‘Sergeant Matthew Telford of the Grenadier Guards was promoted to that rank in June 2009.
In November of that same year, Sergeant Telford was one of 5 British soldiers killed when a rogue Afghan policeman opened fire on them.
His wife and family will only receive a Corporal’s pension since he only held his rank of Sergeant for less than a year.
However, he was killed on operations by the enemy whilst wearing three stripes of a Sergeant on active service.
Please sign the petition below to support a change in the rules that deny a hero’s widow the pension she deserves’
http://soldiers-pensions.co.uk/?q=petition
Please forward onto any sympathetic contacts that you may have in your address book.
Denise Edgar
National Trustee
The Royal British Legion
Sgt Telford, 37, leaves a wife Kerry and sons Callum, nine, and Harry, four.
Gadget Note: The Permanent under-secretary of state for defence earns £180,000 pa, the Chief of the Defence staff earns £240,000 pa.
1st
Petition signed, shocking story.
Nice to see you got your priorities right!
I posted the 1st bit before reading, chill out a bit
When o when will we start valuing those that give us our remarkable freedom.
Signed and forwarded to my entire address book
Signed
you couldn’t resist playing the ’1st’ game even on something as sombre as this. Idiot!
Signed, cheers guv…
Agreed. This game is all very well when the topic is light hearted but for something like this? A definate no-no. Shame on you.
Shocking how many ‘rules’ there are that kick the families of those in greatest need when they’re down. Hope this gets national coverage – petition signed.
RPU?
Signed. It’s the least I can do.
My heartfelt thanks and sympathies to his widow and children.
Signed. Deepest respect and sympathies.
Signed x
signed. the least that i can do.
Having just looked at the widows pension rates for the armed forces on t’internet and compared them to “normal” benefits i’m horrified, but unfortunately not shocked.
thanks for posting this IG. will forward on.
lest we forget.
Signed. An excellent cause.
Signed and forwarded link to others – didn’t know that was the rule it has to be changed. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Signed – dismayed but unsurprised.
Signed,
Sgts duties, wore the rank, so lets be having the CORRECT pension entitlements to these men’s families shall we.
Signed.
Totally disgraceful situation – hope this petition helps.
Signed, and link posted on my FB page to urge my mates to do the same!
Signed. I have the utmost respect for those serving our Country. It never ceases to amaze me how much courage and fortitude are displayed – often by men and women of young age – in the face of the enemy. With such people there is a future for our country – despite what was seen yesterday.
The Government must take action to look after the families of those who give their lives for this Country together with those wounded both physically and mentally.
May Sergeant Telford Rest In Peace.
We will remember.
**nts !
Signed.
May I point out that today there is another repatriation ceremony at Wootton Basset. This one is for Guardsman Christopher Davies, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, who was shot while on patrol on 17 November.
Another fallen hero.
God bless them all.
Signed
Signed and happy to do so
35 000 signatures a bit ago, I hope it keeps growing.
Petition signed and on my Facebook. That is absolutely appalling, the nit-picking, fat-faced, inhumane, miserable shitty bastards.
What she said.
what she said again
And again
And again.
Signed.
And again…. bastards….
Signed and forwarded to everyone I know.
My deepest sympathies, and thanks to Mrs Telford and her family. Truely.
Wow….. what a concise description…. I may just have to shamelessly plagiarise those fine words.
Like the lady said, on facebook.
Thoughts to his widow and children and all the other families that have lost someone.
Tweeted too. To all nine of my followers.
Nice use of verbs
agreed
and signed
I’d add “chair-polishing, box-ticking, paper-shuffling, arse-kissing” somewhere in the middle of that.
Two small children orphaned because their dad fought to protect this country, it’s people and it’s leaders…then for those leaders to financially screw over their mother…that’s abhorrent. The people must correct that.
Signed and facebooked.
Spot on!
i concur. agreed and signed
How obscene.
Signed.
Just when I thought that the c@nts at the MOD could sink no lower, they turn around and use a despicable tactic like this. They be acting within “the rules”, but morally its plain wrong and they know it.
“Within the rules”….. just like those slimey turds in Westminster eh?
Is it a requirement of politics that you be a slimey, amoral shite?
