Latest news 2024.
Gents
Please see below, the most recent message from Terry Stott reference Group Pension claims. Terry will be attending Liverpool PRA on Tuesday 3rd December to update members.
Regards
Brian
Subject: Group Pension Claim

All,
Finally, after being frustrated at every turn trying to submit a single group claim for 33 people, I found a way to overcome the steam driven IT system used by HM courts. The work around was to submit 7 group claims; 6x5 pax and 1x3 pax. The 'good' news is that the claims are identical in content (apart from personal details) and I will continue to be the point of contact for all groups.
The claims were allocated to the Glasgow Employment Tribunal purely because thats where the Respondent is located. If any trial hearing takes place its likely to be via video link (although I wouldn't mind a night or two out in jockland).
The acknowledgment from the Employment Tribunal is: "We will contact you once we have sent your claim to the respondent and explain what happens next. At present, it is not possible to predict an exact timescale".
If you know of anyone else seeking to make a claim, then they need to attain an ACAS early conciliation certificate asap. If they want to contact me, I could submit an employment tribunal claim on their behalf and if necessary, act as their future point of contact.
The update I gave at the Manchester PRA meeting last Sunday was very worthwhile. Having spoken to a few people with regular service, I was astonished to find out that some of them haven't recieved a regular pension. This can be for many reasons but what was really alarming, is that they didn't know that they have to apply for it once they reach pensionable age.
Anyone that has applied for and received their HM Armed Forces Veteran Card will know that the accompanying letter from the MOD states: "If you served in the armed forces for at least 5 years and left after 6 April 1975 (reduced to 2 years service if you left after 6 April 1988), you may be able to get an Armed Forces Pension at age 60 or 65. Not everyone who left after these dates can get a pension. It depends on your service dates, your age and how long you served for". For more information search for 'Armed Forces Deferred Pensions' on GOV.UK, email dbs-pensionhelp@dbspv.mod.uk or call the JPA enquiry centre on 0800 085 3600. May I respectfully suggest that branch chairs/secretarys include this information in future branch meetings and minutes.
I look forward to coming to the Liverpool PRA meeting on 3 December and arranging an update with the RWelch comrades in Wrexham sometime soon.
Regards,
Terry
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
Mob: 07871901206
E-mail: brianwelsh4@icloud.com
Gents,
As discussed at the last Branch meeting. Terry has provided us with the relevant information to submit your claims as part of a ‘group claim’
Please follow the details Terry has provided and send them to him NLT 28th November 2024
Regards
Brian
Subject: TA Pensions

Hello All,
(Brian, would you kindly forward this email to anyone in the branch who might be persuing a claim).
I've taken a look at the Employment Tribunal website to gauge the complexities and to see whether a group claim is possible.
As expected, its not straight forward but what I can do is make a group claim so that only one application is needed, its cost free anyway. I've started a claim and can go back to it to add names as necessary.
If anyone wants to join this group claim (via Manchester Courts) then I'll need the following information from you ASAP (certainly NLT 28 November 2024):
Title.
Full name.
DOB.
Address.
ACAS certificate number.
The expectation is that the tribunal will, upon receipt, set the claim aside until the MOD have exhausted their appeals process; possibly 3 years away. Assuming that the MODs appeal is unsuccessful, an employment tribunal hearing may be required just to confirm 'eligibility' of claimants e.g. that ACAS certificates were claimed within 3 months less 1 day of the start date, 5 August 2024. This start date is worst case speculation, for example a claim may be made later than 4 November 2024 but may need to be argued as to its validity. This is because the MOD may seek to defend all claims and may argue the limitation date of 4 November 2024 applies to all cases for ex-personnel. If you submit a claim after that date you may have additional expense at a Preliminary Hearing proving your date of knowledge and seeking an extension of time to submit your claim.
At a hearing sometime in the future it may be necessary to provide your service history, either to the employment tribunal and/or the MOD. This information can be gained from the MOD using the following link:
Start page - Request your personal information from MOD - GOV.UK
From the Branch Secretary:
Please accept this gentle reminder for two events happening this weekend. Please accept my apologies as I cannot attend the weekend events due to other commitments.
Saturday 26th October – Blessing of the Memorial Stone. St Johns Gardens.
The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces memorial stone in St John's Gardens will receive a blessing from Revd Canon Bill Addy at 14.00.
Mick Coleman has arranged a piper for the event and if we can bring the standard that would be brilliant. Additionally, the stonemason will be in attendance who carried out the work on our behalf as well as a photographer.
There is no order of service for this blessing and Revd Bill will provide his blessing as normal for such events. I would suggest any words from the branch should be prepared such as the Kohima and who will deliver it.
Dress: Blazer, Tie and beret optional.
Sunday 27th October – PRA Annual Church Service. St Nicks Church.
Church service will commence at 14.00. by Revd Canon Michelle Montrose.
2 x standards will be present, the Branch Standard and the Arnhem Standard, carried by Joe Little and Cooky.
I have asked for 50 order of service booklets to be printed which will be available on the day.
Those in the branch with speaking parts are aware of their roles and details will be provided in the order of service.
Dress: Smart dress. Blazer, ties and beret. Medals optional
Food and drink afterwards at the Mercure Hotel.
