The poppy

[Rasputin]

So the US spent absolutely vast amounts of money to protect its "financial interests"? That does not sound very convincing to me.
Let me break this down for you.
The American government spent absolutely vast amounts of TAX PAYERS money securing private financial interests in the Middle East.
If you dont believe me look at who the winners were in the likes of the Iraq war, check the share price of Haliburton pre-Iraq war and post-Iraq war.
Its the oldest story in the book, dont tell me your one of those people who believe that the Crusades were fought for Jesus Christ and Christianity?
Wars like with most things essentially boil down to basic economics.

Nor does blaming absolutely everything on the west and nothing on anyone in the middle east (presumably bar Israel). As was said above, it's not nearly as black and white as some of the people on this thread are making out.
I didnt blame absolutely EVERYTHING on the west.
But I blame a very very large proportion of what has happened in the Middle East on the west.
The rise of Islamic fundamentalim in the Middle East can essentially be traced to the West subverting Socialists and Communists in the Middle East by funding and equipping Islamic Fundamentalists who despsied the "godless communists".
Examples such as Hamas which was initially funded by Israel to subvert the Left Wing PLO, the Mujhadieen which was funded to subvert the Saur Revolution.
Just stating that the West is not to blame for everything is neither here nor there when it is factually documented they are responsible for a very very large part of the current wave of Islamic Fundamentalism and the like which now plagues the Middle East.
Read your history.

And weren't the Mujahideen on the go before the Americans started funding them?
Yes of course they were, a bunch of Islamic Fundamentalists rallying behind the Mullahs of Afghanistan who were essentially the feudal lords of Afghanistan.
They didnt much like what happened in the aftermath of the Saur Revolution with the Government under going one of the biggest land distribution schemes in the East trying to lift Afghani peasants from serfdom.
But with the CIA which openly state they funded them and the reactionarys in Pakistan and Suadi Arabia they helped make the Mujahideen fester in Afghanistan and helped turn it from one of the most progressive Arab countrys in the world to being thrown back to the dark ages.
So of course the Yanks didnt create the idea of a Mujahideen but they helped make it multiply and grow to size of the problem it is today.

[Rasputin]

Sorry, I wasn't aware that I was only allowed to hold opinions that I was the first to think of.
I never stated that.

So you think that the various heavily armed militias with many years of bitter feuding, and future competition for resources are just going to sit back and protect their own communities? Come on, it would be a bloodbath as soon as the peacekeeping force left the country. I think the Americans should pull out as soon as possible, but not before the Iraqi defence forces are capable of holding the country together.
Your so delusional its laughable.
You do realise who comprises the Iraqi Police and Army?
Ill give you a little clue, its called the Mahdi Army only in uniform. Its to such an extent that Sunni's wont even join the Police or Army.
Now for your point that apparently we need to keep the country togethor.
Why do we? It is an artificial country formed by the Brits in the last century with no form of Nationalism.
Its not even togethor as it is with the Kurds to the North as good as independant but we dont hear about that do we?
Guess why? Because Mosul is of no strategic or economic interest to the west, the naievty on display is staggering.

I never said there was any altruism, but no matter how bad the motives were, millions will die if the troops pull out before the countries are ready.
Ok that is just bordering on absolute stupidity.
The Yanks dont protect these communities as it is, as I stated before the Militias are the ones who protect the communities.
The yanks not only dont have the will but dont even have the means to protect Iraqi civilians if they wanted.
And as I stated before it is the Mahdi army that comprise a massive proportion of the Police and Army so that also demolishs your point.

I utterly condemn the actions of some British and American troops in Iraq, but then again, I utterly condemn the heavy-handedness the Gardaí show on occasion. Doesn't mean I think they should be disbanded.
Terrible comparison to make.
I never once called on the Brit and Yank armys to be disbanded.
I merely asked them to return home and stop fighting for Corporations economic interests in foreign lands.
The Afghani and Iraqi's are more than capable of stabilising their own countrys without foreign crusaders.
It verges on pure western chauvanism to think that we know how to stabilise their own lands better than themselves, and from an Irishman I would have expected more tbh.

[peadar1987]

I never stated that.

