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Residents urged to back our boys in Iraq
THE mother of two Fylde soldiers both heading for Iraq, today called on local residents to put their support for British troops in writing.
The 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment – with recruits from across the Fylde coast – has just left for South Basra.
Joy Tomkinson, 63, from Bispham, whose sons Carl, 39, and Aaron, 34, are part of the 550-strong fighting force, wants people back home to show their support for the troops this Christmas by writing to them.
Joy said: "It's very dangerous. It would be nice for the soldiers to have more support. They love receiving letters. And maybe the schools should incorporate it into a lesson."
Last year, The Gazette's Boxes For Basra appeal saw many gifts and good luck messages sent to war-torn Iraq.
Both Tomkinson boys served in the first Gulf War – Carl, who has served in Northern Ireland, is a Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Duke of Lancaster Regiment, while Aaron is a Lance Corporal in the 10th Field Regiment Royal Artillery.
Mrs Tomkinson's grandson, Jon Tomkinson, 23, also served in the Iraq with the Royal Engineers.
During their six months service, Aaron and Carl will get just one week at home with their loved ones.
Mrs Tomkinson, mother of four, grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of four, says the family will celebrate Christmas when their lads return next June: "We'll put the Christmas tree up again, and put red, white and blue ribbons on it."
The 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment – with 20 soldiers from the Blackpool area – will train Iraqi soldiers on their South Basra posting.
Major David Thorpe, from the 1 Lancs, said: "Morale is really great at the moment."
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Weather for Blackpool
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: North west
