Pathfinder International Magazine – the leading UK Military Resettlement Magazine

Category: History and Tradition

Stories about history, the Royal Family, pageantry and parades, remembrance etc.

  • Her Majesty The Queen Consort’s First Visit To The Grenadier Guards

    Her Majesty The Queen Consort’s First Visit To The Grenadier Guards

    In December 2022, Her Majesty The Queen Consort was appointed Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. At the end of January, Her Majesty visited the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards at their barracks in Aldershot for the first time since her appointment to the role and was warmly welcomed into the Regimental family.

    Her Majesty The Queen Consort talks to Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Johnston (left) and Major General James Bowden (right).
    In December 2022, Her Majesty The Queen Consort was appointed Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. Image: Crown Copyright 2023 MOD – SSgt Dek Traylor

    In the Officers’ Mess, The Commanding Officer briefed the new Royal Colonel, The Queen Consort, on his battalion’s recent operational activities, and forthcoming events.

    Throughout the last five years, the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards has been employed across a plethora of military tasks. In 2018 the Battalion was deployed simultaneously to Iraq, Afghanistan and South Sudan and returned in time to Troop the Colour at HM The Queen’s Birthday Parade in 2019.

    More recently, Grenadiers have conducted major training exercises in Belize, the Falkland Islands, Kenya and Thailand.

    The Battalion is now part of the 4th Light Brigade Combat Team and currently has elements deployed to Iraq to provide protection to the international coalition deployed under Operation Inherent Resolve. Members of The King’s Company (Grenadier Guards) returned briefly from this deployment in September 2022 to provide the Bearer Party for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

    Looking ahead into 2023, the Battalion is very much looking forward to supporting state ceremonial duties in the coming months and undertaking a major training exercise in Kenya in the Autumn.

    After the briefing, Her Majesty was introduced to the officers at a small reception where the Commanding Officer presented a champagne toast to celebrate Her Majesty’s appointment.

    Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Johnston, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards said: “The Grenadier Guards are deeply honoured by the appointment of Her Majesty The Queen Consort as our Colonel. We are delighted to welcome Her Majesty into our Regimental family.”

    A group photograph to mark the historic moment was taken on the steps of the Officers’ Mess, mirroring one taken with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh when he was Colonel Grenadier Guards.

    Later, in the Sergeants’ Mess, The Adjutant, Captain Sam Macdonald-Smith, invited Her Majesty to present a Long Service and Good Conduct medal to Sergeant Scott Howcroft. She presented a medal bar marking an additional ten years’ exemplary service to Colour Sergeant Colin Fiddy’s existing Long Service and Good Conduct medal.

    Her Majesty then presented operational service medals to ten officers and soldiers from the battalion in honour of their deployment in Iraq.

    After what was a proud occasion for all the recipients, Her Majesty met their families and heard about the many ways they had come together to support each other while their loved ones were away on operational duties.

    The 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, later known as The Grenadier Guards, has served the Sovereign and the Nation in an unbroken thread for more than three and a half centuries. Grenadier Guardsmen have fought in every major conflict and the regiment has been awarded 78 Honorary Distinctions (commonly known as Battle Honours), forty-five of which appear on their Regimental Colours (flags).

    In their ceremonial role Grenadier Guardsmen are recognised on parade by a white plume on the left side of their bearskin caps; their uniforms bearing symbols of a grenade ‘fired proper’ and buttons arranged singly. Their regimental motto is: Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense – the motto of the Order of the Garter – “Shame on him who thinks evil of it”.

  • Over Five Thousand Bikers Formed Spectacular Ring Of Red Around M60 On Remembrance Sunday

    Over Five Thousand Bikers Formed Spectacular Ring Of Red Around M60 On Remembrance Sunday

    A symbolic procession of 5986 motorbikes took to the M60 around Stockport on Remembrance Sunday to create a Ring of Red, with bikers paying their respects to the Armed Forces both past and present.

    Ring of Red M60 chose Greater Manchester veterans’ charity, Veterans into Logistics as their charity of the year, with donations and merchandise sales going towards training and mentoring veterans into new careers as HGV drivers.

    Veterans into Logistics Founder, Darren Wright led the ride out in a truck dedicated to his friend and former soldier Jamie Doyle, who served 22 years in the Royal Artillery but was tragically found dead at home, being unable to cope less than 12 months after leaving the British Army.

    Jamie’s mum, Jayne, and daughter Ellie sat with Darren in the truck, keeping Jamie’s memory alive.

