This year, SSAFA the Armed Forces charity will mark 100 years since the end of World War One.
The charity, of which I am a proud Ambassador, was there for our Armed Forces family then and they’re still here for them now.
For over 130 years and through a number of conflicts, SSAFA has shown its commitment to our service men and women, veterans and their families; relieving need, suffering and distress through its network of local branches.
Read moreIn late November the Royal Tank Regiment will mark 100 years since the first large scale tank action with special events taking place in London and Cambrai in Northern France. The Battle of Cambrai in 1917 changed the history of warfare forever with the first large-scale use of tanks in battle.
The Royal Tank Regiment, started out as a top secret band of trades from all walks of life, who were brought together in the Tank Corps to break the stalemate of trench warfare. They soon evolved into a unit which revolutionised combat and has deployed on all major conflicts over the last 100 years.
Read moreHRH The Princess Royal has attended a service of thanksgiving at Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral to mark the formation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) 100 years ago.
Princess Anne is also the Chief Commandant for Women in the Royal Navy and will be unveiling a commemorative stone after the service in the Cathedral grounds.
The commemorative stone depicts the unique shapes of four female naval uniform hats from the past 100 years.
Read moreThis year marks the centenary of women being legally permitted to serve in the Armed Forces. As the nation pauses to reflect on the lives sacrificed in conflict this Armistice Day, it is important to remember the many brave women who have fought to defend our nation. The Royal Star & Garter Homes provides specialist care to many ex-service women, all with inspiring stories. Here we share one resident’s wartime experience.
Joan was 15 when the Second World War was declared. Desperate to play her part in the war effort, Joan fibbed about her age, declaring she was 16, so she could join the Air Raid Precautions (ARP).
Read moreNaval Servicewomen and generations of former Wrens who served in support of the Royal Navy across the century gathered in HM Naval Base, Portsmouth at the end of September to celebrate 100 years since the Women’s Royal Naval Service commissioned in November 1917, during the First World War.
On Friday 29th September HMS Duncan, the sixth T45 class Air Defence Destroyer hosted an early evening reception for nearly 50 veterans and currently-serving women sailors.
Commander Eleanor Stack RN, HMS Duncan’s Commanding Officer and Captain Bill Oliphant RN, Captain of HM Naval Base, Portsmouth presided over an all-female RN Guard at the evening sunset ceremony, led by Guard Officer Lieutenant Jane Pizii RN. Ten per cent of HMS Duncan’s Ship’s Company are women, including the Logistic Officer, Navigating Officer, Medical Officer, and her most senior Engineering Warrant Officer.
Read moreHeadquarters British Forces Gibraltar held its WRNS100 Anniversary celebration over the weekend of 9-11 June which proved to be a huge success thanks to the tireless efforts of the committee members, , CPO Claire Talbot, Mrs Charlotte Walliker, Lt Louise Moxworthy, Mrs Elaine David, MAA Claire Bell, AB Natasha Boddy and AB Claire Nicholson.
The event opened with a cocktail party in the Tower, with Cdre Walliker Command British Forces Gibraltar welcoming the ladies back to the Rock. There was also the opportunity for a brave few to visit HMS Ledbury.
Read moreSSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is celebrating 100 years since women were legally permitted to serve in the British military.
This July marks the centenary of the formation of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), the first time women were formally enrolled in the UK Armed Forces. Back then, women’s roles involved cooking, administration and mechanical work. Today, one hundred years on they stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterpart, with close combat roles in the Royal Marines, Royal Armoured Corps, infantry and Royal Air Force Regiment opening up to them last year.
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