The £312 AV-I The watch that's ' s e Forc ite a tribute to favourer Spitfire ace Win! pap ● See competition on page 17
Goodness Gracious, now Nina stars in a musical
See R'n'R 4-5
Friday, August 9, 2024 Edition No. 1590 £1.20
––
Ex-officer Mac's drive to help vets survive PTSD
See pages 14-15
Rugby Union
Women on the move
● See page 23
Armed Forces pay bonanza
Hockey Victories hat-trick
Simon Mander
● See page 25
Paralympics Vets eyeing Games gold ● See page 28
WWII VET Dick Skepper says he has been 'humbled' after being inundated with more than 1,000 cards from well-wishers across the world following an appeal to mark his 100th birthday. Son David said the Bomber Command veteran has read every single message. ● See story on page 3
ARMED FORCES personnel are to get an inflation-busting six per cent pay hike billed as the largest in 22 years. This year’s award is said to recognise their extraordinary sacrifices to protect and serve the UK and to address recruitment and retention challenges. It will see new recruits given the largest increase for more than 20 years, putting starting salaries in line with the National Living Wage for the first time. Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Our new government’s first duty is keeping the British people safe. And the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces. “This pay award will benefit every member of the Armed Forces. It is an important step towards turning around the declining morale and recruitment crisis we have faced in recent years. “It is a clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to improving Service life.” ● Continued n page 2