Abso-fucking-lutely.
They are as low as a trodden in dog turd.
Lower than whale shit in the Marianas Trench.
Signed and the link passed on far and wide
Petition signed amd Email sent to my local MP asking him to sign the EDM
Signed, with pleasure.
35,238th!! On the petition.
Done.
Glad to say I signed this some time ago. My respects to Sgt. Telford and sincere condolences to his family.
On an aside, here is proof that there is a G-d, but of the moon (Allah) it is not.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1332906/Muslim-fanatic-Omar-Khayam-exposed-hypocrite-jailed-2-6m-drug-raid.html
Thanks AZZ,
Oh how hard I laughed… My only hope is he drops the soap in the showers…. Allah will not like that, and as we’ve seen in Saudi Arabia, being the victim of a gang rape is still your fault in his eyes….
with all my heart
Opinions?
Best not say being Job and all that ….
Interesting compilation of footage.
Starts with some footage to make it seem that there were more than 25-50 protestors against the troops. The cops had to protect THEM from the counter demo.
Then footage of a low key sharia law demo with various EDL, UAF and swampy factions. the ACTUAL demo was a pro-democracy rally ifor Iran and those idiots were part of the usual anti EDL,muslim against crusades numpties that tunr up in the knowledge that the EDL UAF and assorted mip mops will create a good excuse for a scrap.
Tower Hamlets was actually an anti – EDL demo with the usual running around nonsense that goes on after them all wrapped up to make it appear that something significant was going on. Galloway with his normal inflamotory bollox directed aganst the EDL but made to appear it was just a pro- fundamentalist rant (though with Galloway it’s often hard to tell the difference).
Don’t be taken in by the footage, it’s just a typical piece of fundamentalist propaganda – as typical of the general population of muslims as the Asian gang sent down in Derby.
It’s just that unfortunately as Police we only interact with the extemists, and the media only want to show the juicy images.
(Sorry for sidetrack)
Condolences to the family of the SERGEANT.
Signed.
Signed. Yes some twat of a politician or civil service non-job can be in a job for 5 years or less and receive a huge payout. Or you can hurt your thumb.
Signed, and proud to do so!
Reading shit like this boils my piss ….. big fu**kin time too.
The more use you are to society and your country the less it is there for you when you most need it. However when some uselss left wing fu**wit sprains their thumb or claims racial or sexual harassment we throw wheel barrows full of cash at the wankers.
It’s all wrong, all of it. The U.K is dying due to Political correctness and weak leadership ….
RIP Sgt Telford and all our other brave men and women who have paid the supreme sacrifice whilst in service of our once great nation. You will never be forgotten by those who’s opinions really matter and reflect common sense.
P.S – Fu**in signed!
For sure, I am horrified by the contempt ‘they’ have for us.
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori,
Two versions: Horace and poet Wilfred Owen in 1917
inscribed on the wall of the chapel of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Signed also, with pride and heartfelt thanks
What an utter disgrace!
Signed and circulated to my group of grumpys!
Signed without hesitation.
Shameful decision to rob the dignity from a hero and his family.
Thank you Sir, for another exposure of the utter crass effluent affluent trough eaters.
Signed it with my dog tag.
Signed and group emailed around.
An ‘effin MP can be elected immediately before a parliament is dissolved, fail to get re-elected, yet still gets £1,000s of pounds for failing. They don’t have to be in post for 12 months.
But then those troughers write their own rules.
Signed for one of Grimsby’s finest and for all those who risk their lives to allow us to sleep soundly.
Signed.
Signed
Signed.
Tragedy that our bravest are treated like this,but not surprising by the faceless and heartless pen pushers and bean counters.
I really feel for the guys and their families,hope Cameron and co stop the crocodile tears and give them the resources and PENSIONS they deserve.
Actions not words please.
Signed and facebooked to all my contacts……
Me too least I can do.
Disgraceful. But why am I surprised?
Duly signed.
I remain, Sir, your obedient servant etc..
As always, lions led by donkeys.
Signed and passed on..
Nearly 36000 now
Signed. Ex squaddie myself so have great sympathy.
Signed!
Signed. But wish I didn’t need to.
he did the job and made the ultimate sacrifice, his family deserve the pension
signed
Disgusted but not really surprised.