Your so delusional its laughable.
You do realise who comprises the Iraqi Police and Army?
Ill give you a little clue, its called the Mahdi Army only in uniform. Its to such an extent that Sunni's wont even join the Police or Army.
Now for your point that apparently we need to keep the country togethor.
Why do we? It is an artificial country formed by the Brits in the last century with no form of Nationalism.
Its not even togethor as it is with the Kurds to the North as good as independant but we dont hear about that do we?
Guess why? Because Mosul is of no strategic or economic interest to the west, the naievty on display is staggering.


Ok that is just bordering on absolute stupidity.
The Yanks dont protect these communities as it is, as I stated before the Militias are the ones who protect the communities.
The yanks not only dont have the will but dont even have the means to protect Iraqi civilians if they wanted.
And as I stated before it is the Mahdi army that comprise a massive proportion of the Police and Army so that also demolishs your point.

Terrible comparison to make.
I never once called on the Brit and Yank armys to be disbanded.
I merely asked them to return home and stop fighting for Corporations economic interests in foreign lands.
The Afghani and Iraqi's are more than capable of stabilising their own countrys without foreign crusaders.
It verges on pure western chauvanism to think that we know how to stabilise their own lands better than themselves, and from an Irishman I would have expected more tbh.



If you can't debate civilly, there's no point talking to you. You call me stupid, delusional, and question my national pride, so I'm unsubscribing from this thread.

[Gather round]

Look GR I could argue about this with you all day but the basics of this is that im guessing we come from very different contexts which deeply influences our perspectives on such things as the British Military and what is British Nationalism etc. I wont convince you of my perspective and im sure as hell you wont be able to convince me that the Poppy is just a charity for injured vets and the like

Rasputin- just a thought here, but maybe if your perspective doesn't convince others it might be partly down to your argument, not just our bias?

Re-read the thread and you'll see that I explicitly criticised the British Military (both its current wars and the way it uses the Poppy Appeal and similar to exaggerate support for them). It should be clear that I'm not an uncritical supporter.

I suggested that the Poppy Appeal's popularity as a charity was self-evident, quoting its sales and income. You chose to ignore this, presumably as it doesn't suit your perspective of what British Nationalism is or should be.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Except that being in London (the capital of Britain) in the last fortnight have seen barely 100 punters wearing poppies out of thousands. And when mentioned this subject to people, they have looked at me with a mixture of bewilderment or disinterest.

And only seen two different monetary collections for this on my travels, so that aspect of British 'nationalism' is not as obvious as some wish to project.

And would largely agree with what Rasputin says above, though the question of general civility is not especially one worth dwelling on. Certain people however have to look at the nos. with or without US intervention.
Almost without exception, the former is higher.

[culloty82]

Given that today is the actual anniversary, it's probably the right time to get back on topic, rather than get diverted by the merits or otherwise of the "war on terror". Perhaps if this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_poppy) had been the main symbol from day one, opinions wouldn't have become so heated.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Aye, but not your fault. But you do have to look at its diluted relevance to now.
As in the last 65 years being much diminished to the original carnage of the World Wars which I don't think too many would dispute.

[Rasputin]

If you can't debate civilly, there's no point talking to you. You call me stupid, delusional, and question my national pride, so I'm unsubscribing from this thread.
If the shoe fits...
And yes of course thats the reason your "unsubscribing from this thread".

[peadar1987]

If the shoe fits...
And yes of course thats the reason your "unsubscribing from this thread".

I'll let you believe what you want to believe, but this reactionary and offensive post has pretty much proved my point.

[Rasputin]

Rasputin- just a thought here, but maybe if your perspective doesn't convince others it might be partly down to your argument, not just our bias?
Look I used to mosey around Political forums and what not and even with a flawless grasp of dialectical materialism and perfect eloquence people never changed their minds, people debate on political forums because they believe in their own political perspective not because they are looking to be educated so essentially you have the same people re-churning the same old arguements that eventually end where they started, people re-enforcing their own political perspective.

Re-read the thread and you'll see that I explicitly criticised the British Military (both its current wars and the way it uses the Poppy Appeal and similar to exaggerate support for them). It should be clear that I'm not an uncritical supporter.
Ive read your arguement and it is deeply flawed.
Critical or uncritical supporter of the Poppy it is irrelevant it is the symbol it has become that is up for debate.
It is evident it is far far more than just a charity it is essentially a drum to beat in order to fire up good old fashioned British Jingoism of "support our boys" which essentially white washs any criticism of their imperial adventures.
You even concede in that point that it has become more than just a charity, was that not what this debate was essentially about?

