THERE have been sets on warships, fighter jets and tanks, but now Top Trumps is featuring local Army regiments.
The British Army has joined forces with the makers of Britain’s most popular card game to produce the Fighting Units of the British Army card pack to raise money for humanitarian charities operating in Afghanistan.
For the first time, Top Trumps fans across Merseyside can battle against each other in categories such as manpower, Victoria Crosses (VCs) won and battle honours held.
And those lucky enough to be dealt the 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (1 Lancs) card will have one of the pack’s main cards in their hand.
The 1 Lancs – which recruits its soldiers from Merseyside – “trumps” all others by having the most VCs awarded.
The idea for the Army Top Trumps pack began with Lady Caroline Richards, wife of Lieutenant General Sir David Richards KCB CBE DSO, who was commander of the Nato forces in Afghanistan until last February.
And with most young lads going through an “Army phase” while growing up, it seemed to make perfect sense to produce a set of Army cards which could then generate funds for the Rheindahlen-based Afghan Appeal Fund (AAF).
Seventy units were eventually chosen from a cross-section of Combat and Combat Support Arms – but a set of trumps has only 30 cards.
The final 30 were then chosen, and included 1 Lancs, who are currently in the process of deploying to Iraq for an anticipated six-month tour of duty.
Lady Caroline said: “We were hearing in letters and emails from our husbands about these children with no classrooms, just sitting on the dirt, and living with no water, electricity or toys.
“We wanted to do something.
“Royalties from the sales of these special packs, produced by Winning Moves, will generate funds for the AAF which supports the humanitarian work of charities in Afghanistan.
“The AAF is looking to fund the building and running of schools and medical facilities in Afghanistan.”
The result is a pack filled with stunning imagery and bursting with facts.
The 30 Regiments and Battalions are rated on six different categories, including Year Founded, Manpower, Victoria Cross, Battle Honours, Firepower, and Combat Versatility.
Army spokesman Major Keith Scott said Top Trumps fans of all ages could now battle it out between themselves to see who can become the ultimate champion, and learn a whole host of facts along the way.
He added: “This is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness to younger generations of our history and structure and highlight some of the equipment we use.
“It will also raise money for a worthy cause, hopefully providing assistance for children in perhaps one of the poorest countries in the world.”
ROYALTIES from sales of the cards are to go to the AAF (www.afghanappealfund.org.uk).
Each pack costs £2.99 and can be bought in high street shops or online atwww.toptrumps.com
carolineinnes
