๐ฌ๐ง 20 years ago today. A day I'll never forget.
27th October 2006. Iraq.
I was in the same wagon as Lieutenant Tom Tanswell when we were involved in an accident near Basra.
I still remember waking up in the back of a Danish ambulance. The panic of not being able to feel my legs, not really knowing where I was or what had happened.
The first thing I was told was that Tom had been killed and that I'd been involved in an accident.
I was asked if I could remember what had happened. At the time, I couldn't.
Strangely, later on I could vividly remember those final few seconds before the accident. The shouts inside the wagon, the sudden movement, my head being hurled across to the other side of the wagon, and then nothing. Completely knocked out.
The next thing I knew, I was in that ambulance.
My helmet and body armour had been smashed, and I'd somehow ended up around 100 metres from the wagon.
Then came the hospital, the uncertainty and trying to piece everything together.
Word travels quickly in the Army, especially when something serious happens. Colleagues hear there's been an incident, people start worrying, and often nobody knows exactly who's been involved or who has been killed until later.
I remember having to make that phone call home to my mom. Trying to explain what had happened, that I'd been injured, but that I was going to be alright. It's not a phone call any parent wants to receive.
Looking back, I was incredibly lucky. I survived with a few scars and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Sadly, Tom never got that chance.
He was just 27 years old, with his whole life ahead of him.
It's strange reflecting on something like this 20 years later. Life carries on. We get older, have families, watch our children grow up and experience all the things life has to offer.
But for Tom, time stopped that day.
And that's something I often think about when remembering those who never made it home.
Behind every name is a life that should have continued. A family who never got to see them grow older. Friends who still remember them. Birthdays, Christmases, milestones and memories that were never to be.
I was fortunate enough to come home and carry on with my life. Tom's family never got that same opportunity with him.
Twenty years have passed, but I haven't forgotten that day, and I certainly haven't forgotten Tom.
Today, my thoughts are with him, his family and everyone who knew and served alongside him.
Lieutenant Tom Tanswell
12 Regiment Royal Artillery
27th October 2006 โ Aged 27
Rest easy, Tom. See you at the Reorg, mate.
๐น We will remember you. โ at Northop Hall, Wales
๐ฌ๐ง๐บ SIX SMALL STAMPS. ONE POWERFUL MESSAGE. THEIR SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. ๐บ๐ฌ๐ง
Royal Mail has unveiled six stunning new stamps, and behind every design is a story of courage, sacrifice and remembrance.
These aren't just stamps. They're miniature tributes to the men and women who served our country, fought for our freedom and, in so many cases, never returned home. ๐ฌ๐ง
From the trenches of the First World War to the battlefields of the Second, and the generations who have served in conflicts since, this collection carries a message that must never fade.
๐บ What makes these stamps even more special?
The artwork was created by Matthew Cook, a military veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Someone who understands the meaning of service, sacrifice and remembrance firsthand.
๐ฎ The six First Class stamps will be released on 11 November 2026, Armistice Day.
A beautiful and fitting tribute from Royal Mail, ensuring that the stories of those who served continue to be remembered and passed on to future generations.
โค๏ธ Because remembrance isn't just about looking back. It's about making sure we never forget.
๐ฌ๐ง WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. ๐ฌ๐ง
๐บ LEST WE FORGET. ๐บ โ at Streetly, England
๐ฌ๐ง LEST WE FORGET. ๐น
They left behind families, dreams and futures they would never see.
Some never came home. Others came home forever changed.
Different generations. Different battles. One shared sacrifice.
We live the tomorrows that so many never had.
Remember them. Honour them. Never forget them.
๐น WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. ๐ฌ๐ง โ at Essington, England
๐ฌ๐ง VETERANS REFUSED ENTRY FOR WEARING A REMEMBRANCE POPPY?! ๐ฌ๐ง
Seriously, what is this country coming to?
Reports emerging from a Wetherspoon pub in Gosport claim that customers wearing Remembrance Poppies were refused entry.
The reason allegedly given by management?
โCompany policyโ โ because a poppy could be considered POLITICAL!
If true, this is an absolute disgrace.
