The Dragon now lives on-line!  (Last update 24/10/05.)
D.C. Mourns Loss of DCH Andrew Payne
VCR Bill threatens Constitution
The proposed Violent Crime Reduction Bill, currently being looked at by Parliament, is a threat to the Constitution of the DC, particularly in its current state.  The bill, which intends to ban the sale, manufacture, and import of "realistic replica guns" has been highly contested by all airsoft and re-enactment bodies.
The bill, if passed, will make Airsoft as a sport doomed to a slow decline in this country, not to mention preventing re-enactment societies from obtaining the weapons that people pay to see.  Battle re-enactments would become a thing of the past. 
If yo support the D.C, or play Airsoft, please go and sign the petition at www.saveairsoft.org immediately.
DCH Andrew Payne, a loyal member of the CROWS and much loved by everyone, tragically died on 1st July 2005 whilst on holiday in Spain with his family.
Andy was caught in a "rip-tide" and was pulled underwater whilst swiming in the sea, just one day before he was due to return to the UK.
Has father, also named Andrew, and his brother Ben, now a DCE, used every ounce of their strength to try and save Andy, and their attempt to save him can be described as nothing short of heroic.  Unfortunately, Andy was very weak, a state which was enhanced because he also suffered from M.S, and he passed away as he was brought back on to dry land.
The tragedy has upset everyone throughout the whole of the DC and at Stirling Services, where Andy used to frequently train with the CROWS out in Wales.  This was reflected by the turn out at his funeral, where members of the CROWS bore the coffin, and others from Stirling Services formed a guard of honour to pay their respects, flanking the route as his casket was brought in to the church.
Particular sympathy and respect goes out to all of Andy's family, who have coped extraordinarily well with such a devastating experience, and have been an example to us all, as Andy was.
Andy (callsign Demon) was always a true friend to those that knew him, and was like a much loved brother to the CROWS.  He will be missed.
M4 becomes Standard Battle Rifle
THE QUEST FOR URBAN TRAINING...
The M4 has become the DC Standard Battle Rifle after variants of the gun have been purchased by almost all members of the DC - in fact, only Squad C have not followed this trend, which is understandable given the close-combat nature of their role.  The M4 always was standard issue, as it came under the "AR-15" classification, although now, the M-16 rifle is only a secondary option, the M4's compact size while maintaining a similar capability making it the prefered weapon.
The M249 has also replaced the M60 as the DC's standard support weapon, with a second gun being purchased some time this year.
The M11A1 and P99 remain the standard sidearms.
The DC is still looking for places to do Urban training, such as "gunhouses" and tactical assault on occupied buildings.  Unfortunately, there is nowhere legal for us to do this kind of wargaming, although we are still looking for a place that fulfills our requirements.  If you know of a place we might use, e-mail the DC immediately.  The location must be away from residential areas and roads, and privately owned, preferably with two or more floors.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WRITE AN ARTICLE TO BE POSTED ON THE DRAGON ON-LINE, SEND IT VIA E-MAIL TO THE USUAL ADDRESS.
The M249 Minimi.
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