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South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Blaenau Gwent to commemorate 80th anniversary of VJ Day
Blaenau Gwent will commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on Friday, August 15, honouring the end of the Second World War and the sacrifices made in the Southeast Asia campaign. The commemorations hold particular significance for the area due to the Battle of Tredegar Hill in Burma (now Myanmar), where 11 young men from Blaenau Gwent lost their lives and 29 were injured during a critical assault by the 6th Battalion South Wales Borderers. The 11 who died were Private John Edward Ellis; Private Charles Benjamin Evans; Sergeant Charles Gwilliam; Lance Corporal Edward Holmes; Private Thomas Sims Howells; Private William Eleazer Jones; Corporal Harold Lucas; Private William Emlyn Rogers; Lieutenant Austin Noel Stephens; Private William John Tranter; Corporal Raymond Frederick Wookey. The ridge, later renamed Tredegar Hill, was described by General W.J. Slim as 'held by a tenacious and fanatical enemy who fought to the last.' Lieut-General Sir A.F. Christison said: "I was privileged to watch the assault on the 26th March by the 6th Battalion South Wales Borderers and it was with great pride that I saw with my glasses British troops swarming over the hill and knew that the position had been won." Pat Evans, of Tredegar, shared memories of her father, Douglas Healy, who served in Burma with the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment." She said he didn't speak about his experiences, but never recovered from what happened out there. Councillor Derrick Bevan, armed forces champion for Blaenau Gwent Council, paid tribute to those who served in the Southeast Asia Campaign. Cllr Bevan said: "They fought in some of the most challenging conditions, through dense, insect-infested forests and faced a fierce fighting opposition. "It is no wonder that those who served there never spoke about it." A full programme of events will take place across Blaenau Gwent on August 15, including commemoration services, a parade, and the lighting of beacons and lamps. The public is invited to attend and take part in remembering those who served and sacrificed.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Govt initiatives at military camps generating income, food security
GEORGE TOWN: The Madani Economy initiatives implemented in military camps nationwide have successfully generated additional income for families of armed forces personnel while contributing to the development of downstream industries, including food security, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic). The Defence Minister said the projects – supported through a RM10mil allocation and carried out in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry – reflect the government's efforts to enhance the economy and promote sustainability within the defence community. Citing the stingless bee honey and oyster mushroom entrepreneurship projects undertaken by the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (2 RAMD) community at Sungai Ara Camp in Bayan Lepas, he said these ventures also help occupy the time of family members, particularly as the camp's personnel are scheduled for a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon next year. 'When we talk about preparedness, we look not only at assets but also at our personnel and their families. We value the contributions and sacrifices of the Malaysian Armed Forces and understand that the well-being of personnel includes the welfare of their families. 'With support from the Higher Education Ministry, we have identified valuable skills that can be transferred to the families within military camps,' he told reporters after a working visit to the Sungai Ara Camp yesterday, Bernama reported. Mohamed Khaled also expressed appreciation to the military families involved in the stingless bee honey and oyster mushroom projects at the camp, which incorporate elements of smart agriculture, technical training and entrepreneurship opportunities for members of the 2 RAMD Bakat (the military families' welfare association), in line with Kem Madani aspirations. He also presented RM500 in welfare aid to 15 individuals with chronic illnesses, comprising military personnel. Also present were Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Army Chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Army Western Field Commander Lt-Jen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman and 2nd Infantry Division Commander Mejar-Jen Datuk Fazal Abdul Rahman.