I suggested that the Poppy Appeal's popularity as a charity was self-evident, quoting its sales and income.
Completely irrelevant point.
The arguement I put forward is the Poppy is far more than a charity it has effectively become a symbol of good old fashioned British Jingoism.
So quoting sales figures and its income is irrelevant since I would state that a very large proportion of those sales and income come from ignorants buying into the British Nationalism that they trumpet and not from some altruistic notion of supporting wounded vets.
High sales figures does not automatically correlate that it is a charity, that point is fairly irrlevant to the debate as a whole.

You chose to ignore this, presumably as it doesn't suit your perspective of what British Nationalism is or should be.
Not at all, dealt with it there.
Fairly irrelevant point that it is.
Also as an aside I never once argued about what British Nationalism is or should be, I merely stated what the Poppy has become in the wider social context of Britain, it is no longer just a charity as far as im concerned.

[Rasputin]

I'll let you believe what you want to believe, but this reactionary and offensive post has pretty much proved my point.
You may want to look up what reactionary actually means before you use it in the wrong context again.
And yes that post has proven your point, im fairly sure you have won this round, until we meet again Batman.

[Gather round]

Look I used to mosey around Political forums and what not and even with a flawless grasp of dialectical materialism and perfect eloquence people never changed their minds

I regularly change my mind in response to others' arguments. Unfortunately, I tend to be less impressed by those who lazily assume I'm simply disagreeing with them because of a) my background and/ or b) some fixed obsession that I can't see beyond. BTW, when they start namedropping dialectical materialism I start to drop off. Stick to plain English, there's a good lad.


Ive read your arguement and it is deeply flawed. Critical or uncritical supporter of the Poppy it is irrelevant it is the symbol it has become that is up for debate

My argument- quite a simple one really, I don't pretend to feel that strongly on the issue- is that the Poppy Appeal is an effective and successful means of both honoring the dead and injured, and providing for their welfare and their dependents later in life. At the same time, I'm a critic of recent British governments' foreign and defence policies. To me, that distinction is hugely relevant. I also made clear early in the thread my discomfort with jingoism and the way the Military in Britain is becoming increasingly fetishised. Which part of that did you disagree with?


It is evident it is far far more than just a charity it is essentially a drum to beat in order to fire up good old fashioned British Jingoism of "support our boys" which essentially white washs any criticism of their imperial adventures

Earlier, you suggested it wasn't a charity at all. Good to see you prepared to give and take in the argument ;)

If the intent of the jingoism we both mentioned is to whitewash any criticism of the Iraqi and Afghan Wars, then quite clearly it has failed- there has been consistent opposition to both in this country.


n concede in that point that it has become more than just a charity, was that not what this debate was essentially about?

Er, yes. I made clear from the start that I was uncomfortable with its non-charitable aspects; you weighed in that it wasn't a charity at all! In other words, we partly agree, I'm just making the point a bit less aggressively.


So quoting sales figures and its income is irrelevant since I would state that

The evidence I was quoted was clearly in aswer to the anecdotage provided by other posters, who seemed to be arguing that not only was the Poppy Appeal jingoistic, but commercially a failure. So it's obviously relevant to the thread even if not to whichever rant you plan to go off on next.


a very large proportion of those sales and income come from ignorants buying into the British Nationalism that they trumpet and not from some altruistic notion of supporting wounded vets

Got any evidence for that? Or are you just trying to be offensive for its own sake?


High sales figures does not automatically correlate that it is a charity

They show that it's popular and successful. It's self-evident that it's a charity.


Also as an aside I never once argued about what British Nationalism is or should be

Apart from when you described it above as "a very large proportion of those sales and income come from ignorants buying into the British Nationalism that they trumpet and not from some altruistic notion of supporting wounded vets", you mean? Your very obvious implication is that is warmongering in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[bennocelt]

Given that today is the actual anniversary, it's probably the right time to get back on topic, rather than get diverted by the merits or otherwise of the "war on terror". Perhaps if this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_poppy) had been the main symbol from day one, opinions wouldn't have become so heated.

Thats a great idea

[ArdeeBhoy]

Well more so than the patronising, pompous and largely pointless guff, immediately in its vicinity.

Which despite the distinction drawn, fails to acknowledge the connection still made by the Brits I've encountered who're still dispassionate about their 'British Legion' and the association they inevitably draw between this and the pointless jingoism of their futile conflicts worldwide.

