Christmas

Matt Cockburn from Bedale was on operational duties on Christmas Day last year. He spoke to BBC Radio York's Adam Tomlinson about his unusual Chrismas celebrations:

"We were on an operation in Musa Qaleh, just a small group of us over the Christmas period. Unfortunately for us we never got to return back to camp. The operations can’t just stop, however if there is a way of getting the soldiers back, or getting some sort of Christmas food or celebration out to them, people do their best to facilitate that."

Matt was recently awarded the Military Cross and he received his medal from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Matt at Buckingham Palace. Photo: MoD

"It was when we were in Musa Qaleh and it was a fairly hostile area. No-one had been there for a couple of years. I was with Brigade Red Force and we were the first groups of people in there since Operation Herric Four. I was the first vehicle into Musa Qaleh and we were ambushed. We managed to get out and caught the Taleban that fired rocket-propelled grenades at us. I was awarded the Military Cross. "

It's tough being away from family at this time of year. It's difficult for everyone, including those left at home. With the current commitments of the British Army, personnel are away from home every other Christmas. However, as Matt explained to Adam, they do keep in touch with family and friends back home:

"The only thing you can do is try and write as many letters as possible, when you get a chance and send them back home. There are welfare facilities so people can ring home. Everyone I was with got the chance to ring home and say Merry Christmas on Christmas Day."

The other thing which brightens an otherwise difficult time is the presents and parcels sent from home. The presents can come from loved ones or complete strangers.

"It’s brilliant, the amount of parcels and presents we were sent by various people across the UK was overwhelming. Every little bit helps. It’s hard enough been away from home, but to have somebody you don’t even know make the time to send you a present, it means a lot."

For the fifth year running, the charity UK4U will be sending nearly 25,000 gift boxes to troops who are fighting overseas or are hospital. Each box will contain around 20 items, but the contents are being kept secret until 25th December! In 2007 gifts included reading lights, playing cards, tea bags and games.

The project was inspired by Princess Mary, daughter of King George V, who in 1914 sent everyone serving abroad a brass box containing a pipe, lighter, tobacco and cigarettes.

The Ministry of Defence are urging people to donate to military charities such as UK4U instead of sending surprise parcels to troops they don't know. Although the actions are well-intended, these gifts have stopped personal letters and gifts from family and friends arriving in time.