The Covenant

clipped from www.britishlegion.org.uk Inquests can be very confusing for the families of Service personnel, particularly for those without knowledge of the legal system or the military. Solicitors can be expensive and funding is only available in “exceptional cases” where the family is financially eligible. Interestingly, all cases where someone has died in prison, in police custody or detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 are automatically classed as “exceptional cases” and the need to meet the financial eligibility criteria can be waived.

How narrow is the Covenant. In a period where a 51year old reservist is killed in Iraq, it is interesting to see what can be done for the family.

Because he was a reservist, and not a regular, very little. It is down to the Associations to fulfil the obligation that ought to be the Governments. Fortunately the RAFBF is generous towards its people and will undoubtedly pull out every stop to assist the family. Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson, who at 52 is the oldest serviceman to be killed on current operations. Graham Livingstone and Gary Thompson were killed by a roadside bomb