Forces Reunited - www.forcesreunited.org.uk

This site drew me in on one of those very reduce trial basis for a year . Because I did not noticed the automatic renewal ( unless otherwise directed) etc, they took out a years subscription and refused to return the money. I have been a member of many other sites that use this method of automatic renewal but always happy to return the money. being more concerned about their reputation if you do not wish to renew. Imagine how many times this must happen , then times that. A very low and disgraceful cheap trick. Furthermore where are the contact methods the email the telephone numbers - hidden away and very hard to find. That speaks volumes .

Have to confess I don't understand the other reviewer's annoyance as I've been a member since the year dot of this site and never had any issues whatsoever?

I suppose some websites are just chalk n cheese?

Somewhat confusingly FR is nothing to do with friends reunited -not even remotely connected!

It was set up by an ex-army veteran and is probably the longest running reunion/forum site for UK forces?

It's certainly got millions of people signed up to it apparantly, although as it's a commercially operated site they charge to send messages -I suppose all such sites have to get their money from somewhere and it's certainly had some money spent on it -and it has none of those bloody annoying adverts all over it like some other website I could mention.

I too had a badge missing in the post but I had another sent to me without quibble straight away so I'm guessing these are fairly inconsequential issues.

I have had a nice chat with their support oppos and they all seem clued up, friendly and above all -helpful so I'm surprised some of my fellows here havent tried that route -perhaps it's easier to complain elsewhere on the web rather than get a proper resolution? ho hum.

Seems a bit petty to me to try and do the site down just because your badge got lost in the post?

I've met a few old mates here and even went to a reunion of my ship years back, way before any alternative websites were out there so I've certainly had my vfm's worth in my opinion.

In fact, now I think about it -where are all the websites that popped up to reunite folks now? I think this one still being around means it must be satisfying the majority surely?

First member of this organisation app 3 / 4 yrs ago. Send monies via Visa debit , account debited for the Veterans Badge , no badge, told lost in post. You do not receive receive any monies back and they are adept in making sure you continue membership without authority by debiting your account. If this happens to you contact your bank and then The financial services ombudsman , their use of bank cards can be withdrawn. I joined again 2015 , again ordered the Veterans badge , no badge received no refund, am told that the monies have already been donated to their nominated charities. I have contacted the charities named and advised them that their share of my normal £10000 annual donations will cease while they are involved with Forces reunited , can they produce the amount of donations allegedly passed to the charities ? I doubt it. As an ex serviceman I note that many persons have jumped on the band waggon with schemes to assist service personnel, the media shows that a percentage do not. Take care when you become involved with an organisation that is not transparent.

First member of this organisation app 3 / 4 yrs ago. Send monies via Visa debit , account debited for the Veterans Badge , no badge, told lost in post. You do not receive receive any monies back and they are adept in making sure you continue membership without authority by debiting your account. If this happens to you contact your bank and then The financial services ombudsman , their use of bank cards can be withdrawn. I joined again 2015 , again ordered the Veterans badge , no badge received no refund, am told that the monies have already been donated to their nominated charities. I have contacted the charities named and advised them that their share of my normal £10000 annual donations will cease while they are involved with Forces reunited , can they produce the amount of donations allegedly passed to the charities ? I doubt it. As an ex serviceman I note that many persons have jumped on the band waggon with schemes to assist service personnel, the media shows that a percentage do not. Take care when you become involved with an organisation that is not transparent.

I received an introductory off to join Forces Reunited for a yearly subscription at £4.99

Joined up and immediately visited the "Search" icon to locate family members who were in WW1

Immediately a pop up box appeared requesting an additional subscription in order to view the results

I was baffled as my invoice from the £4.99 stated clearly I had full membership

On contacting Customer Services I was told the "search" facility led to their sister web site "Forces War Records" which was a separate package altogether.

Forces Reunited was just for networking with ex service members and nothing to do with viewing records

I informed them this was not made clear on the web site and to refund my initial payment.

After two requests it fell on deaf ears.

My point being, just be aware that subscribing to Forces Reunited will not allow you access into Forces War Records without further payment and that could be £71 per year