He was carrying out the duties of a Sgt, the least the country can do is recognise that in his pension. That should count for acting rank let alone a years delay on substansive rank.
We are just fortunate that people who are still prepared to serve this country are not as mercenary and self serving as the people in charge.
If not for them the country would be even more of a mess than it is.
Best wishes to his wife and family
Let us hope that this petition DOES make a difference.
Not surprised , serve your country and get nothing…………be a hooked fanatic with one eye who hates UK and get every benefit going………….
Signed with tears in eyes
Thoughts for all servicemen and familys
Signed, least we can do.
It’s shit like that that makes me glad the bureaucrats at the MOD are going to get chopped to bits when the cuts come in. Shame they can’t do the same at the Home Office and get some people with real frontline experience in there instead to influence the decision making.
Signed.
Signed without hesitation. Sometimes our job doesn’t appear that bad after all.
Signed 36087… Shocking but not surprising!
signed
Signed.
Signed. If someone can do a sergeant’s job in Afghanistan, then they are a proper sergeant. Give his family the help they deserve.
The MOD pencil-pushers can go f*ck themselves, sideways.
In my day you wore the stripes, pay and substantiated to the rank later, many a chap has been doing the job 2/3 grades or more but when posted, many times, it was back to last rank signed off/ substantiated. It was like for many WOs and Wincos, back to corporal or flight lieutenant when demobbed.
Marvelous system the military has , acting rank, have held many but be baksheesh pvt in pay book with no mention. My favorite one was DI, which I hated was because I was makinge grown men with degrees, march through the mire. [ ah! the good old days].
More then happy to sign petition which has been forwarded to all in my address book. An absolute disgrace and yet another reprehensible decision to be proud of. I despise the lowlife element that run this once proud Country.
Signed and forwarded with a heavy heart that still the genuine bravery and commitment of Sgt Telford and those like him is utterly taken for granted and spat on by bosses.
signed 36187
Signed and forwarded
Re Gadget Note. They get paid that amount of money. They do NOT earn it.
*applause*
Signed.
Trying to get a Politician to behave with integrity, dignity, and a sense of moral right is like trying to polish a dog turd – impossible.
Signed and forwarded
Happy to sign this petition; hope it helps all those left behind.
Signed and posted on my Facebook feed.
Why should his wife and family get a Sergeants pension? When there are all the hard to reach minorities that need to be funded. If he was gay and had a partner and adopted two Eastren European children, then I`d support this. You`re not seeing the wider picture…….What? There`s no promotion boards for ages? Damn.
Signed and posted. RIP.
Signed.
If the MOD afford the generous benefits and now the redundancy packages for its civilian staff who haven’t risked their lives in any way, then it can afford to pay the sergeant’s widow a decent pension.
For 16 years my family has followed the flag. I know what i signed up for.
I don’t mind the danger, it comes with the job. I don’t mind being dicked at last minute for duties, leaving my family for days/weeks on end.
The shitty housing, moving house 10 times in 15 years. The constant errosion or my terms and conditions.
Its nice to get recognised for our efforts. The kids like the medals. But I don’t want parades or public adulation.
I want to serve my country with honour and all I ask is that if I have to make the ultimate sacrifice to preserve your safety/security/etc Then the least the country can do is look after my family properly when I’m gone.
Can I add that I see you the emergency services as vital to me. Why? because whilst I’m away I trust you guys to keep my family safe. You are there for them when I can’t be and I thank you for that.
(I even wrote to a CC and told him this after some excellent service I got for the Police.)
I’ve worked for Gen Wall in 1Div (CGS and one down from CDS £240000pa), he’s ex-9 Sqn RE and would be first ‘in the door’ every time. Gadget and Maroon Lid would be happy to follow him. CDS is an ex-infanteer who picked up a MiD in NI, commanded the Op in Sierra Leone in ’00 and was head of ISAF in ’06.
The PUS I can’t say, she’s a career civil servant. Her post is responsible for pay and admin. She came to MoD from MoJ and DEFRA, having worked most of her career in DWP; started out in ILEA (if you remember that). Read into that what you wll.
