Armed Forces Memorial

The family of Cpl Robin McLachlan recently cut the first turf in the construction of the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Robin's name, along with 16,000 other members of the UK Armed Forces who have been killed on duty since the Second World War, will be commemorated by this new national memorial.

Unlike the World War Memorials in towns and villages, there is no-where that records the names of those who have been killed on duty, or as a result of terrorist action, as a consequence of serving their country since 1948. The Armed Forces Memorial will put that right. The names of members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy who have died in conflict zones while in direct support of the Armed Forces will also be included on the Monument.

Explaining the personal significance the memorial will have, Robin's widow Jill McLachlan, said; "Death does not discriminate according to context or place. A death in a road traffic accident in Germany is no less painful for the family than a death in Iraq. Many Service personnel are killed carrying out their duty outside of conflict zones - surely their commitment deserves to be recognised?"

The Armed Forces Memorial Trust still needs to raise £4 million to complete the construction of this new national memorial, which is expected to be unveiled in October 2007. You can make a donation to the Armed Forces Memorial Appeal online at www.forcesmemorial.org.uk or send a cheque to The Armed Forces Memorial Appeal, First Floor, Zone A, St George's Court, 2-12 Bloomsbury Way, LondonWC1A 2SH.