Latest news with #6thBattalion
The Advertiser
21-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Veteran's disgust at fake war medals, sold readily on Temu and eBay
A Vietnam War veteran felt disgusted after discovering replica military medals, many of them almost identical to the originals, were being sold and were readily available to the public. Replicas of medals awarded to those who served are widely available through online retailers, including Temu and eBay, and at numerous museums and dealers throughout the country. The sale or purchase of military medals is legal in Australia, although it is illegal for a person to falsely represent themselves as a veteran by wearing medals in public. Read more from The Senior Greg Carter served 12 months in Vietnam with the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. He has the full bar of medals that were received by all Vietnam veterans, as well as a Vietnam Combat Badge. He said he was disturbed by the knowledge that medals designed to honour those who served are available to the general public. "I, with others, had to earn that [right to wear medals] by being in a war zone," he said. 'To see other people who have not even done any military service wearing it, to me, it just diminishes the worth of the badge or the medal to start with. "Numerous veterans and [members of] the public I have talked with are disgusted this is happening." Mr Carter, of Portland in Victoria, first became aware that replica medals were being sold after finding a range of medals in the gift shop of a museum in Western Australia. "I said to the lady behind the counter, 'Can anybody buy these?' And she said, 'Yes, and I said, I don't think that's right'." A spokesperson from RSL Australia said there is nothing that can be done to stop retailers selling the medals. "Ideally, seeking proof of service or entitlement to medals would be sought," they said. It is not illegal to buy or sell replica military medals in Australia, although they must not be represented as the genuine article or use the Commonwealth Coat of Arms or other Defence emblems without authorisation. The Department of Defence encourages the purchase of replica medals by veterans whose originals were lost or stolen, or who want to preserve their originals. It is illegal for a person to wear military medals, or replicas of medals that were not conferred to them under the 1903 Defence Act. Wearing medals to represent a deceased relative is allowed, but medals should be worn on the right-hand side, as opposed to veterans, who wear their medals on the left. Mr Carter says he has contacted 22 different companies, all of whom were willing to sell him multiple medals without verifying who he was or why he wanted them. "My issue is the fact that the people who buy them probably have got no idea about what the medals firstly mean, and secondly, there's a protocol for wearing them." Mr Carter feels retailers should be forced to inform buyers of the laws and protocols surrounding the wearing of replica medals. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. A Vietnam War veteran felt disgusted after discovering replica military medals, many of them almost identical to the originals, were being sold and were readily available to the public. Replicas of medals awarded to those who served are widely available through online retailers, including Temu and eBay, and at numerous museums and dealers throughout the country. The sale or purchase of military medals is legal in Australia, although it is illegal for a person to falsely represent themselves as a veteran by wearing medals in public. Read more from The Senior Greg Carter served 12 months in Vietnam with the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. He has the full bar of medals that were received by all Vietnam veterans, as well as a Vietnam Combat Badge. He said he was disturbed by the knowledge that medals designed to honour those who served are available to the general public. "I, with others, had to earn that [right to wear medals] by being in a war zone," he said. 'To see other people who have not even done any military service wearing it, to me, it just diminishes the worth of the badge or the medal to start with. "Numerous veterans and [members of] the public I have talked with are disgusted this is happening." Mr Carter, of Portland in Victoria, first became aware that replica medals were being sold after finding a range of medals in the gift shop of a museum in Western Australia. "I said to the lady behind the counter, 'Can anybody buy these?' And she said, 'Yes, and I said, I don't think that's right'." A spokesperson from RSL Australia said there is nothing that can be done to stop retailers selling the medals. "Ideally, seeking proof of service or entitlement to medals would be sought," they said. It is not illegal to buy or sell replica military medals in Australia, although they must not be represented as the genuine article or use the Commonwealth Coat of Arms or other Defence emblems without authorisation. The Department of Defence encourages the purchase of replica medals by veterans whose originals were lost or stolen, or who want to preserve their originals. It is illegal for a person to wear military medals, or replicas of medals that were not conferred to them under the 1903 Defence Act. Wearing medals to represent a deceased relative is allowed, but medals should be worn on the right-hand side, as opposed to veterans, who wear their medals on the left. Mr Carter says he has contacted 22 different companies, all of whom were willing to sell him multiple medals without verifying who he was or why he wanted them. "My issue is the fact that the people who buy them probably have got no idea about what the medals firstly mean, and secondly, there's a protocol for wearing them." Mr Carter feels retailers should be forced to inform buyers of the laws and protocols surrounding the wearing of replica medals. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. A Vietnam War veteran felt disgusted after discovering replica military medals, many of them almost identical to the originals, were being sold and were readily available to the public. Replicas of medals awarded to those who served are widely available through online retailers, including Temu and eBay, and at numerous museums and dealers throughout the country. The sale or purchase of military medals is legal in Australia, although it is illegal for a person to falsely represent themselves as a veteran by wearing medals in public. Read more from The Senior Greg Carter served 12 months in Vietnam with the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. He has the full bar of medals that were received by all Vietnam veterans, as well as a Vietnam Combat Badge. He said he was disturbed by the knowledge that medals designed to honour those who served are available to the general public. "I, with others, had to earn that [right to wear medals] by being in a war zone," he said. 'To see other people who have not even done any military service wearing it, to me, it just diminishes the worth of the badge or the medal to start with. "Numerous veterans and [members of] the public I have talked with are disgusted this is happening." Mr Carter, of Portland in Victoria, first became aware that replica medals were being sold after finding a range of medals in the gift shop of a museum in Western Australia. "I said to the lady behind the counter, 'Can anybody buy these?' And she said, 'Yes, and I said, I don't think that's right'." A spokesperson from RSL Australia said there is nothing that can be done to stop retailers selling the medals. "Ideally, seeking proof of service or entitlement to medals would be sought," they said. It is not illegal to buy or sell replica military medals in Australia, although they must not be represented as the genuine article or use the Commonwealth Coat of Arms or other Defence emblems without authorisation. The Department of Defence encourages the purchase of replica medals by veterans whose originals were lost or stolen, or who want to preserve their originals. It is illegal for a person to wear military medals, or replicas of medals that were not conferred to them under the 1903 Defence Act. Wearing medals to represent a deceased relative is allowed, but medals should be worn on the right-hand side, as opposed to veterans, who wear their medals on the left. Mr Carter says he has contacted 22 different companies, all of whom were willing to sell him multiple medals without verifying who he was or why he wanted them. "My issue is the fact that the people who buy them probably have got no idea about what the medals firstly mean, and secondly, there's a protocol for wearing them." Mr Carter feels retailers should be forced to inform buyers of the laws and protocols surrounding the wearing of replica medals. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. A Vietnam War veteran felt disgusted after discovering replica military medals, many of them almost identical to the originals, were being sold and were readily available to the public. Replicas of medals awarded to those who served are widely available through online retailers, including Temu and eBay, and at numerous museums and dealers throughout the country. The sale or purchase of military medals is legal in Australia, although it is illegal for a person to falsely represent themselves as a veteran by wearing medals in public. Read more from The Senior Greg Carter served 12 months in Vietnam with the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. He has the full bar of medals that were received by all Vietnam veterans, as well as a Vietnam Combat Badge. He said he was disturbed by the knowledge that medals designed to honour those who served are available to the general public. "I, with others, had to earn that [right to wear medals] by being in a war zone," he said. 'To see other people who have not even done any military service wearing it, to me, it just diminishes the worth of the badge or the medal to start with. "Numerous veterans and [members of] the public I have talked with are disgusted this is happening." Mr Carter, of Portland in Victoria, first became aware that replica medals were being sold after finding a range of medals in the gift shop of a museum in Western Australia. "I said to the lady behind the counter, 'Can anybody buy these?' And she said, 'Yes, and I said, I don't think that's right'." A spokesperson from RSL Australia said there is nothing that can be done to stop retailers selling the medals. "Ideally, seeking proof of service or entitlement to medals would be sought," they said. It is not illegal to buy or sell replica military medals in Australia, although they must not be represented as the genuine article or use the Commonwealth Coat of Arms or other Defence emblems without authorisation. The Department of Defence encourages the purchase of replica medals by veterans whose originals were lost or stolen, or who want to preserve their originals. It is illegal for a person to wear military medals, or replicas of medals that were not conferred to them under the 1903 Defence Act. Wearing medals to represent a deceased relative is allowed, but medals should be worn on the right-hand side, as opposed to veterans, who wear their medals on the left. Mr Carter says he has contacted 22 different companies, all of whom were willing to sell him multiple medals without verifying who he was or why he wanted them. "My issue is the fact that the people who buy them probably have got no idea about what the medals firstly mean, and secondly, there's a protocol for wearing them." Mr Carter feels retailers should be forced to inform buyers of the laws and protocols surrounding the wearing of replica medals. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Birangana trailer unveiled: A gripping tale of justice, rebellion and a chilling killer
