War and recession – some years 'best forgotten'

Published on Friday 25 December 2009 21:38

THE Queen yesterday paid a moving tribute to the 106 servicemen who have been killed this year while serving in Afghanistan – the heaviest death toll since the conflict began eight years ago.

In her annual Christmas address, the Queen expressed her sorrow at the sacrifice made by the members of the armed forces during the past 12 months and praised the stoicism shown by bereaved service families.

And she said Britain owed a profound "debt of gratitude" to all past and present troops who have served in Afghanistan.

Echoing her famous 1992 Guildhall speech, when the Queen labelled that year an "annus horribilis", the monarch described how some years were "best forgotten".

The past 12 months, she said, had brought problems for many, especially those affected by the recession.

"Each year that passes seems to have its own character. Some leave us with a feeling of satisfaction, others are best forgotten. 2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn.

"I am sure that we have all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by the casualties suffered by our forces serving there. Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends, who have shown immense dignity in the face of great personal loss."

The Queen added: "But we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies.

"Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across the Commonwealth – Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore – are currently serving in Afghanistan.

"The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound."

The broadcast featured footage of the July day when eight military coffins passed through Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, which has come to symbolise the nation's respect for the fallen. The town's tributes were started two years ago by Royal British Legion members pausing to salute the passing processions from nearby RAF Lyneham, used to return those who die during operations.

The military death toll soared during 2009 as UK troops launched major missions to provide security in Afghanistan's Helmand province ahead of presidential and provincial elections.

The number of military personnel killed in Afghanistan so far this year stands at 106 – with four deaths coming in the past six days – the highest annual tally since the 1982 Falklands campaign.

The latest to die was Lance- Corporal Tommy Brown, of 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment, who was on foot patrol with Afghan troops when he was killed by a suspected improvised explosive device near Sangin in Helmand Province on Tuesday.

Footage was also shown of troops in Lashkar Gah, Britain's military headquarters in Helmand, and Camp Bastion, the region's main military base, taking part in separate Remembrance Sunday services in November.

The broadcast showed Prince Harry, an officer in the Household Cavalry, laying a wreath at the Cenotaph ceremony in London.

The Queen, 83, delivered her address, recorded just over two weeks ago, from Buckingham Palace's White Drawing Room and wore a turquoise dress and a pearl and diamond drop brooch.

She stood in front of a Christmas tree with a collection of family photographs nearby, including an image of her and the Duke of Edinburgh on their wedding day – 20 November, 1947.

Before the speech was broadcast, the Royal Family attended a Christmas Day church service on the Queen's Sandringham Estate.

Security was tight as the Queen and Prince Philip arrived for the service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the estate, near King's Lynn, Norfolk.

Also at the service were the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall; Princes William and Harry; the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence; the Duke of York and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie; the Earl and Countess of Wessex; and Peter Phillips, his wife Autumn and sister Zara. The service was led by Sandringham rector Jonathan Riviere.

During her Christmas message, the Queen also praised the Commonwealth – an institution that celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.

She described how last month she had attended a gathering of Commonwealth leaders, held every two years, in Trinidad and Tobago, and footage from the trip was shown.

The sovereign said the family of nations "remains a strong and practical force for good" and importantly did not have a "mission"; rather, it was an opportunity for its people "to work together to achieve practical solutions to problems".

The Queen added: "And with continuing support and dedication, I am confident that this diverse Commonwealth of nations can strengthen the common bond that transcends politics, religion, race and economic circumstances."

The message ended on a note of optimism, with the Queen saying: "We may ourselves be confronted by a bewildering array of difficulties and challenges, but we must never cease to work for a better future for ourselves and for others."