Medals

By lordashcroft.com

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest “hero of the month” article published in Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.

The July issue of the magazine has a two-page write-up on the life and bravery of Temporary Second Lieutenant John Scott Youll VC. Youll was born in the mining village of Thornley, County Durham. Known throughout his life as “Jack”, he left school at 15 and became an apprentice electrician at Thornley Colliery. (more…)

By lordashcroft.com

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest “hero of the month” article published in Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.

The June issue of the magazine has a two-page write-up on the life and bravery of Brigadier Manley Angell James, who was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for outstanding bravery during the Great War. (more…)

By Lord Ashcroft

First published in the Daily Express on 16 May 2018

LIKE so many schoolboys of my generation I was captivated when I watched The Dam Busters shortly after the film came out in 1955. There was so much to enjoy. Not least the charismatic Richard Todd playing Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the commanding officer of 617 Squadron, and the distinguished Michael Redgrave’s brilliant portrayal of Barnes Wallis, the aeronautical engineer who devised the “bouncing bomb”. (more…)

By Lord Ashcroft

First published on 15 May 2018 on ConservativeHome.com

I have announced today that, after nearly six years in the role, I am stepping down as the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Veterans’ Transition.

It has been a privilege to serve under the last two Conservative Party leaders as I worked with all stakeholders to ensure military personnel receive the support they need when making the transition to civilian life. (more…)

By lordashcroft.com

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest “hero of the month” article published in Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.

The May issue of the magazine has a two-page write-up on the life and bravery of Acting Lieutenant Colonel William Herbert Anderson, who was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for outstanding bravery during the Great War. (more…)

By Lord Ashcroft

First published in the Telegraph Magazine on 21 April 2018.

One hundred years ago today, Germany’s flying ace the ‘Red Baron’ was shot from the skies – but not before he had achieved a record 80 ‘kills’.

(more…)

By lordashcroft.com

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest “hero of the month” article published in Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.

The April issue of the magazine has a two-page write-up on the life and bravery of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Reginald Frederick Hayward, who was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for outstanding bravery during the Great War. (more…)

By Lord Ashcroft

First published in the Daily Express on 31 March 2018.

It should never be forgotten that when the Royal Air Force was formed on April 1 1918, powered flight, in general, and aerial combat, in particular, were in their infancy. (more…)

By Lord Ashcroft

First published in the Daily Express on 24 March 2018.

WHEN the RAF was formed a century ago Edward “Mick” Mannock had already been terrorising German pilots in the skies for the best part of a year.

With his ruthless streak and hatred of the enemy, combined with his skill in the air and being a fine shot, he had built up a formidable reputation for his bravery. (more…)

By Lord Ashcroft

First published in Britain at War in March 2018.

Acting Captain Allastair Malcolm Cluny McReady-Diarmid VC: skill

Allastair Malcolm Cluny McReady-Diarmid (as he was known as the time of his death) was born with the name of Arthur Malcolm McReady-Drew on 21 March 1888. One of four sons born to Herbert Drew, a civil servant, and his wife Fanny (née McReady), he was born in New Southgate, London. (more…)