    The weather was perfect, and bikers wore red to create a poignant visual display, emulating a poppy, as they respectfully joined the M60. It took an hour and 17 minutes for marshals to stagger all the bikes off the forecourt and the camaraderie was on point throughout the day. The Last Post played as the bikers took to the motorway on gleaming bikes adorned with flags and poppies, followed by military vehicles.

    The roar of the bikes was immense and the cacophony of engines revving and horns honking was spectacular as crowds congregated on the motorway bridges to wave and cheer on the thousands and thousands of bikers.

    Veterans into Logistics Founder, Darren Wright said: “It was deeply moving and very special to lead the Ring of Red M60 Ride of Respect. It meant a lot for me to show Jayne and Ellie the love and appreciation felt for veterans and all those who have fallen, including Jamie.

    “It was overwhelming to be part of and I would like to thank organiser Netty Kiely and her team for choosing Veterans into Logistics as their charity of the year.

    “Our mission is to reduce poverty and homelessness for veterans and the vulnerable by training and supporting them into new careers as HGV drivers. We know they still have so much to offer future employers after leaving the military and we upskill them and help them find secure and sustainable employment.”

    Veterans into Logistics Trustee and biker, Heidi Chapman, who rides a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, said: “It was an honour to ride behind Darren Wright and the Veterans into Logistics truck, named in the memory of Jamie Doyle.

    “It was a truly special day to lead over 5800 bikers around the M60, symbolising all that the poppy and Remembrance Day stand for.”

    Ring of Red M60 event organiser, Netty Kiely said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Ring of Red Remembrance Ride and showing their respect. It’s been our pleasure to support Veterans into Logistics this year.

    “I couldn’t have done this without my committee, volunteers and all the staff at Moto Birch Services.

    “It was overwhelming to see so many, at one point queuing past junction 19 trying to get into the services. We had them waiting in the carpark side due to running out of lanes, then when the first five lanes left, we filled them again!

    “It was incredible to have our highest turn out yet – with 5986 bikes! Roll on next year!”

    Netty and her team now have a well-earned two weeks off before planning and preparation starts for next year’s Ride of Respect which will be the ten-year anniversary.

    With numbers increasing year on year, if anyone can make 2023’s event even more incredible, then Netty can!

    For more information on Veterans into Logistics, visit: www.veteransintologistics.org.uk  

  • UK Armed Forces Around The World Pause To Mark Remembrance

    UK Armed Forces Around The World Pause To Mark Remembrance

    UK Armed Forces personnel paused to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have gone before this Remembrance Sunday, wherever they are in the world. Over the last year, around 6,000 UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed on 29 operations in 26 countries worldwide.

    UK Armed Forces personnel will pause to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have gone before this Remembrance Sunday, wherever they are in the world.
    Over the last year, around 6,000 UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed on 29 operations in 26 countries worldwide.
    On Friday, Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas on operations and exercises paused in Remembrance to mark Armistice Day.
    Remembrance Day parade at Nymindegab, Denmark.
    Senior national representative participate in the Remembrance Day parade at Nymindegab, Denmark. As part of JOINT PROTECTOR 22.
    JEF is currently on its pre planned annual deployment, Joint Protector 22 (JP22). This is a physical example of utility and agility. The deployment is in Denmark and is also a demonstration of JEFs collective resolve and a deterrent to further aggression from our adversaries.

     

