[glojo]

Full marks to Jeremy Clarkson and the way he presented a very serious, factual documentary.

I was impressed by the gentleman that stated how he was concerned that he might show his fear! Extremely brave people that confronted probable death and survived.

John

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

It's such a shame that the bravery of so many is so little celebrated.

I anticipated the opposite when one of the gentlemen said that he had no doubt that the youth of today would do it too if called upon. Good on him for saying it.

 

[glojo]

It's such a shame that the bravery of so many is so little celebrated.

I anticipated the opposite when one of the gentlemen said that he had no doubt that the youth of today would do it too if called upon. Good on him for saying it.

Agree totally,
It was a nice, and very humble thing to say, especially from such an elderly person.

John

 

[Frank O' Phile]

An incredible story.

Even the germans appladed them.

 

[Mudster]

I really like these programmes that he does. You can tell it's a personal passion of his to relate these stories and give credit to the men that truly deserve it.

The previous one He did, "The Victoria Cross: For Valour" was one of the most memorable programmes I've ever seen.

All those who have not watched it I urge you to.

Tonights story, although a repeat, was compelling viewing again particularly as My Grandfather was a Commando, who managed to survive the war.

 

[Dragon]

Just watched it there 9-10pm. Clarkson, what a presenter. He can turn his hand to any subject. And what an interesting refresher on that commando raid.

Anyone else see it ?

For those who don't know, he is a rat and it so happens this is the year of the rat. Micky Mouse

 

[glojo]

For those who don't know, he is a rat and it so happens this is the year of the rat. Micky Mouse

You might have your faults, but at least your consistant.

John

 

[crockers]

I anticipated the opposite when one of the gentlemen said that he had no doubt that the youth of today would do it too if called upon. Good on him for saying it.

Just look at the guys in Afganistan & Iraq.... all for £16,000 a year .......

 

[BTB 500]

I watched the programme when it was shown originally (although I already knew the story), but still watched again last night. Absorbing TV.

 

[glojo]

Just look at the guys in Afganistan & Iraq.... all for £16,000 a year .......

When I took the Queen's shilling, my pay went from £20 per week to 15/- or 75p per week, that was waaay back in 1963 and £20 was a whole lotta money. Riches to rags in one easy lesson.

I don't think anyone will join to make a fortune, but the memories, experiences and camaraderie we get from serving is beyond value. The modern soldier is just as brave, just as dedicated and they ALL deserve our respect.

Yours sincerely
John the wuss

 

[fyonn]

I have to say, I've seen other programs that clarkson has hosted and they've generally been very good. he shows his passion for the ubjects very well and can be very informative. I watched that show aftern top gear too and found it fascinating.

 

[andy27168]

Just look at the guys in Afganistan & Iraq.... all for £16,000 a year .......

Where did you get that figure from? If the Armies pay is anything like the Navies (supposed to be standard pay grades across all of the armed forces) I think that figure maybe slightly out of date, as the lowest of the low in the Navy is on £19-20k without sea pay.

 

[crockers]

Where did you get that figure from? If the Armies pay is anything like the Navies (supposed to be standard pay grades across all of the armed forces) I think that figure maybe slightly out of date, as the lowest of the low in the Navy is on £19-20k without sea pay.

Sorry I apologise I didn't realise that they got an extra £3000 ... oops

So for the grand sum of £19 - 20,000 they put their lives on the line...hmmm doesnt seem much any way you put it..

 

[crockers]

When I took the Queen's shilling, my pay went from £20 per week to 15/- or 75p per week, that was waaay back in 1963 and £20 was a whole lotta money. Riches to rags in one easy lesson.

I don't think anyone will join to make a fortune, but the memories, experiences and camaraderie we get from serving is beyond value. The modern soldier is just as brave, just as dedicated and they ALL deserve our respect.

Yours sincerely
John the wuss

They most certainly do have my respect.... BUT.. is it fair that they buy some of their own equipment, worry over whether their loved ones can manage financially at home. Have service accommodations being sold off so that there is little accommodation for them forcing them into the public sector. Being unable to afford to buy a home, When injured not having specialist military hospitals, having visitors being told not to wear uniforms so as not to "offend" other patients - all whilst getting their asses shot off..


END OF RANT....

