It’s Minden Day. Every year since 1967, six red roses have been anonymously delivered to the British Consulate General in Chicago on 1 August. A note that comes with the roses lists the six British regiments at the battle and says, “They advanced through rose gardens to the battleground and decorated their tricorne hats and grenadier caps with the emblem of England. These regiments celebrate Minden Day still, and all wear roses in their caps on this anniversary in memory of their ancestors.” The consulate asks for the name of the sender so that they may thank the individual in person, but the identity of the donor remains a mystery.

Few soldiers serving in Afghanistan’s troubled Helmand Province would expect to be employed handling antiques, but that’s exactly what one Fusilier has been doing.

Aaron Gray, a Fusilier with the 1st Battalion, the Royal Welsh, has been tasked with cleaning a World War Two-era Lee Enfield Mk 4 rifle uncovered by troops in Afghanistan.

“I couldn’t believe it when the guys brought it back to our base. It’s a real piece of history,” said Aaron.

“This rifle was made by the Americans during the Second World War and given to their allies. It’s amazing to think about the journey it took to get here to Helmand Province.

“I have been asked to try and clean it up so that we can take it back as a souvenir of our time in Afghanistan.”

30 years ago today the Argentinian armed forced occupying the Falkland Islands officially surrendered to Great Britain’s liberating task force. The Falklands War had lasted a little over two months and claimed the lives of 258 British service men and women and 649 Argentinians, with another 11,313 taken prisoner during ferocious fighting. The battles, such as Goose Green, Mount Tumbledown and Wireless Ridge have since been enshrined in British martial history.

Three Cheers for Her Majesty the Queen as the army’s loudest voice calls Royal Salute.

I went in to a public house to get a pint o beer

The publican he ups and says “we serve no redcoats here”

The girls behind the bar, they laughed and giggled fit to die

I’m out into the street again and to myself says I

Then its “Tommy this” and “Tommy that” and “Tommy how’s your soul”

But it’s “the thin red line of heroes” when the drums begin to roll

The drums begin to roll my boys, the drums begin to roll

Then its “thin red line of heroes” when the drums begin to roll

I went into a theatre once as sober as can be

They gave a drunk civilian room, but they hadn’t room for me

They sent me to the gallery, or round the music halls

But when it comes to fighting, Lord, they’ll shove me in the stalls!

For its “Tommy this” and “Tommy that” and “chuck him out, the brute”

But its “saviour of his country” when the guns begin to shoot

And it’s “Tommy this” and “Tommy that” and anything you please

But Tommy ain’t a bleedin’ fool – you bet that Tommy sees

- By Rudyard Kipling

aw yea

Brigadier Nicky Moffat is the highest ranked woman in the British army. She has excelled in all kinds of things during a near 30-year career that might still take her to the very top of the military.

Brilliant contrast between a US and a Swedish army recruitment video. We shouldn’t want everyone to sign up, only those who understand what they’re going to be doing.

Many thousands of Commonwealth soldiers have perished since WW2. They are the forgotten ones. But we, their sons, do not forget.