    83 EAG Remembrance Parade
    Personnel serving with 83 EAG in the Middle East participate in a Remembrance Parade to pay tribute to those that have fallen before them.
    UK Armed Forces personnel will pause to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have gone before this Remembrance Sunday, wherever they are in the world.
    Over the last year, around 6,000 UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed on 29 operations in 26 countries worldwide.
    On Friday, Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas on operations and exercises paused in Remembrance to mark Armistice Day.
    HMS ALBION ATTEND EMOTIVE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE IN MALTA
    Pictured: A former Royal Marine Commando and UK Special Forces Operator lays a wreath and salutes the fallen.
    On Friday 11th November 2022, HMS Albion attended the Armistice Day Remembrance Service at the Salute Battery Gun in Malta.
    Ship’s company joined Maltese service personnel and civilians alike in coming together to remember the fallen. The service was a poignant reminded how both Malta and the UK share an intimate history of sacrifices during numerous conflicts.
    UK Armed Forces personnel will pause to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have gone before this Remembrance Sunday, wherever they are in the world.
    Over the last year, around 6,000 UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed on 29 operations in 26 countries worldwide.
    On Friday, Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas on operations and exercises paused in Remembrance to mark Armistice Day.
    ARMISTICE DAY MEMORIAL SERVICE 11 NOV 22
    RAF Brize Norton held an Armistice Day Memorial Service for all Whole Force personnel on Friday, 11 Nov 22 .
    Whole Force RAF Brize Norton personnel attended the Armistice Day Memorial Service on Friday, 11 November 22
    The service took place air side on Bays 5/6, immediately outside the Departures Lounge.
    HMS ALBION ATTEND EMOTIVE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE IN MALTA
    Pictured: A Royal Navy Junior Rate remembers.
    On Friday 11th November 2022, HMS Albion attended the Armistice Day Remembrance Service at the Salute Battery Gun in Malta.
    Ship’s company joined Maltese service personnel and civilians alike in coming together to remember the fallen. The service was a poignant reminded how both Malta and the UK share an intimate history of sacrifices during numerous conflicts.
    UK Armed Forces personnel will pause to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have gone before this Remembrance Sunday, wherever they are in the world.
    Over the last year, around 6,000 UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed on 29 operations in 26 countries worldwide.
    On Friday, Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas on operations and exercises paused in Remembrance to mark Armistice Day.
    Exactly 80 years to the day that paratroopers jumped into North Africa during the Second World War, the current generation of airborne soldiers paused training in Morocco to pay their respects.
    A Company Group, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment held a Remembrance service during Exercise Jebel Sahara, which sees the unit training alongside the Moroccan 2e Brigade d’Infanterie Parachutiste to develop their desert warfare skills.
    As the paratroopers stood in respectful silence to remember those killed in war, close in their thoughts were the soldiers who helped establish The Parachute Regiment’s formidable reputation during fighting in North Africa 80 years before.
    Operation Torch – the Allied invasion of French North Africa – started with amphibious landings in Morocco, followed by 3rd Parachute Battalion parachuting in to capture Bone airfield in Algeria on 12 November 1942. Across the month, 1st and 2nd Parachute Battalions also jumped in to seize key objectives in Tunisia at Beja and Oudna respectively.
    Paratroopers were in the thick of heavy fighting until German and Italian forces surrendered in Tunisia in May 1943, winning eight battle honours for the newly-formed regiment. Paratroopers were nicknamed rote teufeln – red devils – by German troops struck by their ferocity in combat and how the tail strap hanging from their parachute smocks became covered in the region’s red earth.
    1982 Falklands Campaign Veterans and NOK gather at Port Stanley Liberation Monument for an Armistice Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony.
    1982 Falklands Campaign Veterans and NOK gather at Port Stanley Liberation Monument for an Armistice Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony
    UK Armed Forces personnel will pause to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have gone before this Remembrance Sunday, wherever they are in the world.
    Over the last year, around 6,000 UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed on 29 operations in 26 countries worldwide.
    On Friday, Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas on operations and exercises paused in Remembrance to mark Armistice Day.
    903 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) personnel from all three services, deployed on Op SHADER – the UK contribution to the fight against Daesh, came together today, 11 November 2022, to hold an Act of Remembrance.
    Remembrance Day, 11 November, marks the anniversary of the end of hostilities of World War One 1914-1918.
    This year is the anniversary of the Second Battle of El Alamein 1942 and the Falklands Conflict 1982.
  • HRH The Queen Consort At Westminster Abbey Field Of Remembrance

    HRH The Queen Consort At Westminster Abbey Field Of Remembrance

    More than 1,000 veterans and Service Personnel gathered in the grounds of Westminster Abbey for the opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey yesterday morning.

    Pictured is Her Majesty The Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey. Image: MOD Crown Copyright 2022 Cpl Rob Kane. 

    Her Majesty The Queen Consort was greeted by The Dean of Westminster Abbey, The Very Reverend David Hoyle, and took part in a service and the two-minute silence to remember members of the armed forces who have lost their lives, as Big Ben tolled to mark 11am.

    70,000 crosses were carefully positioned in neatly trimmed grass by volunteers in 308 plots according to regiment, unit, or association. In 1928, Major George Howson MC suggested using land outside Westminster Abbey as a place where anyone could plant a poppy in memory of a loved one.

    This established a Remembrance Tradition which has continued for 94 years. Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey and Lieutenant General James Bashall escorted Her Majesty as She reviewed the plots and met veterans.

    More than 1,000 veterans and Service Personnel gathered in the grounds of Westminster Abbey for the opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. Image: MOD Crown Copyright 2022 Cpl Rob Kane. 

