Prince Harry

[Seaking]

Well it was kept quiet but good for him, sorry if this new is a little late from this side of the pond
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7269743.stm

[Paul K]

Well done that man.

Seaking, by the way, and completely off topic,...did you get that information you asked for ? I PM'd it a couple of weeks ago.

[Chris Trott]

I understand their reluctance to have his "immediate" whereabouts known, but other "high profile" persons in uniform (like Elvis Presley, the Kennedy Brothers, and Ike's son) were all covered quite heavily during WWII and Korea (in Presley's case) and they weren't killed yet they were seeing front line action.

And yes, I know that today news travels faster, but back then, Radio America and other long-wave stations that broadcast around the world and were heard by the enemy as well as our own troops were broadcasting the coverage of these "famous" people, yet it still didn't result in any significant increase in danger either.

I think that Prince Harry should be treated like all the other brave Brits, Americans, and other Allies serving in Afghanistan and Iraq at this very moment - with great respect. He should not be covered any more closely than his mates in the Household Cavalry, and as such, it's unfortunate that he is as they are all equally in danger fighting there and all deserve to have their story in country told.

[steve p]

Didn't Presley serve in Germany? He was a bit too young for Korea. FDR lost a son in WW2.

Best wishes
Steve P

[Trev Clark]

I also remember that the eldest Kennedy brother was killed whilst flying a navy B24 converted into a remote control flying bomb. That was very secret, yet he still died! Full marks to the UK military for letting him go, and yahoo sucks to the damn press again!

[Nigel H-J]

Correct Steve, Elvis received his draft notice on December 20th 1957 but asked if he could finish filming King Creole.

On March 24th 1958 he joined up and in September that year he sailed for Germany. He was discharged from the army in March 1960.

Anyway, back to the thread, full marks go to Prince Harry, he obviously showed strength of character to force a climb down on those who did not want him to serve there.

Just wish him and all who serve there a safe tour.

Nigel.

[DelP]

He's a serving officer and doing his job..'full marks to him' are neither here nor there.

The security issues are obvious and a news 'blackout' had been agreed between the MOD and press, however the MOD has stated that the internet would be a weak spot. So now everyone knows he's there and doing it..

..just like the ordinary folks who are there and doing it.........who don't get the publicity.

Derek

[Nigel H-J]

Derek, my wording was probably not right when I said "full marks to him" From previous editorial news it had been mentioned that he would not be sent to either Irag or Afghanistan, his apparent response appeared to be on the lines of 'If I don't go then I will resign from the army', which could be viewed as 'If I don't get my way then I will stamp my feet'. However, should this be true, then the f'ull marks' to him was meant as a well meaning gesture to him for standing up against those who want to cossette and protect him because of who he is.

Nigel.

[DelP]

No worries Nige..I picked on that phrase as I quickly scrolled through ;-)

And yes, there are those who would liked to have prevented him from being in the front line...but then Andrew was active during the Falklands and at the time that seemed like good publicity...

Personally I'd like to believe that anyone who may eventually, or potentially, wear the uniform of a Commander-in-Chief of any arm, with all the scrambled egg and gongs that go with it, may have actually earned the honour...irrespective of background and upbringing ;-)

ATB,

Derek ;-)

[Brian Franklin]

Got it in one Derek! It's amazing how much respect a CIC can get if he's actually been there with the guys! Well done HRH