In this edition of nostalgia, we are looking back at a Christmas which was very different for some people.
Back in 1981, Cumbrian soldiers of the First Battalion The King’s Own Royal Border Regiment spent their Christmas on a 27-month tour of duty in Germany.
In 1991, a News & Star reporter ,David Guide and photographer Bill Walker, spent eight days with the men and their families in the unique atmosphere of the divided city of Berlin.
The city was divided by the Berlin Wall when it was divided into four sectors after the Second World War. The wall, all 97 miles of it, had more than 300 watch towers and eventually came down on November 9, 1989.
At the time of David's visit, many of the soldiers were taking part in a three nation operation Exercise Christmas Carol — a realistic simulation of what they would be called upon to do in the event of war.
When British Army soldiers are away for Christmas, they still are able to keep traditions going. Not everyone will have the same Christmas experience, as operations and taskings take precedence, but everyone should get a Christmas dinner, even if it cannot be on the 25th itself.
All personnel should receive a parcel, whether it’s come from loved ones or charities like Aaron Speke Soldier Stockings. It’s British Forces Post Office’s (BFPO) busiest time of year, flying thousands of parcels around the world.
Once upon a time, blueys (blue airmail letters) were the favoured method of communication between families, but thanks to advances in technology, people can video message each other between duties.
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