Reasonably bright day, but with a scattering of showers about. It's not very warm, just below 5C. According to the weather radar, a rash of showers is 20 or 30 miles away to the west. That's got our name on it, in other words. We may get some wintry showers.
Tomorrow marks the 65th anniversary of a fatal crush at a London Underground station. On 3 March 1943, hundreds of people were entering Bethnal Green underground station to seek refuge from an impending airraid. The crowd suddenly surged forward, causing dozens to be crushed and trampled underfoot. 173 were killed, 90 were injured. The link gives an account of events that evening.
On reflection, I think a mistake was made in sending Prince Harry out on active service to start with. It was known that any soldier on active duty would be liable to serve overseas (Iraq or Afghanistan). By implication, Prince Harry would have to be sent overseas as well. On account of his position, there would be grave concerns, and also being in mind his high media profile, any arrangement with the press to keep silent was not going to last. I feel it was unfair on Harry to be trained up as a professional soldier, only to be denied the real thing for any length of time, precisely because of his position. Conversely, Harry himself bemoaned the fact that he would not able to lead a normal life. Well, that's tough, but that's the price of privilege.
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Once upon a time princes were expected to lead their troops into battle. But then there is reality. Modern reality. And in fact his unit could have been in greater danger just by his presence, marking it as a prime target to inflict pain and grief upon the nation. - Barbara
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about Prince Harry. I don't understand why they would do that. He sure didn't last long before the press leaked. What were they thinking?? I would have been so upset if my son had been one of his fellow soldiers. What danger they put those boys in! As for him wishing for a "normal" life...it's because he has no idea what a "normal" life involves. I'm quite sure he couldn't handle it. JMO.
ReplyDeletePam
Whether it was right or wrong, I`m glad prince Harry was allowed to serve those few weeks in Afghanistan. He always wanted to be a soldier was which always going to be extra difficult because of who he is. In some quarters he has even been dubbed a coward for not going overseas, very unfair in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteLove Sandra xx
If he had the opportunity to live a "normal life", I would imagine he would quickly choose the life of being a Prince fairly quickly.
ReplyDeleteLisa
i see it from the view that Princess Di raised him to go and do just as he did. Maybe he was not able to stay long enough but he was brave and she wanted both her sons to live a real life and not one stuck up in a castle.
ReplyDeleteit was 40 degrees here today, a virtual heat wave!!
lisa
1. HRHH didn't ask to be born a prince. All HRH's are a member of the military. Harry has always wanted to be a soldier. Perhaps this was the only profession that would get him out of his un-normal life into another, albiet structured, but..with the lads, doing a good job well.
ReplyDelete2. Part of the fault lies with the media in my view. Of all countries, Australia, a member of the commonwealth, to grass on him is disgusting. Stupid, stupid person.Never mind Harry, it put all the forces at risk. A media black out should be put in force. Harry and family don't need cosy chats in a war zone. Nore do Harry's mates/their families. god only knows how they feel. Do any other countries do this?