Defence-related news this morning includes stories on the top-performing officer cadet at Sandhurst.
SANDHURST HONOUR
There are positive stories in several papers, including The Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Sun and the Daily Mail, on top-performing officer cadet at Sandhurst, Kidane Cousland, who says he thanks the military for putting him back on track after leaving school at 15. He said on the eve of his "passing out" ceremony that had it not been for joining the Army, he would be dead or in prison. Articles reference that he was born on an estate in Tottenham and by the age of 11 he could not read. He will now be presented with the prestigious sword of honour, which he beat 200 fellow recruits to win.
An Army spokesperson said:
The head of the Army, General Sir Nick Carter, initiated a ‘Maximising Talent’ strategy last year, which aims to attract talent from all parts of society regardless of background, race, creed, sexuality, gender – and aims to maximise the opportunity to develop this talent.
SAS VETERAN JAILED
Several papers, including The Sun front page, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and Daily Mirror, report that SAS veteran Albert ‘Bert’ Patterson has been given a 15-month prison sentence after he kept a war-trophy handgun captured during the Falklands campaign. Articles reference that he took the pistol from an Argentinian officer to remind him of the 22 friends who died in the conflict. The Sun article calls Britain’s justice system into question, saying something is seriously wrong if it treats former soldiers this way.
SINGING SOLDIER
There is coverage in The Sun, Daily Express and The New Day that soldier Leila Jones has become the first person recruited to the Army for her voice. Articles say she was heard singing while training to be an officer, and was invited to join the band of reservist unit HQ Company, 6 Rifles, and that her role will include performing at ceremonial engagements or singing her favourite soul songs at less formal occasions.
Colour Sgt Richard Cregan, the Permanent Staff Instructor, said:
It’s fantastic to welcome all kinds of talented musicians to our ranks. Musician Jones brings energy, flair and specialist soul skills to our unit. We are always delighted to hear from anyone interested in a career with us.