[Billsthoughts]

The demobbed British soldiers were sent to Ireland after WWI to keep the locals in check. They became known as the black and tans. Bloostained poppy indeed.

From their wikipedia page -

"The Black and Tans were not subject to strict discipline in their early months in Ireland and as a result, their deaths at the hands of the IRA in 1920 were often repaid with arbitrary reprisals against the civilian population. In the summer of 1920, the Black and Tans burned and sacked many small towns and villages in Ireland, beginning with Tuam in County Galway in July 1920 and also including Trim, Balbriggan, Knockcroghery, Thurles and Templemore amongst many others. In November 1920, the Tans "besieged" Tralee in revenge for the IRA abduction and killing of two local RIC men. They closed all the businesses in the town and let no food in for a week. In addition they shot dead three local people. On 14 November, the Tans abducted and murdered a Roman Catholic priest, Fr Michael Griffin, in Galway. His body was found in a bog in Barna a week later. Finally, the Black and Tans sacked Cork city, on the night of 11 December 1920, the centre of which was burned out."

[EalingGreen]

Except that being in London (the capital of Britain) in the last fortnight have seen barely 100 punters wearing poppies out of thousands. Are you sure it was London you were in? For it certainly doesn't sound like the one in which I reside:


Royal British Legion poppy collection smashes record
Londoners dug deep to raise more than £225,000 for the Poppy Appeal in just one day - smashing last year's record of £60,000.

About 400 fundraisers were stationed at transport hubs across London throughout the morning and evening rush hours and across lunchtime on Thursday.

The most money was raised at Canary Wharf where £29,027 was donated.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11708961



And when mentioned this subject to people, they have looked at me with a mixture of bewilderment or disinterest.It's not just this subject, though, is it? ;)

[Lionel Ritchie]

I think there might be some substance to Geysirs 'Poppy Facism' argument which he advances on the Bloo loo stained poppy thread.

I also think Dion Fanning put it well in the Indo today when he said if you make something like the poppy obligatory -you cheapen it.

It seems to me there is, as said elsewhere, a 'fetishism' that has snowballed about it in recent years where the media fuels public opinion which fuels the media in a vicious circle. Seemingly there's any number of complaints to all manner of programmes across the British channels if someone somehow manages to get onto a set without wearing one. If we're at the stage where X factor contestants are wearing one to tow the line or out of fear of offending voters then the thing has truly jumped the shark.

[ArdeeBhoy]

@ EG.

And your point is? Besides the obvious hypocrisy of what you allude to?

People I met just weren't interested in the poppy concept.
And whilst acknowledging those stats, all those purchasers were obviously too ashamed to wear them....the carnage perpetuated by the Brits in the last 65 years has something to with it!!

[EalingGreen]

@ EG.

And your point is?I had hoped my point was obvious.
Namely, you asserted that people in London were "disinterested" etc (I assume you actually mean "uninterested") in wearing the Poppy, solely on the basis of your personal experience.
I published clear, verifiable evidence which directly contradicts your personal, anecdotal account.


Besides the obvious hypocrisy of what you allude to?I don't understand this comment. What was the "hypocrisy" to which I am supposed to be alluding?


People I met just weren't interested in the poppy concept.Maybe so, but that hardly proves anything, does it? How big was your sample? How widespread was it? Do you have any evidence to show that it was in any way representative of the people of London generally?
Indeed, is it not possible that these people are interested in the Poppy etc, just not interested in discussing it with you?
Anyhow, Gather Round has produced clear evidence that the Poppy Appeal in the UK continues to produce more revenue every year (even in a recession). Which must mean that more publicity is being generated, more volunteers are out collecting and more people are giving etc.
Of course, London being the must diverse* and non-homogeneous place in the UK, it is possible that that trend is not repeated in London.
However, the report I cited suggests otherwise.

* - Even then, you might be surprised at some of the people who support the Appeal: http://www.khuddam.org.uk/departments/khidmate-khalq/kekprojects/kekfundraising/2010/10/27/collecting-for-the-poppy-appeal-0-50983/


And whilst acknowledging those stats,Don't you mean: "Being entirely unable to deny those stats..."?