 

[Satch]

Stood beside the Falmouth monument (rock) - good to see what it was all about.

So have I. Pity it is now in the middle of a poxy car park.

 

[glojo]

They most certainly do have my respect.... BUT.. is it fair that they buy some of their own equipment, worry over whether their loved ones can manage financially at home. Have service accommodations being sold off so that there is little accommodation for them forcing them into the public sector. Being unable to afford to buy a home, When injured not having specialist military hospitals, having visitors being told not to wear uniforms so as not to "offend" other patients - all whilst getting their asses shot off..


END OF RANT....

How times change. I have never known our military to have the best, or latest equipment and I don't suppose we ever will.

We now live in a compensation culture where some folks even believe the law states they must have compensation for the slightest injury. We are discussing a mission where a lot of very brave men died, plus an even bigger number were injured. Ask these brave individuals how much compensation they received!

I cannot and will not defend the closure of every military hospital but in the same breath we must be realistic. Plymouth was a large garrison city with all three services represented. There were large married quarters at all four corners of the city and the Naval dockyard was packed with warships. The RAF have left, numerous Naval sites have closed, and most of the Army regiments have disappeared. Is there a justifiable need for large military hospitals?? It is so, so wrong to put wounded or injured young service personell into a ward where folks will not enjoy the black humour, comraderie, and parctical jokes that are all part of service life, and all a part of recovery.

I believe it was Peterborough that caused the furore regarding the wearing of uniform and in my day the answer would have very quickly been remedied.

We should respect our service personnel and we should respect our flag and country

Regards
John

 

[crockers]

How times change. I have never known our military to have the best, or latest equipment and I don't suppose we ever will.

We now live in a compensation culture where some folks even believe the law states they must have compensation for the slightest injury. We are discussing a mission where a lot of very brave men died, plus an even bigger number were injured. Ask these brave individuals how much compensation they received!

I cannot and will not defend the closure of every military hospital but in the same breath we must be realistic. Plymouth was a large garrison city with all three services represented. There were large married quarters at all four corners of the city and the Naval dockyard was packed with warships. The RAF have left, numerous Naval sites have closed, and most of the Army regiments have disappeared. Is there a justifiable need for large military hospitals?? It is so, so wrong to put wounded or injured young service personell into a ward where folks will not enjoy the black humour, comraderie, and parctical jokes that are all part of service life, and all a part of recovery.

I believe it was Peterborough that caused the furore regarding the wearing of uniform and in my day the answer would have very quickly been remedied.

We should respect our service personnel and we should respect our flag and country

Regards
John

John

Where did I mention compensation?? All I said is that we should give our military better pay and conditions..

Look to the USA- soldiers there have special veterans hospitals, they are entitled when leaving the service ONE subsidised mortgage. They get money for education to re-train them (I'm not sure we offer this - but we may??)..

 

[glojo]

John

Where did I mention compensation?? All I said is that we should give our military better pay and conditions..

Look to the USA- soldiers there have special veterans hospitals, they are entitled when leaving the service ONE subsidised mortgage. They get money for education to re-train them (I'm not sure we offer this - but we may??)..

You certainly never mentioned compensation and the written word does not travel very well. Another member used the words I posted. I can see my mistake in using your quote, replying to it, but then generalising. You NEVER at no time mentioned compensation.

The US certainly takes FAR, far more pride in their veterans That is a term that is creeping into our vocabulary and not one I'm used to.

Times might well have changed but when I left we were entitled to 'vocational training' and from memory we had to serve something like a minimum of nine years but it would certainly NOT allow us to go into full time education for a university degree?

I have talked about military hospitals and I suppose we need to know the long term numbers of sick and injured service personnel before we can make a reasoned judgement.

Many, many years ago I had a motor-cycle accident in the wilds of Cornwall between Torpoint and Saltash. As soon as the doctors realised I was in the services they stopped treating me and told me I had to make my way to the Royal Naval Hospital at Stonehouse in Plymouth!! They suspected I had two broken thumbs (which were blooming painful) but all they were going to do was first aid!! How times have changed

I have no opinion regarding the pay and conditions of our service personnel so cannot comment, but if they are under paid and under valued then they will very quickly get disillusioned and leave.

Regards
John