Photo plea on repatriations.
I have seen a few posts on here about going to Wootton Bassett to photograph the street scenes of the repatriation of OUR HEROES.
I am a member of the Royal British Legion and in the winter magazine I found the following letter and thought I would share it with you.
It was written by the Armys Chief Photographer from media headquarters at Salisbury, Wiltshire, who is now serving in Afghanistan, coincidentally called Rob, but not the Rob we know on here.
This is what he had to say:
With the cooperation and understanding of the grieving families, we are given the responsibility to cover the ramp ceremony at RAF Lyneham and subsequent events at Wootton Bassett.
I understand that the media is not entirely welcome by all. In certain circumstances, however, our presence is necessary.
He goes on to say that at one particular event, he and a couple of his colleagues had to cover the repatriation of two soldiers who had died in Afghanistan. After the cortege had passed, he was approached by a Legion member who asked if he was from Army News. He said yes and then the Legion member said he thought that what he was doing was disgraceful and you should be ashamed of yourself!.
He explained it was his job and he treats the ceremonies and the families with the utmost respect.
Now, I am sure he is a very capable and professional cameraman and like he said, it is his job, but I wonder how many of us would photograph an event like this for our own needs and not stand in line to show the deserved respect of the fallen.
For me, I wear my Veterans badge with pride and we should never forget what our boys are doing for us, whether you agree with war or not, they, like the photographer are doing their job.
Being in the West the local news covers the Lyneham/Wootton Bassett ceremonies which are very sad and emotional, for this reason I would put away my camera and leave it to those who's job it is to be there.
Sorry for going on too long but with remembrance Sunday nearly here I thought this letter was quite appropriate and would appreciate your views on this matter.
I have seen a few posts on here about going to Wootton Bassett to photograph the street scenes of the repatriation of OUR HEROES.
I am a member of the Royal British Legion and in the winter magazine I found the following letter and thought I would share it with you.
It was written by the Armys Chief Photographer from media headquarters at Salisbury, Wiltshire, who is now serving in Afghanistan, coincidentally called Rob, but not the Rob we know on here.
This is what he had to say:
With the cooperation and understanding of the grieving families, we are given the responsibility to cover the ramp ceremony at RAF Lyneham and subsequent events at Wootton Bassett.
I understand that the media is not entirely welcome by all. In certain circumstances, however, our presence is necessary.
He goes on to say that at one particular event, he and a couple of his colleagues had to cover the repatriation of two soldiers who had died in Afghanistan. After the cortege had passed, he was approached by a Legion member who asked if he was from Army News. He said yes and then the Legion member said he thought that what he was doing was disgraceful and you should be ashamed of yourself!.
He explained it was his job and he treats the ceremonies and the families with the utmost respect.
Now, I am sure he is a very capable and professional cameraman and like he said, it is his job, but I wonder how many of us would photograph an event like this for our own needs and not stand in line to show the deserved respect of the fallen.
For me, I wear my Veterans badge with pride and we should never forget what our boys are doing for us, whether you agree with war or not, they, like the photographer are doing their job.
Being in the West the local news covers the Lyneham/Wootton Bassett ceremonies which are very sad and emotional, for this reason I would put away my camera and leave it to those who's job it is to be there.
Sorry for going on too long but with remembrance Sunday nearly here I thought this letter was quite appropriate and would appreciate your views on this matter.