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Khaled: Bee farming, oyster mushroom planting projects a boon for army families
GEORGE TOWN: A project under the Madani Economy initiative, implemented in military camps nationwide with an allocation of RM10 million, is proving successful in generating additional income for the families of military personnel. It also serves a dual purpose by supporting downstream industry development and food security efforts. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the readiness of the Malaysian Armed Forces does not solely depend on assets and troop training, but also took into account the wellbeing of their families, who are the backbone of the defence community's stability in the country. He cited for example how stingless bee farming and oyster mushroom cultivation projects by the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (2 RAMD) community at the Sungai Ara Camp were helping the families of army personnel productively spend their time — especially since some of the personnel are expected to be deployed on a mission to Lebanon next year. "When we talk about readiness, it is not just about assets, but also about the personnel and their families. We appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of the armed forces and understand that the wellbeing of their families is equally important. "We have been thinking about how to improve the wellbeing of these families. With strategic partners from the Ministry of Higher Education, we have identified certain knowledge areas that can be transferred through the Madani Economy initiative to families within the camps," he said during a working visit to the Sungai Ara Camp here today. Present were the Defence Ministry's secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Army Chief General Tan Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Western Field Commander Lieutenant General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman and Second Division Commander Major General Datuk Fazal Abdul Rahman. Khaled said the programme, which incorporates smart agriculture elements and technical training, also provided entrepreneurial education to members of the Armed Forces Family Welfare Association (BAKAT) 2 RAMD. The stingless bee honey project is already being marketed, while the oyster mushroom produce is currently in discussions to be marketed through the Malaysian Armed Forces Trading Corporation (Pernama). "Even the spent mushroom blocks can be used as organic fertiliser, making this project not only sustainable but also highly scalable due to the encouraging response we have received. "For the mushroom project, for instance, 20 participants have joined through the Mushroom Activity Centre, and this number is expected to grow if demand increases. If we have the space and facilities, we are ready to expand participation. "This is just the beginning to spark interest and prove that the project can bring real benefits and returns to participants," he added. He said that the stingless bee project in the camp used systematic beekeeping via "log hives" and biotechnology-based rearing techniques developed in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Meanwhile, the oyster mushroom farming employed enclosed mushroom houses with controlled temperature and humidity, ensuring high-quality and consistent yields, supported by Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP). Earlier, Khaled also reviewed operational readiness, troop welfare, and evaluated the progress of community development initiatives in the military. He also met with around 300 residents of the Sungai Ara Camp and handed over RM500 in welfare aid to 15 chronic patients from among military personnel and their families stationed in the area.
Observer
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Mad Jack: The Story of the ‘Other' Churchill.
British statesman Winston Churchill was scorned by the Germans and adored by the British during World War II. A hero! But another of the same name, yet unrelated, was also brave, colourful and heroic! This is a 'Boys Own', story if ever there was one. 'Fighting Jack', or 'Mad Jack Churchill', was born John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming Churchill, of English/Irish descent, in Colombo, Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, in 1906, the son of a prominent civil servant and was educated at King William's College, on the Isle of Man. An impetuous youth, he swam and surfed, rode motorbikes, hunted, with guns, bows and arrows, was musically inclined playing several instruments and dabbled in amateur theatre, which remarkably, at 17, led to him being cast as an archer in the 1924 adventure movie, starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr, 'The Thief of Baghdad'. Later, Churchill attended Sandhurst Military College, graduating in 1926. His first wartime experience came soon after, in Burma, now Myanmar, where, as a young officer in the 2nd Battalion of the Manchester Regiment, Churchill's bravery was mentioned in military dispatches. Even so, he left the army to try a career in journalism as a newspaper editor in exotic Nairobi, Kenya. He enjoyed the lifestyle but was always looking for 'different' things to do. He worked for a time as a male model, which was unheard of at the time and playing the bagpipes, claimed second place in the 'Aldershot Tattoo', of 1938, which was quite an achievement. He also represented Great Britain with a meritorious 26th placing, in the World Archery Championships of 1939. The outbreak of war later that year saw Churchill eagerly return to the military and the legend of 'Fighting Jack Churchill' gained prominence as the beleaguered British Expeditionary Force retreated in disarray towards Dunkirk. War correspondents wrote of Churchill, 'sword in hand, charging elite German troops, terrified of having their limbs cleaved, who turned and ran when he shot one of them through the heart with his bow and arrow'. At L'Epinette, when the retreating British forces were surrounded. Historian Christian Ord wrote of Churchill being inspirational to an army of tired, disheartened soldiers, with their backs to the sea at Dunkirk, uncertain of rescue. Yet, as they sank exhausted onto the sands as night fell, amidst the ignominy of retreat, a sword wielding bowman and piper became legend and breathed new life into an army with its tail between its legs. His heroism recognised with the award of the Military Medal, Churchill then joined the elite Commandos in 1941 and at Vagsoy, in Norway in 1941, when their landing craft hit the beach, Churchill marched ashore at the head of his company, playing the bagpipes. Inspiring his men and terrifying the Germans. The fight lasted less than 10 minutes, with most of the enemy killed and no British casualties. The few Germans left alive reported a 'mad swordsman' they couldn't kill and the legend of 'Mad Jack', spread further. Churchill led a similar seaborne landing at Catania in Sicily, marching up the beachhead at the head of his men playing his bagpipes, bullets flying all around, then, handing his 'pipes' to one of his men, he drew his sword and charged like a man possessed, at the enemy observation post, which they captured and took more than forty prisoners. Churchill was awarded a Distinguished Service Order for bravery and the legend grew even more. As the war neared its end, Churchill was captured in Yugoslavia, then, flown to Berlin (the Germans thought he was related to Churchill), he tunnelled his way free but was soon recaptured and moved to a POW camp in Austria, from which incredibly, he escaped and made his way back to Italy, a trek of more than a thousand miles. 'Mad Jack', or 'Fighting Jack', Churchill was undoubtedly bold and brave, yet historians agree, while maybe reckless, he was never careless, with every action, every command, every word, considered and thoughtful. How then, has history forgotten such a genuine hero. His life was, a story, of which it's been said, was 'the best movie never made'.
