A number of posts on Facebook and Twitter have went viral (pun intended), all of them share the same misleading image.


This article is a fact checking article, if you believe we’ve made an error you can submit a correction in line with our correction policy.


Here are some examples below, what’s wrong with the imagery?

Tweets like this are everywhere.
Even verified accounts are sharing this.

A few points on this.

1. That’s not the English flag, it’s a medical symbol (the Red Cross).
2. The British Army don’t operate those vehicles.
3. That’s the wrong side of the road for the UK.

Don’t let yourself fall for misinformation, always check what you share.

What are the military ACTUALLY doing?

The Ministry of Defence have also announced further preparation to support public services if required:

  • up to 10,000 personnel will be placed at a higher readiness, so they are able to assist with supporting public services. This is on top of the 10,000 already held at higher readiness.
  • 150 military personnel will be trained to drive oxygen tankers in order to support the NHS if required. They will begin training on Monday.
  • measures have been taken to enable the call out of Reservists, should they be required to join the response effort
  • scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) are supporting Public Health England’s effort to understand the virus and tackle the spread.

In addition, the Armed Forces are on standby to assist with civil emergencies and the MoD are deploying nurses, surgeons and other healthcare trained personnel to assist where required.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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john
john
4 years ago

The deluded generation.

Nick C
Nick C
4 years ago
Reply to  john

It’s fascinating to see how many people can’t tell their left from their right. They don’t even look like land rovers.

We know
We know
4 years ago
Reply to  Nick C

There is footage that is clearly in south London with a Mac Donald’s and a Poundland in the background and

Sean
Sean
4 years ago

There’s an awful lot of stupid on social media, Twatter being the worst.

Rob
Rob
4 years ago

Monty Panesar, of cricket fame? Well we need something to cheer us up…

Herodotus
4 years ago
Reply to  Rob

Yes the full Monty….also known in some circles as the urinator. He could have helped with putting out the Aussie bush fires, but I fear he would be just pissing in the wind with our current crisis?

dave12
dave12
4 years ago

You gonna get a lot of these social media Idiot nob heads at the moment ,the film Contagion predicted a lot of thing’s this was one of them. There is enough idiot conspiracy theorise in the world,a lot from the Russian trolls to be said ,we do not need anymore thank you.

maurice10
maurice10
4 years ago

One thing that is true, is the deployment of the Medical Core if and when required. The only case for troops on the street will be for those who intend to commit looting, an age-old problem.

Dern
Dern
4 years ago
Reply to  maurice10

I doubt you’ll see large scale deployment of the medical CORPS, most of their clinicians already work within NHS frameworks, doubly so for their reserves.

BV Buster
BV Buster
4 years ago

Exercises are getting sh*t canned left right and centre, how do you think the lads are getting home?

BV

Timothy Woodhead
Timothy Woodhead
4 years ago
Reply to  BV Buster

My mate got a brand new range rover to travel home in. Some officer is probably driving a smart car home.

Jonathan
Jonathan
4 years ago

You really would think the simple realities of possibly the worst pandemic in a hundred years and the biggest international bog roll shortage in history would be plenty of news all round without making it up.

Cam
Cam
4 years ago

It’s sad how they get away with posting crap then we have more believers (sheep) than critical thinkers who know better.

Cam
Cam
4 years ago

Did anyone say that was the English flag?

Paul.P
Paul.P
4 years ago

Good news in the fight against covid-19. The Eurovision song contest is cancelled.

Herodotus
4 years ago
Reply to  Paul.P

The very best news that I have heard about the virus! Ah, but wait a minute….filming of East Enders is to be suspended. about time too….the last thing the viewing public need in this time of crisis is more episodes of that ‘shed load of misery’.

Paul.P
Paul.P
4 years ago
Reply to  Herodotus

I think the BBC views it’s mission as reflecting the nation back to itself. I’ve never quite understood how this strategy is meant to improve behaviour or happiness. The idea that you might want to broadcast materials which help us feel more hopeful and positive seems to be an alien concept. No wonder they are in such a mess.

Herodotus
4 years ago
Reply to  Paul.P

Indeed, increasing cultural capital doesn’t seem to be as important as it once was….dumb-down rather than wise-up! Lord Reith is, no doubt, turning in his grave!

Airborne
Airborne
4 years ago

Fuck me there’s some stupid morons out there isn’t there!

Fedaykin
Fedaykin
4 years ago

The picture must have been taken in Spain considering the vehicles from front to rear are Santana PS-10, URO VAMTAC and an Iveco M250. So all vehicles operated collectively by the Spanish Army.

I am sceptical the Ejército de Tierra is on manoeuvres outside Glasgow!

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
4 years ago

I think the Tweet’s spelling of riot as “riote” says it all.

HF
HF
4 years ago

RFA Argus heading for London, to act as a hospital ship apparently