Merry Christmas

[Rob Parry]

Merry Christmas 'Royal' try not to end up in cells.

Always remember there is somebody worse off than you.

[The Sheepdog]

Well said. Merry Christmas all. Also, and most importantly, Merry Christmas to all those that will be away from their families this Christmas. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[Vandrel]

Talk about cold weather training


Merry Christmas!

[Ed Palmer]

[Rob Parry]

A Nativity Play with a difference.....

British soldiers in Afghanistan have put on alternative performance of the Christmas Nativity play.

Jesus was born to a laughing crowd in Afghanistan’s Camp Shorabak, Mary had a five o’clock shadow, and the donkey was short of a couple of legs.
The Irish Guards are not known as amateur thespians but made do and, in festive spirit, adapted the Christmas story to suit a military theme.
In the absence of any primary school children in the Afghan National Army base they call home, the Irish Guards hammed up their weekly Church Parade, with Officers and Guardsmen playing all the major parts of the Nativity with an added counter-insurgent theme.
The Padre, Captain Alexander Battey, adapted the play, more commonly seen performed by soldiers’ children than the troops themselves, to include intelligence briefs, roadside bomb detection, Shepherd callsigns, patrol skills, and Wise Men following the “ISTAR” – that’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance - while watched over by the Almighty.
Keeping some traditions, the hilarious play retained favourite carols, albeit sung by dusty voices on a cold Helmand morning. And in true primary school style, the light hearted play brought out many individually-designed costumes, with unexpected professionalism tempered by more enthusiasm than skill, as well as bellyaching overacting.
The production was kept a secret by the ‘actors’ until curtain-up, and the opening narration had a few wry smiles when it announced in pure military Jargon: “Intelligence Brief: 1 BC, The Roman Army is conducting an ongoing counterinsurgency campaign in Judea in support of local forces and the undemocratically non-elected government, headed by Herod.
"In a town called Nazareth here live two Local Nationals, a young woman called Mary and a Judean male of fighting age known locally as Joseph. Mary is expecting a baby.”
Lieutenant Jonathan Boardman, who played the Imperial Roman Messenger, said:
“The play was a humorous break for the Irish Guards and members of the other units attached to us, from our usual work training up the Afghan National Army. We spend most of our time taking our jobs extremely seriously so a bit of light relief was very welcome.
“I think this surreal take on celebrating the second-most holy event in the Christian calendar demonstrated our reputation for charm in the face of adversity – as well as always having a good dose of humour ready to keep everyone’s spirits up! We were all aching with laughter by the end of the play.”
Captain Alexander Battey, Padre with 1st Battalion The Irish Guards, as well as the narrator and playwright, said: “After a little gentle coaxing the lads very quickly got into the roles - it’s good to see the Christmas message get a round of applause. Life can get be pretty stressful here and it’s good to find fun opportunities to let off steam.”

[Rocky C]

Merry Christmas to All.... Especially Cousin Eddie .
Great picture Ed !!!
Merry Christmas Rob !!!

Semper Fi,
Rocky

[Rob Parry]

Thanks Rocky.


As I wrote in the first post; "There's always somebody worse off than you." Here's one of our lads, Mark Ormrod, running across the USofA recently, the 'Gumpathon.' If you are feeling down this Christmas, (let's face it it can be a miserable time for some), think of these men, smile and apply a tad of their 'Gumption.'




http://royalmarinesonline.com/gumpathon-completed.php

[Rocky C]

Thanks Rocky.


As I wrote in the first post; "There's always somebody worse off than you." Here's one of our lads, Mark Ormrod, running across the USofA recently, the 'Gumpathon.' If you are feeling down this Christmas, (let's face it it can be a miserable time for some), think of these men, smile and apply a tad of their 'Gumption.'




http://royalmarinesonline.com/gumpathon-completed.php

You are so right Brother

[kaelobo]

Realy Iam Impressed, Merry Christmas To All.

[Ed Palmer]

http://img547.imageshack.us/img547/4246/peaceonearth.jpg

[Osotogary]

Merry Christmas to all and to all...one heck of a night.