This is an interesting one for all to read and for our site to get a mention on the credits if we can assist.

I am writing to ask for your assistance with a television documentary.

Blakeway Productions has been commissioned by the BBC to make a documentary examining the mindset of the British servicemen during enemy contact. In particular the programme, will take a close look at the issues and psychology central to the taking of enemy lives. It will be shown on BBC2 in the spring as part of a broader season of films looking at issues arising out of violent situations.

British Servicemen’s personal experiences and stories will be the backbone of the film. We are hoping to include a broad range of voices from a cross-section of the British armed forces, who together can draw on experiences from a variety of conflicts.

I am currently meeting and talking to servicemen about the before, during and after of this kind of combat. Things like training and preparation, motivation, live-action, comradeship, fear, and exhilaration. Likewise the longer term impact and effects.

I would be grateful if you could kindly notify any relevant veterans from your regimental association about our programme. Should they be interested in talking to me, I can be reached at the contact details below. Mobile would be best, since I am moving around regularly.

Clearly, some will not want to talk about this subject. This is to be respected of course. However, for those willing, Blakeway Productions enjoys one of the best reputations in the UK for making serious factual programmes. We are renowned for our integrity as producers and have won numerous awards for our films. Past credits include the “War of The World” for Channel 4, presented by Niall Ferguson, amongst many others. Denys Blakeway, the programme’s Executive Producer, has made numerous documentaries on the theme of soldiers in battle including “The Falklands War” (C4 1992), “Aftermath” (C4 1998), about PTSD and “Cold War Weapons” (C4 2004). For more information about the company please look at our web site– www.blakeway.tv

If you would like to discuss the project further before passing on this request to your members, please do not hesitate to contact me. I only ask (respectfully) that you do so soonest. I am hoping to meet veterans before Christmas, because time is against us on this project.

Yours sincerely,

Adam Jessel
ProducerBlakeway Productions
6 Anglers Lane
London
NW5 3DG

Mobile 07787 565162
Work 0207 4285017
Email Adam.jessel@blakeway.tv

Looking back to some forty years ago one remembers the pride we had in our regiment, and even within the regiment of our Battalion, Company and even Platoon. We felt we belonged and tried to make our Platoon the best Platoon in the best Company, in the best Battalion of the finest regiment. Again we of the Light Infantry were something special in the British Army.

My son and I have something in common; we both served in a Corps. I after some twenty years transferred to a Corps, and he, from a Corps to 3rd Battalion The Light Infantry in which he is now serving.

When we are lucky enough to have him home we often compare soldiering in the thirties and seventies and I am sure he will agree that differences in serving in a Corps or Battalion is that sense of belonging an pride in my battalion.

He tells me of serving in Germany, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and even England, and I of days in Egypt, India and Singapore before the war and after.

Weapons and uniforms may change, the army might move faster, hair longer, and we might boast more than the present day soldier about our service but I am sure that in forty years time the light infantryman will talk with pride, we have now, of his battalion.

I remember when seeing the ex-servicemen whether Durham Light Infantry, British Legion or Old Comrades, marching along thinking, “That’s one thing I’ll never do!”

How times have changed; I am the secretary of the local branch of the Royal British Legion, Chairman of the local RCT/RASC Association, also Chairman of the local Dunkirk Veterans Association and a life member of the Durham Light Infantry Association (London Branch).

Even though Jim may not take office in some ex-servicemen’s association, I’m sure that he and his chums will say with pride, “I served with the Light Infantry!”

An article printed in the Silver Bugle magazine
in the winter of 1972.

	Light Infantry Northern Ireland Veterans Badge
With the help of Debra Raymond of Military Figures and Gifts the Light Infantry Northern Ireland Veterans Badge was produced for all who served in Northern Ireland by Light Infantry Reunited You can purchase one or more of these badges direct from Debras web site at the link below.
MILITARY FIGURES AND GIFTS