| The now traditional BRA/RBL/RAFA Remembrance Lunch was held this year at the Kongress-haus in Zürich on 5 November. Some well- known (one hardly dare say “old”) and some new faces greeted us for aperitifs in the Foyer. During these, Charles Jefford, the RBL Chairman explained the Branch’s function in Switzerland, it being more of an Association than a Branch. An excellent lunch followed at tables decorated in the “Poppy” theme with Grace being said by Bruce Davie. The Loyal Toast to the Queen and the President of the Swiss Confederation was proposed by Guest Speaker, Lt. Colonel Ian Stafford OBE of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Peter Arengo-Jones OBE introduced Colonel Stafford before his talk and explained that he was not only the Defence Attaché for Switzerland but also Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia. He had had a many facetted career and been most recently involved in the NATO campaign in Libya. The theme of the talk was Britain’s current role in global defence and the future of the Armed Forces. Col. Stafford emphasized that his views were personal and not official. Defence expenditure cuts in most countries were tough challenges for the military. He noted the situation in the 70s when the Defence Budget was underspent and today’s problems when the Forces had “to run at full throttle without any oil.” Reform in the Ministry of Defence was necessary and one hoped that the blueprint left by the former Defence Secretary, Liam Fox, would be implemented by his successor, Philip Hammond. Mention was made of a 2009 statement by the then Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, “You’re only as good as your next success, not your last one.” Col. Stafford said it was imperative that the UK’s Armed Forces received every support. Many soldiers had completed four tours in Afghanistan and were battle-hardened but the consequences were heavy.One could only imagine the post traumatic stress problems which would ultimately appear. The role here of the RBL, Help for Heroes and other Service charities was eminent. Col. Stafford went on to say that future planning had to be long term and not get lost in short-term decisions. Cyber capability was of paramount importance and it was wise to build relationships with defence suppliers, not only in the UK but elsewhere, even in a time of recession. The UK’s commitment to NATO should be maintained and seen as a balance to US dominance. Following questions, Col. Stafford was warmly thanked by BRA Chairman, Michael Type, for a most interesting talk, giving an insider update on current matters. John Gysin MBE once again organized a book table and recommended an interesting choice of publications on varied military matters. Bookshop Orell Füssli was warmly thanked for its cooperation. Tombola rounded off a very successful event with Richard Artley overseeing the draw. And last but not least, thanks go to Joanna Koch and her team for their hard work in organizing our November lunch at a new venue. Joan Trachsel |
Valerie Offord