Birangana's trailer unveils a gripping crime thriller where S.I. Chitra Basu, portrayed by Sandipta Sen, challenges a flawed justice system while investigating suspicious bride 'suicides'. Niranjan Mondal debuts as Chirayu Talukdar, a chilling florist with a dark secret. The series explores themes of resistance and justice, promising a bold narrative with layered characters and haunting visuals. The trailer of Birangana , a bold new crime thriller, has just been unveiled, promising a powerful blend of suspense, social commentary, and riveting performances. Set against the backdrop of a justice system teetering on silence, the series delves into the dark underbelly of society through the eyes of a tenacious female officer and a disturbingly composed killer. In a never-seen-before avatar, actor Sandipta Sen takes on the role of S.I. Chitra Basu — a sharp, unyielding police officer who refuses to bow to institutional apathy. Navigating a system reluctant to hear voices like hers, Chitra launches a parallel investigation into a series of so-called suicides, convinced there's more beneath the surface. With fierce conviction and intuitive grit, she emerges as both investigator and disruptor — a quiet rebel challenging the status quo. Opposite her is Niranjan Mondal, widely known for his stage presence as Laughtersane, who makes a debut in long-format fiction as Chirayu Talukdar — a florist with a dark secret. The trailer reveals disturbing glimpses into his character — a serial killer who hides chilling intentions behind a calm, calculated exterior. His understated menace and psychological depth leave an unsettling impression that lingers long after the trailer ends. The ensemble cast further adds weight to the narrative: Pratik Dutta portrays IPS Dhiraj Sinha, Aditya Sengupta plays Chitra's husband Aniruddha, Anirban Bhattacharya takes on the role of Balaram Boral, and Sreya Bhattacharya stars as Mitra Basu, Chitra's younger sister. Adding a unique layer of authenticity is Shri Aloke Kumar Sanyal, Deputy Commissioner of the 6th Battalion, Kolkata Armed Police, who not only features in the cast but lends real-world experience to the story's portrayal of law enforcement. The trailer outlines the chilling premise — three brides, poisoned on their wedding night, in what authorities dismiss as suicides. But Chitra sees a pattern the system refuses to acknowledge. Her pursuit of truth pits her against not only a cold-blooded killer but also the deeply entrenched silence of those meant to serve justice. To mark the trailer's unveiling, a symbolic launch event was held at the historic Alipore Jail Museum — once home to freedom fighters, now transformed into the perfect stage for a series about resistance and resilience. 'Chitra Basu doesn't just exist in a broken system, she challenges it,' said Sandipta at the launch. She added, 'There's fire in her voice, but also pain. This role demanded everything from silence to storm.' 'Chirayu is unlike anyone I've played,' shared Niranjan adding, 'He's calm, calculated, and dangerously composed. For me, it was about exploring the silence between words — the menace that whispers instead of screams.' Birangana is not merely a whodunit — it's a whydunit, a howdunit, and most importantly, a cry for justice in a world that prefers to look away. With its haunting visuals, layered characters, and an unapologetically bold tone, this thriller looks set to redefine the genre.
Scroll.in
10-07-2025
- Scroll.in
Toll in Vadodara bridge collapse rises to 13, Gujarat CM orders inquiry
The toll due to the bridge collapse in Vadodara rose to 13 on Thursday, and rescue operations are underway, ANI reported. The collapse of the 43-year-old bridge, which took place on Wednesday morning, led to several vehicles falling into the Mahisagar river. Five persons have been rescued from the site till now, the news agency quoted Surender Singh, Commandant of the 6th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force, as saying. Two trucks, an Eeco van, a pickup truck and an auto-rickshaw had fallen into the river on Wednesday. Three members of a family – Ramesh Padhiyar, Vedika Padhiyar and Naitaik Padhiyar – are among those who died, The Indian Express reported. All of them were travelling in the Eeco van. The newspaper quoted Sonal Padhiyar, the sole survivor from the vehicle, as saying: 'We fell in a matter of seconds. Before we could even realise what happened, the vehicle had hit the water and was being pulled into the river.' Three other victims of the bridge collapse have been identified as Hasmukh Parmar, Vakhatsinh Jadav and Pravin Jadav. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered an inquiry by the Roads and Building Department into the collapse, The Indian Express reported. The kin of those who died will receive Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and Rs 4 lakh from the state government. Those injured will be given Rs 50,000 each from both the central and state funds. Vadodara Superintendent of Police Rohan Anand has said that a case of accidental death has been registered and that the probe will begin after the rescue operations end. 'We will also seek an inquiry report from the District Collector,' Anand told The Indian Express. The collapse The accident took place at about 7.30 am on Wednesday when a 10-metre to 15-metre long slab between two piers of the 900-metre Gambhira bridge, connecting Vadodara and Anand districts, collapsed. The bridge was inaugurated in 1985. The bridge in the Padra taluka was a key connector between Central Gujarat and Saurashtra.
BBC News
23-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Death railway' soldiers honoured with King's Lynn exhibition
The experiences of soldiers who became prisoners in the Far East during World War Two are the subject of a new museum exhibition. Surviving the Railway at King's Lynn Town Hall features stories of men from the Royal Norfolk Regiment captured by Japan after the fall of Singapore in 1942. They would spend three and a half years of hard labour building the Burma Railway, which became known as the "death railway" due to the loss of life will be the first time a new roll of honour commemorating all of those who served in the 4th, 5th and 6th battalions goes on public display. Exhibits include a tiny fragment of a railway sleeper brought back home by Corporal F. G. Backham of King's on show is a small aluminium box decorated and personalised from a Dutch chlorine tablet tin by Captain R.W. Cole, an officer in the 6th Battalion. As well as honouring those who died and telling the stories of those who survived, local families are being asked to fill in any missing details. Peter Black from the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum said: "The men who died and those lucky enough to survive deserve to be remembered. "This small iconic display centres on a nominal roll, and families are invited to fill in any missing details."Councillor Margaret Dewsbury from Norfolk County Council said: "It's more important than ever that we use our museum collections to keep their memory alive for future generations. "In this 80th anniversary year of the end of the conflict, this exhibition is a timely reminder of the sacrifice and bravery of these Norfolk soldiers who endured such terrible conditions." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