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
'Dangerous escalation': World reacts to US strikes on Iran
A man holds a sign near US Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, standing guard at a protest condemning the US and Israeli strikes on Iran Image: Bing Guan / AFP The United States struck three nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday, joining Israel's bombing campaign after days of speculation over Washington's involvement in the conflict. "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace," US President Donald Trump said after the strikes. Here is a roundup of the key reactions: Iran: 'Everlasting consequences' Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US attacks as "outrageous" and said his country had a right to defend its sovereignty. "The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences," he posted on social media, calling the attacks "lawless and criminal" behaviour. Araghchi later said the United States and Israel crossed "a very big red line" with the attacks, and said he would head to Moscow later Sunday for talks with President Vladimir Putin. Israel: 'Change history' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump, saying the attacks would "help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace". "Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history," Netanyahu said in a video message, adding that the attacks demonstrated "America has been truly unsurpassed". He also told Israelis that his promise to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities had been "fulfilled". Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading EU: 'Step back' The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. "I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation," Kallas wrote on X, adding that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that EU foreign ministers would discuss the situation on Monday. Russia: 'Irresponsible' strikes Russia "strongly condemned" the bombings, calling them "irresponsible" and a "gross violation of international law". "A dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security," the Russian foreign ministry added. Ukraine: 'Clear signal' Ukraine's foreign ministry said the strikes were justified to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, praising them as a "clear signal". "Ukraine is convinced that Iran's nuclear programme must be stopped so that it never again poses a threat to the countries of the Middle East or any other state," it said. UN: 'Dangerous escalation' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strikes a "dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge". "There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace," Guterres said in a statement. OIC: Dialogue and 'peaceful means' The Organization of Islamic Cooperation warned that the strikes could lead to "heightened tensions and threaten regional security, peace, and stability". It called for "de-escalation and self-restraint, and for resorting to dialogue and returning to negotiations and peaceful means." Britain: 'Stability is priority' UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to "return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis". "Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat," Starmer said on X, adding that "stability in the region is a priority". France: 'Exercise restraint' French President Emmanuel Macron called a meeting of the country's defence council, with his office saying he had spoken with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Oman. France is urging "all parties to exercise restraint to avoid any escalation that could lead to an extension of the conflict", Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot posted on X. China: 'Cease fire' China's foreign ministry said it "strongly condemns" the US strikes, warning that they "escalate tensions in the Middle East". "China calls on all parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible," the ministry said. North Korea: 'Violated UN charter' North Korea also condemned the US strikes, calling it a violation of the United Nations charter and blaming the tension in the Middle East on the "reckless valor of Israel". "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea strongly denounces the attack on Iran by the US, which severely violated the UN Charter with respect for sovereignty," said a spokesperson of the North's foreign ministry, according to a statement carried by the state news agency. Pope Leo XIV: 'Crying out for peace' Pope Leo XIV said that "humanity is crying out for peace" and called for an end to all wars. "Each member of the international community has the moral responsibility to end the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable chasm," Leo said during his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican. Saudi Arabia: 'Exercise restraint' Saudi Arabia expressed "great concern" after the strikes on its neighbour, the "sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran". "The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions and avoid further escalation," the foreign ministry posted on X. Pakistan: 'Violate international law' Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim country and a longtime Washington ally, said the US attacks "violate all norms of international law". "We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region," Pakistan's foreign ministry said, adding that Iran had the "right to defend itself under the UN Charter". Hamas: 'Brutal aggression' The Palestinian militant group Hamas condemned the "blatant US aggression against the territory and sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran". "This brutal aggression is a dangerous escalation," Hamas said, calling the attack "a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to international peace and security".