The red poppy is a symbol of REMEMBRANCE, SACRIFICE AND RESPECT for those who gave their lives in service to our country.
It is NOT a political statement.
Wetherspoon needs to clarify exactly what happened and whether these comments were genuinely made by its management.
๐ฌ๐ง Since when did remembering our fallen become political?
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. ๐น โ at Clayhanger, England
VETERANS wearing a Poppy are BANNED from from Wetherspoons
WOW. Manager of Gosport Wetherspoons states itโs โCompany policyโ to not allow anyone in with a Remembrance Poppy on as it โcould be politicalโ
I canโt believe what I just heard from our nations biggest pub chain.
Veterans wearing a poppy are banned from Wetherspoons.
1,000 DAY WAR WARNING. ELECTION DUE. ONE STRANGE COINCIDENCE. ๐ฌ๐ง
Britain is being warned to prepare for the possibility of war within the next few years.
Now consider the timingโฆ
๐
21 JULY 2029 โ Exactly 1,000 days from 25 October 2026.
๐
15 AUGUST 2029 โ The deadline for the next UK General Election.
JUST 25 DAYS APART.
Here's where history becomes particularly interesting.
๐ฌ๐ง WORLD WAR ONE: General Elections were postponed.
๐ฌ๐ง WORLD WAR TWO: General Elections were postponed again.
In both cases, Parliament passed legislation extending its own lifespan.
And here's the part woth understandingโฆ
THE SAME CONSTITUTIONAL POSSIBILITY EXISTS TODAY.
Labour holds a substantial Commons majority.
Should Britain become involved in a prolonged war, Parliament could potentially extend its term through new legislation, with the agreement of both Houses.
That could allow the current Government to remain in office beyond the scheduled election deadline, potentially for the duration of a conflict if Parliament repeatedly authorised extensions.
A 1000 day war warning. An approaching election. A historical precedent for postponement.
None of this proves that anything is being orchestrated.
But the potential political consequences are significant.
Sometimes the most important part of a warning isn't just what might happen. It's what could happen afterwards.
History is worth remembering. Especially when it could repeat itself.
๐ฌ๐ง Flying proudly at our home. ๐ฌ๐ง
A simple reminder of those who gave their lives so we could live ours.
๐บ Lest We Forget. ๐บ โ at Clayhanger, England
๐ฌ๐ง 72-HOUR EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS COMPLETE! ๐ป๐
The Government says we should be prepared to survive for 72 hours without electricity.
โ
Beer stocked
โ
Wine stocked
โ
Crisps and snacks sorted
โ
Candles and torches ready
โ
Wind-up radio for the tunes
โ
Enough alcohol to forget there's even an emergency!
Only problem isโฆ if the power comes back on after 24 hours, I'm going to be absolutely devastated! ๐คฃ๐บ
Stay safe, Britain. Prepare responsiblyโฆ and remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint! ๐ฌ๐ง๐
#72Hours #EmergencyPreparedness #BritishHumour โ at Birmingham, England
Heartbreaking.
We will never forget you Rhiannon. โ at Aldridge, England
๐น ONE RED POPPY. TO REMEMBER THEM ALL. ๐ฌ๐ง
Regardless of where they came from, who they were, what they believed or which uniform they wore.
Every life mattered. Every sacrifice deserves remembrance.
From those who never came home to those who returned carrying the scars of war, and the families who sacrificed alongside them.
The red poppy remembers them all.
It does not discriminate. It does not divide. It unites us in remembrance.
Different faces. Different faiths. Different generations.
One shared sacrifice. One symbol of remembrance.
๐น ONE RED POPPY. TO REMEMBER THEM ALL.
๐ฌ๐ง WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. ๐ฌ๐ง
#Remembrance #RedPoppy #LestWeForget โ at Aldridge, England
๐ฌ๐ง๐น SEE YOU AT THE REORG, MATE. ๐น๐ฌ๐ง
Four words that mean so much to those who have worn the uniform.
In the military, a reorg is where we regroup, reorganise and prepare to move forward together.
But amongst soldiers and veterans, "See you at the reorg" carries a much deeper meaning.