  • RAF Flight Departs For Falkland Islands As Part Of 40th Anniversary Commemoration

    RAF Flight Departs For Falkland Islands As Part Of 40th Anniversary Commemoration

    A Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft departed RAF Brize Norton in the early hours of this morning (9 November) carrying veterans and bereaved next of kin of the Falklands Conflict.

    Falklands veterans depart RAF Brize Norton for the South Atlantic. Image MOD Crown Copyright 2022. 

    Over 130 veterans and next of kin of those who lost their lives in the conflict will return to the Islands for the first time in 40 years.

    Funded by the Ministry of Defence, the flight takes place over the traditional Remembrance period to allow those who lost loved ones in the conflict to pay tribute to them in this special commemorative year.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    “I am delighted that the MOD and Armed Forces have been able to facilitate the return of veterans and bereaved families to the Falkland Islands for the first time in 40 years.

    This Remembrance we honour the efforts of all those who were involved in the conflict and remind ourselves of the sacrifices made by those who did not return, but will never be forgotten.”

    All those travelling applied independently through a Ministry of Defence ballot which was announced in May 2022.

    The first commemorative flight for Falklands Conflict veterans and next of kin, the flight was operated by RAF personnel from 101 Squadron.

    Flying the aircraft to the Falkland Islands, Flight Lieutenant Joe Turner of 101 Squadron said:

    “It is a real privilege, on behalf of 10 and 101 Squadron to play a part in transporting a number of veterans and families down to the Falkland Islands. We will always remember the courage and sacrifice they, and those who sadly did not return, showed in 1982.”

    While in the Falkland Islands, the veterans and next of kin are visiting former battlefield sites and military cemeteries to remember those who lost their lives. They will also attend Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday events in Stanley, reflecting on the sacrifice so many made.

    Chair of the Legislative Assembly for the Falkland Islands, the Honourable John Birmingham said:

    “I’m sure I speak on behalf of the whole Falkland Islands community when I say how delighted we are to welcome veterans and families back this week. There has been a lot of work put in to make this pilgrimage a success and I must pass on my sincerest thanks to the community, which has come together to host, drive or help in so many other ways to make our guests feel at home.

    In the past 40 years we have grown in many ways, and the sacrifices that were made by these Veterans and those who were never able to return home have enabled us to be the country we are today. We remain eternally grateful to each and every one of them. I hope they will always remember that they have a home in the Falkland Islands.”

    The commemorative flight is just one of the events that the Armed Forces have been involved in this 40th anniversary year, with support to commemorative events at the National Memorial Arboretum and St Paul’s Cathedral in June and a reception for veterans on board Royal Navy flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth in July.

    The Falklands Conflict took place in 1982 and 255 British service personnel and three islanders lost their lives.

    Working and living alongside islanders, today around 1,700 British Armed Forces personnel and civil servants are also based in the Falkland Islands.

    Watch Pathfinder’s interview with Falklands veteran Simon Weston on Remembrance from 2019 below.

  • The November 2022 Remembrance Issue Of Pathfinder International Is Out Now!

    The November 2022 Remembrance Issue Of Pathfinder International Is Out Now!

    The November 2022 Remembrance edition of Pathfinder International is out now and available to read for free below.

    What’s inside this month?

    • We reflect on Remembrance with the theme of service
    • 2 poignant front covers from Poppy Artist – Jacqueline Hurley
    • A special version of Left Right Left
    • Review of the Armed Forces Expo in Colchester
    • Review of the Northern Irish Veterans Awards
    • Forces & Franchising Directory for 2023 in association with NatWest
    • Apache Helicopters debut in the field
    • Military Charity news with a look at what it is like to work in the third sector
    • A range of ELCAS and professional training opportunities
    • An array of recruitment offers inside
    • Plus much more…

    Read the November 2022 issue in full here. 

  • Armed Forces Join Defence Ministers And Ross Kemp To Support The Royal British Legion On London Poppy Day

    Armed Forces Join Defence Ministers And Ross Kemp To Support The Royal British Legion On London Poppy Day

    Defence Ministers and Armed Forces personnel showed their support recently for London Poppy Day by selling poppies to London’s commuters ahead of Remembrance. London Poppy Day is a fundraising collection day all in aid of the Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion.