... all those purchasers were obviously too ashamed to wear them....the carnage perpetuated by the Brits in the last 65 years has something to with it!!Nothing "obvious" about it - at least not from anything you have been able to adduce.
Be honest. You have been presented with undeniable evidence that more British people are donating more money than ever to the Poppy Appeal. This tears the arse out of the case you are trying to make, therefore you counter with something which is not capable of being proven either way, namely, that most of the 20 million-odd people who purchase a Poppy every year do not actually wear it.
You then extend this entirely fatuous claim as "proof" that this is because they are "ashamed" at the "carnage perpetuated by the Brits etc".
Any chance that you could explain the paradox that people are on the one hand "ashamed" of the British Armed Forces etc, whilst on the other hand giving ever more money to the premier Armed Forces Charity each year?
After all, it's not as if the RBL Poppy Appeal is the only Charity which exists to commemorate the UK's role in two World Wars.

[bennocelt]

The funny thing is if you watch the football in the UK, there is a good lot of the fans not wearing any poppies, but near 100% wearing on any tv show. Its a bit of a joke really, another lady Di moment for the British.
Anyway lads relax its over now for another year!!

[ArdeeBhoy]

What are you on about, EG?
You presume rather too much that anyone here is even remotely interested in your opinion.
;)

Didn't conduct a scientific poll, because despite 'my prejudices', it wasn't necessary here.

In the capital city of Britain of a random cross-section of people seen (OK, mainly City workers, hardly known for 'revolutionary tendencies'), <10%, being generous, were displaying any sort of support for the Poppy Appeal.
Out of the 100 or so people I know here who I've encountered in the last fortnight or so, only three were wearing one.

There may well be facts saying that everyone in Britain bought one. But they certainly aren't bothering to wear them!
You say it can't be proven either way, hence why would any purchaser not wear it? Unless they were of course ashamed do so....

Doubtless they are all buying into the paradox to which you allude. Or more likely, they were never interested in the first place !

[Lionel Ritchie]

Didn't see any on Sunderlands shirts yesterday actually. I think it shows the madness of the thing that I noticed and found it remarkable. There's gonna be holy war next year when armistice day has to be reshuffled or take a year off. 11/11/11 is International Nigel Tufnel Day. http://80smetal.magnify.net/media/site/GWLFP23GLJQSJSPG/uploads/H_My_Documents_My_Pictures_SpinalTap11.jpg

...though we could just make October one louder..

[Eminence Grise]

Thanks, LR. Was not going to bother reading this thread any more, but...

"How could I leave this behind?"

[Fixer82]

My great grandfather and great grand uncle fought in WW1 (the latter killed) but I would not wear a poppy for the life of me.
They didn't join up because of any affinity for the Queen or the Great Britain, they did it cos they were broke.

It's almost like a marketing campaign every November for the British Army these days with appearances on X Factor and Christmas single released for our heroes.

Now it's to show support for 'our boys in Afghanistan', in the 80s it was for 'our boys in Northern ireland'.
How an Irish Republican/nationalist could wear one astounds me giving the history the British Army have in this country.
And I wholeheartedly agreed with Green Brigade's protest, (even if they can't spell).
They support Celtic Football Club, that shouldn't mean they must support the British Army by default

Interesting reading here on RMK and the poppy:

http://www.wfcforums.com/archive/index.php/t-31097.html

ps Belfast Celtic - that's an honourable swap of badges with your friend from RIR. Shows nice mutual respect

[bennocelt]

By the way Roy did have his poppy on last weekend - so much for the big rebel from Cork

[backstothewall]

ps Belfast Celtic - that's an honourable swap of badges with your friend from RIR. Shows nice mutual respect

Assuming thats me. Mutual is the most important there. If the poppy fever in memory of dead British soldiers in November was reciprocated in memory of those who have died for Irish freedom at Easter, there would be no problem with the poppy. Trouble is i have never seen anyone wearing a lily in any workplace or in the media. Parity of esteem is crucial to all this.

[Lim till i die]

How many people in recent history have died for Irish freedom though?? 5000??

A tiny amount compared to the amount of Irishmen who died serving in the British Forces for whatever reasons.

Parity of esteem?? Should we all shake maracas for the Irishmen who died for Spanish Freedom??

Surely it should be a personal choice for people rather than parity of esteem being an issue

[backstothewall]

How many people in recent history have died for Irish freedom though?? 5000??

A tiny amount compared to the amount of Irishmen who died serving in the British Forces for whatever reasons.

Parity of esteem?? Should we all shake maracas for the Irishmen who died for Spanish Freedom??

