TRAVELLING by train can be a drag at the best of times but you've got to feel for Sheffield squaddie Zachary Hoyland.
Zachary was travelling back from Iraq after a gruelling tour of duty. His journey home wasn't much better than his stint in the Middle East.
He'd already been travelling for three days when he encountered an over zealous conductor and was turfed o
ff the train.
Although 19-year-old Zachary was dressed in full combat gear, he was thrown off the train in Chesterfield because he didn't have an armed forces railcard.
If this is the gratitude we show our brave soldiers then we should be ashamed of ourselves.
Zachary, like the thousands of forces personnel, had risked life and limb while serving in Iraq. He'd spent months patrolling the mine-strewn port of Um Quasar but his biggest battle appears to have come with a Cross Country Trains conductor.
I could understand it if he'd had his civvies on but rifleman Zachary was dressed from head to toe in combat gear. I'd say his military uniform was a pretty big giveaway as to his occupation.
I know rules are rules and so does Zachary. But showing a bit of discretion and a bit of compassion goes a long way.
Cross Country Trains has offered to look into the episode but for Zachary it's too little too late.
No wonder our boys (and girls) often feel forgotten. We should get start getting behind our squaddies and recognise their brave contribution. They're doing a fantastic job.
Zachary is heading out to Afghanistan later this year. Let's hope he doesn't have to take a train to get there.
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