Army troops left fuming at Ministry of Defence plans to axe free messages from loved ones
The popular dispatches used in war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan were seen as 'very important' by the soldiers
MILITARY veterans yesterday begged defence chiefs not to axe free messages from home for overseas troops to save just £1million.
The dispatches known as e-blueys were used in war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan.
They were printed out for soldiers after being sent via a secure web server.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the service will end on March 31 because more troops now use social media.
It pledged to invest the £1million saving on wi-fi at overseas locations.
But soldiers are often ordered not to use the internet.
Veterans demanded the MoD think again.
Ex-First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West said: “It sounds short-sighted. They were seen as very important by the lads.”
Former Corporal Josh Boggi, a triple amputee who won a Sun Millies award, said: “It’s a shame. They’re brilliant and build your morale up.”
HERO: IT'S A SHAME
JOHN Nichol who was tortured and paraded on TV by Iraqi forces in 1991 wants defence chiefs to reconsider.
The RAF hero said: “I think it’s a shame just to save a few pounds.
“I understand that technology means it’s easier to stay in touch.
“But if people serving still want to receive a letter in the form of a bluey, it’s quite important.
"For me, it was a very important link to home.”