Summary
1)All these men served our country in its times of need. But now politicians deny them pensions that would provide a decent standard of living in retirement2)THEY sacrificed the best years of their lives in the Armed Forces. But as Veteran's Day approaches on Friday, a generation of soldiers, sailors and airmen are still battling for a fair pension. Here, JAMES SALMON highlights the plight of those who, after a lifetime of loyalty, now face retirement in poverty.
SID WEST was a tank commander in the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, leaving in 1973, after more than 17 years' service -- including in Northern Ireland and Germany. You might have thought such service would lead to the reward of a decent pension. But Mr West has not received a penny and gets by solely on [pounds]124.05 a week in state pension and pension credit.See the full content of this document
Extract
Forgotten Heroes
At the age of 69, he is now planning to go back to work to support himself and his wife, Brenda, 68.
Yet an Army friend in the same regiment who left in October 1975 - - also after serving 17 years -- now receives a pension of [pounds]573 a month.'My friend was the same rank as me and served the same time,' says Sid. 'The only difference was that he retired after I did. Now I'm having to return to work because we just can't afford the lif...See the full content of this document
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