Troops mark anniversary with Old Trafford century

Apr 1 2008 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

SOLDIERS from Merseyside were among 100 from the north west region who launched celebrations for the Territorial Army’s centenary year.

They gathered at Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Old Trafford ground to mark the century and to kick-start the anniversary year, with major celebratory events taking place in Liverpool and Chester over the next few weeks.

The Territorial Army (TA) was formed in April, 1908, and is now an integral part of the British Army, representing more than a quarter of its total manpower.

All the TA soldiers serve the Army in their spare time, usually training at evenings and weekends.

Since 2003, more than 1,300 TA soldiers from the North West alone have served operational tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Balkans. During 2008, a further 200 from the region will deploy on operations.

Soldiers from the Merseyside area who attended the launch event at Old Trafford included Bombardier Lee Hamlett, 26, from St Helens, who serves in 208 Battery of 103 Regiment Royal Artillery, based in Aigburth.

Also present were Kingsman Ade Donnelly, 23, from Everton, who serves in 4th Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, based in Norris Green, and Captain Dave Law, 51, from West Derby, who serves in 75 Engineer Regiment (Volunteers).

Over 40 North West TA soldiers are now deployed on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, including a platoon of soldiers from 4th Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, who are protecting Nato’s headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, on a six-month tour that ends in August.

Brigadier Mike Griffiths, Commander 42 (North West) Brigade, who is in charge of the TA in the region, said: “The North West region has a long and proud tradition of supporting Britain’s Armed Forces, whether that be our regular or reserve forces.

“The TA is an integral part of the British Army, and has been now for 100 years.

“We are looking forward to celebrating this anniversary year in style.”

Leading the tributes to the work of the TA was Lancashire and England cricket hero Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff.

In a message to the TA, he said: “I am full of admiration of the work carried out by Britain’s Armed Forces and, in particular, the Territorial Army over the last 100 years.

“Our soldiers are doing a great job in difficult environments, like in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“It is amazing to learn that some of the soldiers serving in these places have trained as soldiers in their spare time, looking after their families and holding down full-time ‘civvy street’ jobs on top of all their military duties.”

alanweston