    Royal British Legion celebrity supporter Ross Kemp joined personnel from The Life Guards of The Household Cavalry Regiment and the Scots Guards and Irish to open London Poppy Day. Image Crown Copyright 2022. 
    The regimental mascot of the Irish Guards, an Irish Wolfhound called Turlough Mor who’s known affectionately by the soldiers as Seamus, helped draw crowds of tourists and commuters to buy poppies at the headquarters of the Army in London.
    Defence Ministers and Armed Forces personnel showed their support today for London Poppy Day by selling poppies to London’s commuters ahead of Remembrance.
    London Poppy Day is a fundraising collection day all in aid of the Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion.
    Thousands of collectors, including uniformed personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans, and their supporters greeted commuters and collected donations at tube and mainline railway stations in London. Nine military bands also performed at stations across London to encourage commuters to donate.

     

    Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace and members of the Armed Forces selling Poppies at London Waterloo Station at the start of London Poppy Day.
    Defence Ministers and Armed Forces personnel showed their support today for London Poppy Day by selling poppies to London’s commuters ahead of Remembrance. London Poppy Day is a fundraising collection day all in aid of the Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion. Image Crown Copyright 2022. 
     
    Thousands of collectors, including uniformed personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans, and their supporters greeted commuters and collected donations at tube and mainline railway stations in London. Nine military bands also performed at stations across London to encourage commuters to donate.
     
    Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace, and Defence Ministers James Heappey, Andrew Murrison, Alex Chalk and Baroness Goldie joined serving personnel at London Waterloo, Victoria, Paddington, and St James’s Park Station to collect donations for the Poppy Appeal.
     
    Remembrance Sunday falls on 13 November this year and members of the Armed Forces around the world will mark the occasion. Today’s Armed Forces are inspired by their predecessors and continue the proud traditions of service and achievements of those who have gone before them.  

    Royal British Legion celebrity supporter Ross Kemp joined British Army personnel from The Life Guards of The Household Cavalry Regiment and the Scots Guards and Irish to open London Poppy Day. The regimental mascot of the Irish Guards, an Irish Wolfhound called Turlough Mor who’s known affectionately by the soldiers as Seamus, helped draw crowds of tourists and commuters to buy poppies at the headquarters of the Army in London.

     

  • Bikers Turn M60 Red For Greater Manchester Veterans’ Charity On Poppy Day 

    Bikers Turn M60 Red For Greater Manchester Veterans’ Charity On Poppy Day 

    Veterans into Logistics, a Greater Manchester based charity that trains veterans into new careers as HGV drivers has been chosen as Ring of Red M60’s charity of the year 2022.   

    Bikers from the 2021 Ride of Respect

    This year’s annual Remembrance Sunday Ride of Respect takes place on Sunday 13 November and all bikers will wear something red to form a spectacular red poppy around Manchester when viewed from above the M60. Organiser, Jeanette ‘Netty’ Kiely said: “It has become a hugely popular physical show of support for the Armed Forces, both past and present.

    “We are delighted to support Veterans into Logistics this year through donations from the sale of our merchandise, as every year we create Ring of Red M60 commemorative merchandise including T-shirts, flags and pin badges.”

    Veterans into Logistics COO, Major Ian Battersby said: “We can’t wait to be part of this incredible event on Remembrance Sunday. Our mission is to reduce poverty and homelessness for veterans and the vulnerable by training and supporting them into new careers as HGV drivers. We thank Ring of Red M60 for helping to highlight and support our work, with funds raised going towards training veterans into their new careers.”

    The event will be led by Veterans into Logistics’ truck dedicated to Jamie Doyle who served 22 years in The Royal Artillery. He was found dead at home, tragically being unable to cope less than 12 months after leaving the British Army. In 2020, Veterans into Logistics was formed, purchasing their first HGV training vehicle and naming it in memory of Jamie.

    Last year 4,400 bikers participated in the Ride of Respect, and this year organisers invite riders to turn up at MOTO Birch Services Westbound from 9am for the ride-out starting at 1pm. The event ends as the bikers return to MOTO Birch Services Eastbound, followed by an invitation to come together at Rochdale Mayfield Rugby Club where there will be military vehicles on display, a Veterans into Logistics merchandise stall and refreshments. 

    Riders come from across the country to take part in what has fast become a staple in thousands of bikers’ calendars, and they prepare their bikes months in advance to take part in the striking display.

    Look out for the amazing aerial photos on Veterans into Logistics’ and Ring of Red M60’s social media pages.  

    For more information on Veterans into Logistics, visit: www.veteransintologistics.org.uk  

  • Guidance For The National Service of Remembrance, Sunday 13 November

    Guidance For The National Service of Remembrance, Sunday 13 November

    How you can take part in the commemorations.

