ANZAC DAY IN THAILAND

The UK government last year decided that they should nominate a day to be called Veterans Day to honour all who have served in H.M. Forces no matter what rank or service they were in. June 27^th was the date decided and around the world wherever groups of Ex servicemen and women gathered some form of event took place, Pattaya was no exception and on June 27^th at 7pm in Tropical Bert’s “ Troops Night “ started. It was to be a fun night and that it certainly was with songs provided by Steve and Robin, a cold buffet and plenty of drinks flowing, we even had a surprise guest “Drop In” when one of the cast of the movie A Bridge To Far called in for a pint. There was a serious part to the night when Friends of the Legion certificates were presented to Graham of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand and Beefy of KPK Foods both of whom have supported the British Legion since day 1 and continue to do so. As the night wore on the singing got louder and the war stories bolder mainly from the Army contingent or Squaddies as they are known. So what is a Squaddie, well he can be found anywhere – in love, in bars, in trouble and always in debt. Girls love them, towns tolerate them, hotels hide them and governments support them. His interests are girls, females, women and members of the opposite sex. His likes are beer, booze, plonk, alcohol and ale, leave passes and an “excused all duties chit”. No one else could cram into 1 pocket food for 24hrs, a pack of crushed cigarettes, a box of matches, a picture of his girl, receipts for lost equipment, a deck of cards and an old leave pass.

However above all else he has a desire for people to be free, should you wish to meet any of these Squaddies, Matelotes and whatever the RAF nickname was then please call into Tropical Bert’s any Sunday from 2pm, you will be more than welcome and please remember you DO NOT have to have served in the armed forces to join the Royal British Legion.

Veterans Day was close enough to our Birthday ( 1st July 2007 ) to combine the two events and next year that's exactly what we intend to do but for a brief run down on what's gone on in our first year we have;

Spent 70,569 Baht on Benevolence for cases ranging from Death to hospital visits and taking fresh food to prison inmates.

Attended 3 Remembrance Services ( November 11th, ANZAC Day, Malay Emergency ) in 2 Countries and lowered our standard 6 times for 4 faiths, Christian, Hindu, Islam and Buddhist.

Looked after and continue to look after the welfare of 4 widows.

Increased our membership from 15 to over 80.

Got 2 Defence Attaché's, 1 assistant DA, 1 Ambassador and 1 High Commissioner Drunk and Disorderly.

And finally we enjoyed doing it!!, many thanks to you all for your help and remember it soon starts all over again with membership renewal and Poppy Appeal soon upon us.

Some images from Veterans Day