It's our way of saying goodbye, without it ever really being goodbye.
A promise that one day, somewhere beyond this life, we'll meet again.
The mates we lost in battle.
The brothers and sisters who never came home.
The veterans who fought their battles long after taking off the uniform.
One final reorg. No ranks. No regiments. No wars left to fight. Just old friends reunited.
And while families are left behind with broken hearts, we hope those who have gone before are waiting with open arms.
Perhaps with a familiar smile and those simple words...
"About time you got here, mate. We've been waiting for you." โค๏ธ
Until that day, we remember them. We speak their names. We keep their memories alive.
๐น To every soldier, sailor, aviator and veteran who has gone before us...
๐ฌ๐ง Stand easy, mate. We'll see you at the reorg. ๐ฌ๐ง
#SeeYouAtTheReorg #Remembrance #LestWeForget โ at Aldridge, England
๐จ 72 HOURS. WOULD YOUR FAMILY BE PREPARED? ๐ฌ๐ง
The UK Government is encouraging households to be prepared for at least three days in the event of a major emergency or disruption.
But here's a serious question...
Could your family cope for 72 hours without electricity, running water, internet access or access to the shops?
โ ๏ธ Here are some essentials worth having at home:
๐ง Drinking water โ Around 3 litres per person, per day, for drinking and basic food preparation.
๐ฅซ Food supplies โ At least three days of tinned food, long-life products and items that don't need refrigeration.
๐ฅ Portable camping stove โ A suitable gas cooker and spare fuel canisters for preparing hot meals or boiling water. Never use camping stoves indoors.
๐ฆ Torches and batteries โ Don't rely entirely on your phone.
๐ Power banks โ Keep them charged for emergencies.
๐ป Battery-powered or wind-up radio โ For important updates if mobile networks fail.
๐ Medication and first aid โ Essential prescriptions and medical supplies.
๐ท Emergency cash โ In case ATMs and card payment systems go down.
๐งป Hygiene supplies โ Toilet roll, wet wipes, hand sanitiser and other essentials.
๐ถ Children and pets โ Baby formula, nappies, pet food and anything else your family needs.
๐๏ธ Warm clothing and blankets โ Particularly important during winter power cuts.
๐ Important documents and contacts โ Keep essential information accessible without relying on the internet. Seal in a waterproof bag ready to go.
BUT HERE'S WHAT I FIND INTERESTING...
Why are governments placing increasing emphasis on emergency preparedness?
Is this simply sensible planning for an unpredictable world, or does it reflect growing concerns about national security, infrastructure, cyberattacks and the possibility of major disruption?
I'm not suggesting the Government knows something is about to happen. But it's certainly worth paying attention when households are being encouraged to prepare.
Preparedness isn't panic. It's common sense.
You don't need to panic-buy or spend a fortune. Pick up a few extra essentials during your normal weekly shop and build up a small emergency supply.
And remember to check on elderly neighbours, vulnerable people and anyone who might struggle during an emergency.
๐ Share this with friends and family. Being prepared today could make all the difference tomorrow.
๐ Official UK Government emergency preparedness advice:
beready.campaign.gov.uk/be-rโฆ
๐ฌ๐ง THEY STILL STAND BESIDE US. ๐ฌ๐ง
Generations of brave men and women gave their lives so that future generations could live theirs.
Every child playing freely. Every family living in peace. Every tomorrow we take for granted.
Behind the freedoms we enjoy today are the sacrifices of those who never came home.
They may be gone, but their legacy lives on in every generation.
๐น The red poppy remembers them all. Regardless of rank, service or generation.
They gave their tomorrows for ours.
๐ฌ๐ง We will remember them. Always. ๐ฌ๐ง
#LestWeForget #Remembrance #WeWillRememberThem โ at Clayhanger, England
๐ค Made with AI
๐น FOR ALL THOSE WHO NEVER CAME HOME ๐น
They were sons and daughters. Mothers and fathers. Husbands, wives, brothers, sisters and friends.
Ordinary people who made extraordinary sacrifices.
They left behind loved ones, unfinished dreams and futures they would never see.
Some were barely adults. Others had families waiting for them.
