PEOPLE in Warrington who traditionally send Christmas parcels to the Armed Forces have been asked not to do so this year for safety and operational reasons.
In the two months before Christmas last year more than 21,000 sacks of mail weighing over 170 tonnes, were sent to Afghanistan alone – most being gifts for unnamed British service personnel.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “As much of this post must reach its final destination by helicopter, particularly in
Afghanistan, extra flights mean extra danger for pilots and crews.”
Additional mail in the system could delay the delivery of personal mail from loved ones which was of “huge importance” to those away from home for long periods, especially at Christmas.
The spokesman said: “This surge of post unintentionally places considerable strain on the supply chain, the main focus of which must be ensuring that essential combat supplies such as ammunition, medical supplies, food and equipment reach those at the front line.”
Because of this the Ministry in partnership with British Forces Post Office, is limiting the free postal system only to friends and families, with mail only being accepted if to a named person.
Other people who want to show their support are being encouraged to donate to charities including UK4U Thanks! which provides a Christmas parcel for every serviceman and woman serving overseas on Christmas Day.
Other organisations helping service personnel include The Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Army Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes.
Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, deputy chief of defence staff (personnel), said: “The generosity and support of the British public has been outstanding and it means a huge amount to all those serving in our Armed Forces.
“When on operations, the receipt of news from home, a letter from your wife or children, is a huge boost to morale, but unfortunately, this can be delayed by the sheer volume of mail generously donated.”
Last Christmas the mail created a “significant challenge” to logistics, and for this reason the postal service has been restricted to ensure operational effectiveness was maintained.
