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Post by Johnmcd on Dec 13, 2004 15:59:17 GMT -3
Javier, Noelia, It appears clear that when arguments are found to be false then cynicism abounds.
Actually, I remember the reign of the Shah of Iran, Mossadegh, I must admit, I know nothing of. I remember how the Shah bought out practically all the British military exports for many a year, when bars and disco’s were open in Tehran, when women walked the streets without veils are wore lipstick, when east met west and no was offended. But those were terrible days, CIA intrigue, shaddy oil deals, outrageous capitalist venture that gave birth to the United Arab Emirates - just across the straights of Hormuz, Merc’s Rolls Royces, Sky Scrappers being built, people forced to live the high life just to spend the money! Such disgusting times!! And oh, how that debauchery had to end with the blessed arrival of the holy man from France.
Problem is that many Iranians thought the fundamentalist thing wouldn’t last too long before they got their lives back to normal. They were wrong. My guess is that any sane Iranian won’t need any help at all in getting back their country to how they want it - and not continue to have it shaped for the them in the 7th Century.
Noelia, no worries we won’t be sending GW into Argentina. You got rid of your own thugs, though you still have their bill to pay.
Best wishes, John.
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caton
Junior Member
Posts: 69
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Post by caton on Dec 14, 2004 8:32:37 GMT -3
The British in Vietnam
I had never made of the British in Viet nam a spetial subject of research (I am really not interested at all), having the brunt of the war being carried out by the French and the USA (though other countries also sent troops).
Notwishtanding that, I am in condition to state:
ü Britain’s most important participation was at the begining stages and against Viet Minh (short for Doc Lap Dong Vinh Hoi), under Vo Nguyen Giap’s command. Intervention was carried out between 8th september 1945 to April’ 46 with the following forces: Indian 20th Division (veteran of Burma campaign), the armored cars of the 16th (Indian) Light Cavalry, two squadrons of the RAF, and a RN port party. In all, 26000 men under Mayor General Douglas Gracey. As these forces were insufficient to keep Viet Minh forces at bay, General Gracey decided to arm the Japanese prisioners, which were so used against Viet Minh. Martial law was immediately proclaimed. Please note that during the Japanese ocupation, Viet Minh was supplied with arms by the Chinese comunists, nationalists, USA (OSS) and Britain.
ü SAS instructors alongside Aust & NZ spetial forces; Aussies took part from August 62 to 8th dec 72 (about 47000 men served along the war). NZ did it from may 65 to dec 71.
BY the way, ask HMG about the General Service Medals (including the “South Viet Nam 1962-64” bar) issued without mentioning either names or units...
Best - Javier
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Post by Johnmcd on Dec 14, 2004 12:18:45 GMT -3
This is a change of subject? on are we on the same thread?
Anyway, General Service Medals probably had the bar 'Malaysia' on them. That was going on at the same time.
I was off the coast of S. Vietman in April 1975, HMS Achilles, doing evacution operations - no medal unfortunately!
John.
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