They never grew old.
They never came home.
They never got to live the lives we take for granted.
From the fields of Flanders to the mountains of Afghanistan, from the trenches of the Somme to conflicts across the world, their sacrifices must never be forgotten.
๐น The red poppy remembers them all.
Regardless of rank, regiment, service, nationality, background or status.
From the youngest private to the most senior officer. From those who fell on the battlefield to those who returned carrying the scars of war.
Every life mattered. Every sacrifice deserves remembrance.
Behind every name on a memorial is a story. A family. A future that was changed forever.
The red poppy reminds us not of the glory of war, but of its terrible human cost.
They gave their tomorrows so we could have ours.
We owe them more than a moment of silence.
We owe them remembrance. Always.
๐ฌ๐ง WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. ๐ฌ๐ง
๐น LEST WE FORGET.๐น
#Remembrance #RedPoppy #LestWeForget #WeWillRememberThem โ at Willenhall, England
๐ค Made with AI
๐ฌ๐ง THE POPPY IS RED. END OF. ๐ฌ๐ง
It grew on battlefields soaked in the blood of our fallen.
It represents sacrifice, courage and remembrance. It raises vital funds for veterans and their families through the Royal British Legion.
It is NOT a political statement.
It is NOT a platform for the latest cause.
And it does NOT need redesigning to suit anyone's agenda.
White, purple, black, rainbow or political flags, whatever the cause, leave the red poppy alone.
There are 364 other days to promote your causes.
Remembrance belongs to the fallen. Not to politics.
๐น KEEP THE POPPY RED.
๐ฌ๐ง WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. ๐ฌ๐ง
#Remembrance #LestWeForget โ at Clayhanger, England
๐ค Made with AI
๐จ๐ฌ๐ง PARENTS, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE.... 20th NOVEMBER 2026! ๐ฌ๐ง
Organised student and youth protests are being advertised across several UK cities on Friday 20 November, including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Cardiff, Leicester and Cheltenham.
Following the disturbing scenes of unrest we've witnessed in parts of Europe, the last thing Britain needs is violence, vandalism and disorder spreading onto our streets.
This is not simply a spontaneous gathering of students asking for better resources. The advertised demonstrations form part of a coordinated international anti-war campaign.
Everyone has the right to peaceful protest. But that right does not extend to intimidating the public, attacking police officers, damaging businesses or destroying the communities we all share.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง PARENTS... KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE.
Talk to them. Understand what they are being encouraged to attend, particularly through social media. Make sure they understand the consequences if a peaceful demonstration turns violent.
Young people have every right to express their opinions, but they also have responsibilities. Being passionate about a cause is no excuse for criminal behaviour.
โ ๏ธ TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC: If you are travelling into any of the advertised locations, stay informed, plan ahead and avoid any developing disorder.
And to anyone considering going out to confront protesters or take matters into their own hands, please don't.
We cannot condemn street violence while risking further confrontation ourselves. Let the police deal with criminality. We know who will get the blame should troubles escalate.
Britain belongs to everyone who calls it home. With that comes a shared responsibility to respect our laws, our communities and one another.
Peaceful protest is a democratic right. Rioting is not.
Let's make sure 20th November remains peaceful.
Please share so parents and communities are aware.
#UKNews #ParentsAwareness #PublicSafety #20November โ at Clayhanger, England
โค๏ธ RIANNON WHYTE. A LIFE STOLEN, A FAMILY LEFT HEARTBROKEN. โค๏ธ
Two years ago today, on 20 October 2024, 27-year-old Rhiannon Whyte was brutally attacked while making her way home from work.
Three days later, she lost her life.
She was simply going home. Somewhere every one of us should feel safe.
A young woman with dreams, a future, a family who loved her and a little boy who deserved to grow up with his mum.
Instead, a family was left devastated, a child without his mother and a community struggling to understand such senseless violence.
No mother should have to bury her daughter. No child should have to grow up without their mum because of another person's horrific actions.
Behind the headlines, the arguments and the politics, there was a real person. A young woman whose life mattered.
We must never become so accustomed to stories like this that we forget the human lives behind them.
