From the Kings Messengers of medieval England and the Royal Post of King Edward IV, through to the establishment of the Royal Engineers in 1913 and then the Royal Logistics Corp in 1993, communications have always been of vital importance to our Armed Forces.
Not only has the delivery of messages proved vital in terms of strategy and command, but it has also played a significant role in boosting troop morale and enabling strong links with family back home. Now, via internet technology, the Armed Forces use the “e-Bluey”, which enables messages to be sent via email and then printed as letters and dispatched through the military postal system.
At Longcroft School in Beverley, there have been close link with the Armed Forces for many years, due to the significant number of students stationed with their parents at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield who have attended the school. In addition, any child could have a relative who has signed up to the Army, Navy or RAF, regardless of where they live.
It can be difficult for young person when those close family members are stationed away from home for long periods of time, which is why Longcroft has established an e-Bluey Club to help support them.
Cathy Duroe, a teaching assistant at the school, established the club and explained: “Having a close family member in the Armed Forces, such as a sibling or parent, can be emotionally difficult for young people, but with the e-Bluey system, direct and quick communication can be achieved, without the message recipient needing access to a computer. By providing access to e-Blueys from one of our computer rooms, we are helping students to stay connected with their loved ones.”
Two such student are Connor ( 12) and James (14) Mooney, whose brother Lee is a member of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards stationed at Aldershot. Whilst on leave, Guardsman Mooney visited the club to see the base of operations from where his younger brothers communicate from.
When asked what they and their older brother discuss via the system, the boys, who are joined at the club by their schoolmate Jack Miller (14), said: “We send him jokes, we discuss how Liverpool are doing in the Premiership – basically, anything and everything. It’s really helped us, as we miss him and it’s strengthened our friendship as brothers.”
Guardsman Mooney added: “It’s great to stay in weekly contact with my little brothers and to hear all the news from back home. Each message is something to look forward to and really boosts my morale. The e-Bluey system is easy to use, but really effective.”
Mr James Mooney, the boys’ proud father, added:
“I think it’s really strengthened their relationship with one another – they can write about personal stuff and support each other despite the distance. It’s great that the school has seen this need and is working with students in this way.”
In the future, Longcroft hopes other students with relatives in the Armed Forces will also take the opportunity to join the e-Bluey Club and is also looking at the possibility of developing a pen pal system.
But for now, the last word is left to Guardsman Lee Mooney:
“I’d like to thank Longcroft School for all their support in setting up the club. It’s great that no matter where in the world I am stationed, this technology can keep our family together.”
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