Free parcel service for frontline troops

Royal Mail is proud to announce today that it will be making special arrangements for a free parcel service to British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Royal Mail’s Chairman, Allan Leighton, said: “Royal Mail wants to see our frontline troops get as much support as possible.

“Royal Mail’s postmen are already serving in many military bases, including in Afghanistan, helping provide postal services to the armed forces and we know how vitally important it is for frontline troops to get parcels from their loved ones at home.

“We’re now urgently working with the British Forces Post Office to set up special arrangements to start as soon as possible for a free parcel service until Christmas so that friends and family can send free parcels to Afghanistan and Iraq. We’ll be making an announcement with further details within days.”

Royal Mail added that it would be pleased to review with the Ministry of Defense how the free parcel service might be maintained after Christmas.

Notes to Editors:
• Royal Mail has a long and proud history of getting mail and parcels to the British armed forces around the world dating back to the formation of the Army Post Office Corps in 1882. Earlier this summer, Royal Mail provided a morale-boosting red postbox for troops in the Helmand province of Afghanistan as a reminder of home amid the harsh conditions on the frontline. (A picture of the postbox is available.)
• The current upper weight limit will remain at two kilograms and the service will be available to send parcels to named individual service personnel.