Today, my thoughts are with Rhiannon's mum, her little boy, her family and everyone who loved her.
โค๏ธ Rest in peace, Rhiannon Whyte.
You deserved to make it home. You deserved to grow old. You deserved so much more.
๐ฌ๐ง We will not forget you. โค๏ธ
๐จ๐ฌ๐ง PARENTS, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE.... 20th NOVEMBER 2026! ๐ฌ๐ง
Organised student and youth protests are being advertised across several UK cities on Friday 20 November, including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Cardiff, Leicester and Cheltenham.
Following the disturbing scenes of unrest we've witnessed in parts of Europe, the last thing Britain needs is violence, vandalism and disorder spreading onto our streets.
This is not simply a spontaneous gathering of students asking for better resources. The advertised demonstrations form part of a coordinated international anti-war campaign.
Everyone has the right to peaceful protest. But that right does not extend to intimidating the public, attacking police officers, damaging businesses or destroying the communities we all share.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง PARENTS... KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE.
Talk to them. Understand what they are being encouraged to attend, particularly through social media. Make sure they understand the consequences if a peaceful demonstration turns violent.
Young people have every right to express their opinions, but they also have responsibilities. Being passionate about a cause is no excuse for criminal behaviour.
โ ๏ธ TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC: If you are travelling into any of the advertised locations, stay informed, plan ahead and avoid any developing disorder.
And to anyone considering going out to confront protesters or take matters into their own hands, please don't.
We cannot condemn street violence while risking further confrontation ourselves. Let the police deal with criminality. We know who will get the blame should troubles escalate.
Britain belongs to everyone who calls it home. With that comes a shared responsibility to respect our laws, our communities and one another.
Peaceful protest is a democratic right. Rioting is not.
Let's make sure 20th November remains peaceful.
Please share so parents and communities are aware.
#UKNews #ParentsAwareness #PublicSafety #20November #KeepBritainSafe โ at Clayhanger, England
๐น A POPPY IS MORE THAN JUST A FLOWER. ๐ฌ๐ง
It represents a life lost, a family shattered, a future never lived.
It honours the brave men and women who gave everything, those who never returned, and those who came home forever changed.
It is not a fashion statement. It is not a political symbol. It is a solemn promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
So wear your poppy with pride. Take time to reflect. Observe the silence. Teach the next generation why remembrance matters.
Because when we stop remembering, we risk forgetting the true cost of our freedom.
๐น REMEMBER THEIR NAMES. HONOUR THEIR SACRIFICE. KEEP THEIR MEMORY ALIVE.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. ๐ฌ๐ง โ at Clayhanger, England
โฐ๐ฌ๐ง RISE AND SHINE, YOU ALARM CLOCK BRITS! ๐ฌ๐งโฐ
Come on, you hardworking legends! Up you get! ๐
That alarm isn't going to snooze itself, and those taxes aren't going to pay themselves!
There's income tax to pay, National Insurance to contribute, fuel duty to cough up and VAT on just about everything! ๐ธ
Remember, it's not just your own family you're getting up to supportโฆ there's a whole country depending on your payslip! ๐คฃ
So grab your coffee, make that ham butty and get yourself to work!
The taxman doesn't fund himself! ๐๐ฌ๐ง
Happy Monday, you absolute cash machines! โ๐ท
๐ฌ๐ง THEY GAVE THEIR TOMORROW FOR EUROPE'S FREEDOM. ๐ฌ๐ง
Look at Europe today. The riots, the violence, the burning streets and the growing divisions.
Now remember the generations who came before us.
British soldiers, alongside our Allies, crossed the Channel, stormed beaches and fought through Europe to defeat Nazism and liberate nations from tyranny.
Thousands never came home. Millions across the world paid the ultimate price.
They didn't sacrifice everything to see Europe consumed by hatred, violence and division.
They fought for freedom. For peace. For future generations who would never know the horrors they endured.
We owe them more than remembrance. We owe them a Europe worth the sacrifice.
๐ฌ๐ง Lest we forget. ๐น โ at Clayhanger, England

















