Military Families Blog

FALLEN SOLDIERS KITS GO MISSING

28-08-2007

As if it wasn't bad enough losing a family member in Iraq or Afghanistan, can you imagine being told that all of the mementos of home kept in your loved one's kit bag had been stolen? Military mum Carol Jones - whose son John Jones died in the service of his country - has a disturbing tale.

Thank you all for your comments on the Message Board about our campaign for a dedicated Military Hospital instead treating injured troops at Selly Oak - if you missed it click here

30,000 people have now signed a petition calling for this facility, and the story was featured in the Independent on Sunday a couple of days ago - to see the article click here

This week I want to talk about deceased soldiers kits.

We have had a lot of families get in touch with the Military Family Support Group, concerning the kits - or rather the lack of kits - being returned to fallen soldiers' families.

Sue Smith from Tamworth (mother of Pte Philip Hewett who perished in Iraq) said she got nothing back from her son's regiment, and when she complained to the MOD she was told that it had in fact been stolen - we presume by other soldiers.

Another mother said her sons Playstation had been stolen too.

Who, in their right mind steals off dead soldiers?

Their possessions are the only things that we have left of the loved ones we have Iost.

It's traumatic enough to be told your son has been killed, never alone being told your lads possessions will never be returned.

Your views would be appreciated. Carol

To find out more about Carol Jones and the Military Families Support Group, go to http://www.mfsg.org.uk/

To make a comment go to the Message Board.