The last posting date for Op Herrick (Afghanistan) is 5 December 2008, for Op Telic (Iraq) it's 10 December 2008 and for all other destinations the last posting date is 15 December 2008.
Post for Ops Herrick and Telic is free for the sender and must weigh no more than a maximum of 2kg. This free service has also been extended from 7 November to 5 December 2008, to cover a number of other locations including Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ships. See BFPO website for more details >>>
BFPO anticipates receiving a significant volume of mail this Christmas period for Service personnel in theatre, so the last post dates will be strictly adhered to.
Mail is the biggest morale booster for members of the Armed Forces who are separated from their families, friends and loved ones, whilst deployed around the world, and never more so than at Christmas. BFPO therefore aims to process all Christmas letters and parcels within a day of their arrival at BFPO HQ, for onward transportation to fixed bases worldwide.
Last year, in the two months before Christmas, over 21,000 sacks of mail, weighing over 170 tonnes, were sent to Afghanistan alone, the majority of which were parcels and shoeboxes generously donated to unnamed British Service personnel.
The logistic supply chain from sender to recipient in an operational theatre is extremely constrained and, at times, dangerous; especially in Afghanistan, where the last leg of the journey is usually by helicopter.
Members of the public who send Christmas gifts to unnamed British Service personnel serving overseas are therefore being urged this year to donate money to military charities instead. See Related News >>>
By limiting the system to accepting 'personal' mail, the BFPO aims to prioritise resources to carry essential combat supplies such as ammunition, medical supplies, food, and equipment, as well as personal mail.
Director BFPO Brigadier Russell Beattie said:
"To receive mail from loved ones back home is a terrific morale boost for members of HM Armed Forces deployed to operational theatre, none more so than during the festive season. The continued support of Royal Mail and the availability of our award-winning e-bluey service means that communications between servicemen and women and their families and friends is easier than ever.
"Christmas mail places an additional load on the BFPO and the supply chain, and the hard work of postal workers at Royal Mail, BFPO and deployed military posties alike is applauded. In preparation for this Christmas, BFPO has built an additional building to provide an extra mail processing area, procured additional automation and recruited temporary staff for the Christmas period."