Surely it should be a personal choice for people rather than parity of esteem being an issue

I didn't realise it was a body count. And in response to your fairly glib point Re: the Spanish Civil war, I would certainly consider the sacrifice of Irish soldiers resisting Franco in Spain to be covered by the Lily. How the facists wish to remember O'Duffy and his cohorts is up to them.

If there was truely a personal choice we wouldn't be discussing this. But we all know pressure is applied to people to comply with the poppy line, especially in public life.

[Lim till i die]

I didn't realise it was a body count.

I'd wager there's far more people with family connections to people who died fighting for Britain than Ireland is all I'm saying, therefore rather than them being on a par, would it not simply make more sense for the poppy to be more prevalent than the Lily??

On an aside did Eoin O'Duffy not fight for Ireland as surely as Frank Ryan did?? A different version of Ireland I grant you but is differentiating between them because of their political beliefs not a bit....... erm...... facist?? :)

[backstothewall]

I'd wager there's far more people with family connections to people who died fighting for Britain than Ireland is all I'm saying, therefore rather than them being on a par, would it not simply make more sense for the poppy to be more prevalent than the Lily??

On an aside did Eoin O'Duffy not fight for Ireland as surely as Frank Ryan did?? A different version of Ireland I grant you but is differentiating between them because of their political beliefs not a bit....... erm...... facist?? :)

More of my family fought for the British than for Ireland, and that is reflected in the nation as a whole, but then fighting for the British was much easier. We owe a heck of a lot more to the men and women who died for Ireland.

And no, its not facist. It might be deeply hypocritical but its something this country should be ashamed of. The arguement can be made, but by the same arguement the SS fought for Germany. If thats hypocritical, fine, call me a hypocrite. :)

[Lim till i die]

More of my family fought for the British than for Ireland, and that is reflected in the nation as a whole, but then fighting for the British was much easier.

I don't know about that!! :eek:


And no, its not facist. It might be deeply hypocritical but its something this country should be ashamed of. The arguement can be made, but by the same arguement the SS fought for Germany. If thats hypocritical, fine, call me a hypocrite.

HYPOCRITE!! :p

[Fixer82]

Two interesting pieces, the first by Vincent Browne

http://www.thepost.ie/archives/2007/1111/why-we-should-shun-remembrance-day-caper-28108.html

http://sluggerotoole.com/2010/11/02/an-irishman-reasons-why-not-to-wear-a-poppy/

[The Fly]

It's that time of year...and nothing says remembrance like -

1324384256165031937

[Mr A]

I will see your ludicrous poppy and raise you whatever the hell this is.

https://twitter.com/scottwilks/status/1324618466465370112

[The Fly]

Hmmm...it's from a few years back but just try topping this -

795710802280017920

[The Fly]

The renewable industry will not be outdone -


It's that time of year...and nothing says remembrance like -

1324384256165031937

1324285081549185024

[tetsujin1979]

The giant poppy watch page on twitter is always excellent at this time of year: https://twitter.com/giantpoppywatch

[The Fly]

Let it begin...

1455075526461300737

[The Fly]

This one passed me by...and I feel bad

1443659013732847625

[Eminence Grise]

That's just ... BANANAs. Bi-do, couldn't resist....

[The Fly]

1454227240980471811

[Eminence Grise]

Spambusters Squadron, I suppose?

Yeah, I know, I know, 617 Squadron flew Lancaster bombers but, really, do you think anybody who sees nowt wrong with slapping that on a pound of sausages knows or cares?

[The Fly]

Spambusters Squadron, I suppose?

Yeah, I know, I know, 617 Squadron flew Lancaster bombers but, really, do you think anybody who sees nowt wrong with slapping that on a pound of sausages knows or cares?

I'm just annoyed they didn't call them Battle of Britain Bangers.

[tetsujin1979]

I'm annoyed that the use by date is three weeks before remembrance sunday.

[dahamsta]

I have to confess, I wouldn't mind seeing my name on a packet of sausages. Especially if they tasted like the old Murphy's Popular sausages from my childhood, the likes of which I've never been able to find again. Popular sausages in an Abernethy's Olde Dutch bread sandwich.

Excuse me for a moment....

[The Fly]

1456150628959457286

[The Fly]

1456154100396081152

[The Fly]

Apocalypse Now...

1456726264732131338

[NeverFeltBetter]

First comment is golden on the caravan one: "Wonder if they also put poppies on the end of their windscreen Ypres..?"

[Fixer82]

Jesus wept!!