    On Sunday 13 November, the National Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London.

    Starting at 11am, the service will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two world wars and later conflicts.

    The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) co­ordinates the event, alongside colleagues from across government, the Armed Forces and veterans’ organisations.

    Attending in person

    No tickets or passes are needed for the event and the public are welcome to watch the ceremony from the pavements along Whitehall and Parliament Street. However, entry may be limited if the area becomes full. There will be video screens north of the Cenotaph, near the green directly in front of the statue of Field Marshal Montgomery, and in the lay-by outside Dover House (between Horse Guards and Downing Street) and close to the junction of Whitehall Place. There is also a screen south of the Cenotaph on the corner of King Charles Street. If you are thinking of attending the commemorations in London, please note the event schedule below:

    Timings:

    • 08:00: Whitehall opens to the public. Space will be limited. Please allow time to clear the police security procedures.
    • 09:00: The Royal British Legion (RBL) detachments form up on Horse Guards Parade and on Whitehall.
    • From 10:30: All detachments form up on the Cenotaph.
    • From 10:50: Participants process out onto the Cenotaph.
    • 11:00: National two-minute silence marked by the firing of guns from King’s Troop on Horse Guards Parade. Cenotaph Service commences.
    • 11:25: Cenotaph Service concludes and The Royal British Legion detachments disperse past the Cenotaph.

    Security information:

    • There is an extensive policing security operation in place on the day. Please allow plenty of time for clearance through police security checks.
    • Please do not bring large bags. Those with multiple or complex openings or cases will delay yours and others entry into the public viewing areas.
    • Please note that the unauthorised use of any drones (including quadcopters/helicopters) in this area and the roads surrounding Whitehall is strictly prohibited at all times.

    Travel information:

    • Please be aware that stations close to the service and surrounding areas will likely be busy before and after the service times.
    • For the latest information on the Transport for London (TfL) network please visit the Transport for London website or follow @TfL on Twitter.

    Watching the event from home

    Further information:

    • Queries about the march past should be sent to The Royal British Legion at cenotaph@britishlegion.org.uk.
    • Photography is permitted, but the Metropolitan Police have powers to remove obstacles such as camera tripods) where they obstruct public access or views. Spectators should not take photographs during the two-­minute silence when shutter noises can offend.
    • Space will be available for wheelchair users and other spectators who might find it difficult to view from the general public areas. This area is located on the west side of Parliament Street, close to the junction with King Charles Street. Space in this enclosure will be offered on a first-come, first-serve, basis. One carer or guest per person will also be admitted and a toilet for the use of disabled people will be available nearby.
    • Temporary public toilets will be located in Whitehall Place.
    • First aid facilities, provided by St John Ambulance, will be available at various locations along Whitehall.
    • Great George Street will be closed to the public from 06:00 on Remembrance Sunday. Access between Victoria Street and St James Park will be via Storey’s Gate.
    • Please consider your attendance if you have symptoms of or have tested positive for Covid 19. You should avoid close contact with people at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, even if they’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine. More information is available on the NHS website.

     

  • The Jacqueline Hurley Art Exhibition On Display At St. Clement Danes Church For Remembrance

    The Jacqueline Hurley Art Exhibition On Display At St. Clement Danes Church For Remembrance

    The Jacqueline Hurley Art Exhibition will be on display in this stunningly beautiful building, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Steeped in fascinating and tragic history, St. Clement Danes Church was heavily bombed during The Blitz and extensive restoration was and is still needed.
    It was adopted by the Royal Air Force to become their Central Church and a National Memorial of Remembrance for the sacrifice of aviators during WWII and throughout the Service’s history. St. Clement Danes Church is home to the Books Of Remembrance which contain the names of over 125,000 service personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation since the inception of The Royal Flying Corps and The Royal Air Force.
    The church has wonderful plans to expand the crypt, developing a Well-Being and Education Centre for our Armed Forces and the community, and restoration of the iconic 1719 James Gibbs Steeple which was extensively damaged by fire during The Blitz incendiary bombing raids, and complete restoration is now needed to preserve the steeple where the bells ring out on the hour, Oranges and lemon’s, say the bells of St. Clement’s! Funds raised through the exhibition of my Remembrance Collection art will help towards fundraising for these projects. For more details, please visit https://stclementdanesraf.org/
    Jacqueline will be at St. Clement Danes Church for the duration of the exhibition and would love to see you there!