I hope you all have two great days
Best Regards
Brian
Please accept this notification form Roy Boardman
Chair of Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association
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As you may be aware, the sword of Captain Chavasse has been held for many years, on loan from the Chavasse Family, by 208 Field Hospital RAMC. That unit was re-designated as a Squadron of 206 Multi Role Medical Regiment RAMC last year and under the terms of the loan from the Chavasse family, if such an event were to take place, the sword was to be placed into the care of Liverpool Cathedral.
The Cathedral authorities have arranged for the formal presentation of Captain Chavasse’s sword, and other related family artefacts, to take place during Evensong at the Cathedral on Thursday 12th September 2024 which commences at 5.30pm. As part of the service, the sword will be presented to the Cathedral following the Turning of the Leaves of the King’s Regiment Memorial Books which will also form part of the service that evening. The King’s Regiment Association – Liverpool have very kindly asked the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association to co-ordinate the arrangements for this aspect of the service as it is with the Liverpool Scottish (then a Battalion of the King’s Regiment) that Captain Chavasse served until his tragic death in 1917.
I enclose a notice of the service and you are encouraged to display this notice or distribute the notice to anyone you think may also wish to be present during this historic event.
The Evensong service is open to the public and there is therefore no need to confirm to me that you will be attending the service
If you have any questions, queries or require clarification please do let me know.
Kind regards
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
Mob: 07871901206
E-mail: brianwelsh4@icloud.com
Pte Eddie Beach Memorial Service.
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Ladies and gents;
Date: 11th September 2024
Please see the details below provided by Frank Boyle for Eddie Beach Memorial Service
Liverpool PRA Association
Exercise Bold Guard
On the night of the 11th of September 1974, The 15th Battalion (V) and 4th Battalion took part in a large-scale NATO exercise involving UK, German and Danish Forces. It involved parachuting at night on a drop zone bounded to the north by the Kiel Canal.
The airlift from the UK comprised 35 Hercules Aircraft (C130’s) carrying around 600 troops and their heavy drop vehicles. Owing to a freak temperature inversion the winds at between 800 feet and 600 feet changed direction, causing 16 of the Parachute Regiment soldiers to land in the canal, causing the death by drowning of 6 Paratroopers.
On the 27th of June 1975. A large rock with a brass plaque, flanked by six trees was consecrated on the bank of the Kiel Canal in memory of the six soldiers who had died on that tragic night on the 11th of September 1974. The young men who died are honoured by the inhabitants of Sehedstedt beside the canal. A memorial stone is guarded by trees specially planted.
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Eddie Beach Graveside Memorial Service
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Date: 11th September 2024
Location: Yew Tree Cemetery, L14 4DG.
Time: Parade 10:30 Main Car Park area move to headstone area.
Service: Speech remembering Eddie Beach and Liverpool PRA Bold Guard.
Laying of the wreaths: Liverpool PRA, A coy 4 PARA and Beach family.
Bugler to play the last post.
Reading of the poem For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon.
After service: All are invited to buffet at the;
Conservative Club (Connie Club) in Aintree,
L10 8LN.
On Sunday, 9 June, at 1 pm, up to 1,000 veterans accompanied by two bands will march through the city from Copperas Hill, along Hanover Street, arriving at the Royal Albert Dock at 1.30pm.
Prayers will once again be read by Reverend Canon Dr Crispin Pailing and Liverpool’s Armed Forces Champion Cllr Christine Banks will read the national D-Day tribute.
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Route 1.2 miles Approx 20-25 mins •
Muster Point – Copperas Hill • Ranelagh St • Hanover St • Paradise St • Strand St • Salthouse Quay.
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The Parade will be in 2 Contingents.
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Marching Participants
Contingent One:
The Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, accompanied by the Band of the Royal Artillery.
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RBL and Contingent Standards.
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Royal Naval Association (HMS Eaglet Old &Bold)
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Merchant Navy Assc
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Royal Marine Regimental Assc (Commando)
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Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Assoc including The Kings Regt Assc
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Royal Artillery Regimental Ass (Gunners)
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Royal Signals Regimental Assc
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Royal Tank Regiment Assc (Armoured Division)
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Royal Corps of Transport (now The Royal Logistics Corps) Assc
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208 Field Hospital, RAMC, QARANC Associations
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Lancashire Fusiliers, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Assc
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Blue Light Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
There will be NO contingent leads. Everyone will form as One column, shoulder to shoulder, irrespective of Regiment, Cap badge or Rank.
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Marching Participants
Contingent Two:
Massed Pipes and Drums (60 Plus)
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Contingent Standards.
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Irish Guards Regimental Assc and Footguards Assc, (Household Div)
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Liverpool Scottish Regt Assc (Scots Div)
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The Parachute Regimental Assc. (Airborne Div)
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Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association and Rifles Association (Light Div)
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Royal Irish Rangers (Royal Irish) Regimental Assc
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Royal Air Force Assc.
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There will be NO contingent leads. Everyone will form as One column, shoulder to shoulder, irrespective of Regiment, Cap badge or Rank.
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To conclude the parade:
A Drumhead Service will be outside the old Granada Studios building on Salthouse Dock.
All Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces family and friends are welcome for drinks afterwards at Lady of Mann, Dale Street.
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