I know who I’ll be slinging my mud at…
I think I will be digging out my copy of ‘A Definitive Guide to Acronyms’ pdq asap btw….lol
….and the police get slated for using jargon?
Ok, a translation for you nice civpol (Civillian Police) types.
1 Div or 1 (UK) Armd Div = 1 (United Kingdom) Armoured Division. Lots of chaps with Tanks, Tracked Artillery and the like.
CGS = Chief of General Staff. Nice chap, in charge of Land Forces, i.e. The British Army
CDS = Chief of Defence Staff. Another nice chap, now thankfully Army. In charge of Land, Air and Sea forces. i.e. The British Army, Royal Navy and those nice battle of britain flying types.
MiD = Mention in Despatches. The result of some outstanding personal military behaviour which your boss thinks should be offically recognised.
RE = Royal Engineers. Sappers. Great at building a whole range of stuff (bridges, buildings, water wells), and blowing up said stuff too.
9 Sqn = 9 Parachute Squadron. About 150 RE types that can parachute from an aircraft. Do all of the above, but also drink copious amounts and knock the stuffing out of AQ types too.
I won’t dwell on their more lairy attributes here.
NI = Northern Ireland. great place, great people (mostly) and just a quick ferry ride away from England. In chronolgical terms feels much much further away.
PUS = Permanent Under Secratary. Most Govt Depts have one. Senior civil servant, very nice person I’m sure. Provides advice on the more’political’ side of things and provides continuity. Serves the Secretary Of State for Defence, not the Military staff.
“Career Civil Servant”. Definition: a person who, (hat-tip to Michell Malkin), “pays their respects to the fallen 1 day in the year, and spends the next 364 days spitting on their graves”. (See:
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/09/11/911-remembrance-spitting-on-their-graves/ )
DWP = Department of Work and Pensions. Government Department that pays its lower-grade staff worse than almost any other Civil Service Department. Also known for slavishly implementing the ancien regime’s “Equality and Diversity” agenda with a zeal approaching that of Mao’s Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution.
ILEA = Inner London Education Authority. Bastion of Britain’s Marxist Education Establishment.
signed, reposted on facebook and on my blog. This is a disgrace. A total disgrace. I really hope this campaign gathers momentum and the rules are changed. If a soldier should die, he should rest knowing his family should expect all the benefits his rank deserves. its that simple.
Signed and forwarded.
signed
I don’t do petitions.
Signed this one though.
SIGN IN A STORE WINDOW
‘WE WOULD RATHER DO BUSINESS WITH 1000 AL QAEDA TERRORISTS THAN WITH ONE SINGLE BRITISH SOLDIER!’
This sign was prominently displayed in the window of a business in
CAMPBELTOWN, SCOTLAND.
You are probably outraged at the thought of such an inflammatory statement.
However, we are a society which holds Freedom of Speech as perhaps our greatest liberty.
After all, it is ONLY A SIGN.
You may say ‘What kind of business would dare to post such a sign?’
Answer:
A FUNERAL PARLOUR.
Thanks DM, only laugh of an otherwise shitty week.
Like Ted above, I don’t do petitions.
Except this one.
Ive added it to my Facebook profile, this needs to get as much public support as possible, my brother in law is in bomb disposal and out in Afghanistan at the moment.
Sappers have always been a fantastic bunch of lads.
I salute him and his mates.
Signed. Facebooked.
Government = Fisters
RIP Matt, was a pleasure to serve with you.
From my experience it is harder to perform the task when in the “acting rank” than when substantive.
This man should be given NO less entitlements just because of this. He gave more than the obscenely overpaid individuals who have likely never done anything more scary than watch Emmerdale.
I defy them to post something on this blogg to change my opinion.
I received this information this morning:
“I was told by Dr Liam Fox on Saturday evening, in front of a room full of people, that he fully supports the sentiment of this campaign and that he has made sure that payments are already being made at the rate appropriate to the rank held at the time of death. A change in the law will be needed
to formalise this.
He was very keen for me to make this as widely known as possible and to confirm his respect for people who take on responsibility within the forces and then lose their lives.”
Inspector, having viewed the petition and correlated the time of your post I have determined that your name is Marjorie Longbottom. Or somebody else.