Changes to military Christmas postage

Dec 9 2008 By Carrie Catterall

army

NEW controls on the postage of gifts to soldiers this Christmas means only parcels to a named person will be accepted.

Last year more than 21,000 sacks of mail, weighing over 170 tonnes, were sent to Afghanistan alone, the majority of which were parcels and shoeboxes to unnamed British service personnel.

This bulk of mail meant personal mail from loved ones was delayed and the extra helicopter journeys to deliver the post put pilots in danger.

For these reasons, the Ministry of Defence, in partnership with British Forces Post Office, is limiting the free postal system only to friends and families, with mail only being accepted if to a named person.

For those who still wish to show their support, but who do not have someone specific to give to, there are a range of other charities they are encouraged to donate to, including UK4U Thanks!, which provides a Christmas parcel for every serviceman and woman serving overseas on Christmas Day.

The Royal British Legion, Poppyscotland, SSAFA, Army Benevolent Fund, Help for Heroes and other military charities are all alternative organisations working to support our service personnel.

Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel), said: “The generosity and support of the British public has been outstanding and it means a huge amount to all those serving in our Armed Forces.

“When on operations, the receipt of news from home, a letter from your wife or children, is a huge boost to morale, but unfortunately, this can be delayed by the sheer volume of mail generously donated.

“Last Christmas, the mail created a significant challenge to our logistics chain in theatre, which must also focus on the supply of operational essentials such as ammunition, food and medical supplies.

“These controls mean we will continue to supply free post to the friends, family and loved ones of those serving on operations overseas, whilst ensuring our operational effectiveness is maintained.

“We are hugely grateful for all the public support for our servicemen and women, but because of the great response, we urge people to donate to alternative organisations to minimise the impact of Christmas mail surges.”