Veterans Month

Veterans Month Begins March 4th each year.
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The Veterans Charity are proud to introduce Veterans Month, which brings a chance to celebrate, commemorate & educate about the UK & Commonwealth Veterans & their amazing achievements in their military & or civilian careers.

Another initiative to support The Veterans Charity remit is - D-Day on your doorstep.We are keen to hear from educators...
07/06/2026

Another initiative to support The Veterans Charity remit is - D-Day on your doorstep.

We are keen to hear from educators and keen historians who are willing to add to our free lesson plans library we are working on to make available to schools, colleges and youth groups.

along with the Ribbon of Poppies and Routes of Remembrance teams work.

Today we remember Lord Carrington, born on 6 June 1919 a tank commander, decorated wartime officer, statesman and one of...
06/06/2026

Today we remember Lord Carrington, born on 6 June 1919 a tank commander, decorated wartime officer, statesman and one of Britain's most respected political figures. 🇬🇧🪖

Peter Carington (later Lord Carrington) served with distinction during the Second World War as an officer in the Grenadier Guards, commanding tanks during the Allied campaign in Northwest Europe following the Normandy landings.

In 1945, while commanding a tank squadron during operations in Germany, he displayed outstanding leadership and courage under enemy fire, actions for which he was awarded the Military Cross. His citation praised his coolness, determination and ability to inspire those under his command during difficult combat operations.

Like many of his generation, Carrington returned from war to build a career of public service. Over the following decades he became one of Britain's most influential politicians and diplomats.

His career included service as Secretary of State for Defence, Foreign Secretary and later Secretary General of NATO. He played important roles during some of the most challenging periods of the Cold War and was widely respected both in Britain and internationally for his judgement, diplomacy and integrity.

Few individuals have combined distinguished military service and such a lengthy career at the highest levels of government and international affairs.

Today we remember both the tank commander and the statesman whose life was dedicated to service.

Today we remember Kenneth Connor, born on 6 June 1918 a WWII soldier, entertainer and one of the most beloved stars of t...
06/06/2026

Today we remember Kenneth Connor, born on 6 June 1918 a WWII soldier, entertainer and one of the most beloved stars of the Carry On films. 🇬🇧🎭

Before becoming a familiar face on cinema and television screens, Connor served during the Second World War with the British Army. Joining the Middlesex Regiment, he later became part of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), helping to boost morale among servicemen and women during wartime.

Like many performers of his generation, Connor's military service and wartime entertainment work provided valuable experience that would shape his future career.

Following the war, he became one of Britain's best-known comic actors, appearing in 17 Carry On films and creating a host of memorable characters that endeared him to audiences across the country. His appearances in films such as Carry On Sergeant, Carry On Nurse, Carry On Cruising and Carry On Abroad helped establish the series as a major part of British popular culture.

Beyond the Carry On films, Connor enjoyed a successful career on stage, radio and television, appearing in productions including 'Allo 'Allo!, Blackadder Goes Forth and numerous West End performances.

His gentle humour, expressive performances and unmistakable comic timing made him one of the most recognisable entertainers of his generation.

Today we remember both the veteran and the actor whose work brought laughter to millions.

Today we remember Henry Allingham, born on 6 June 1896 a First World War veteran, aviation pioneer and one of the last l...
06/06/2026

Today we remember Henry Allingham, born on 6 June 1896 a First World War veteran, aviation pioneer and one of the last living links to the Great War. 🇬🇧✈️⚓

When the First World War broke out, Allingham joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), serving in support of some of the earliest military aviation operations in history. At a time when powered flight itself was still in its infancy, he worked with aircraft, aircrew and mechanics helping establish the foundations of modern air warfare.

He later served during the Battle of Jutland in 1916 aboard HMS Kingfisher, witnessing one of the largest naval engagements in history. Following the creation of the Royal Air Force in 1918, his service became part of the story of the world's first independent air force.

After the war, Allingham lived through more than a century of extraordinary change, becoming a powerful advocate for remembrance in his later years. He attended countless commemorations, meeting younger generations and ensuring that the sacrifices of the First World War would never be forgotten.

By the time of his death in 2009, aged 113, he was the oldest living man in the world, Britain's oldest ever man, the last surviving founding member of the RAF and one of the final surviving veterans of the First World War.

His message was simple: remember those who never came home.

Today we honour a remarkable life that stretched from the age of biplanes to the twenty-first century, and a veteran who dedicated his final years to remembrance.

Born on this day in 1927 — Geoffrey Palmer, Royal Marines veteran and much-loved British actor. 🇬🇧⚓🎭After National Servi...
04/06/2026

Born on this day in 1927 — Geoffrey Palmer, Royal Marines veteran and much-loved British actor. 🇬🇧⚓🎭

After National Service with the Royal Marines, he built a distinguished acting career, starring in As Time Goes By, Butterflies and numerous television and film productions.

A veteran whose wit and talent entertained generations.

Today we remember Patrick Cargill, born on 3 June 1918 a British Army veteran, actor and one of Britain's most familiar ...
03/06/2026

Today we remember Patrick Cargill, born on 3 June 1918 a British Army veteran, actor and one of Britain's most familiar television faces. 🇬🇧🎭

Before becoming a household name, Cargill served during the Second World War with the British Indian Army, commissioned into the 7th Rajput Regiment. Like many of his generation, he exchanged civilian life for military service before later returning to build a successful acting career

That career would eventually make him one of Britain's most recognisable actors, particularly through his starring role as the long-suffering husband Tom Howard in the hugely popular sitcom Father, Dear Father, which became one of British television's biggest successes of the late 1960s and 1970s.

Audiences also enjoyed his appearances in stage productions, films and television dramas, where his distinctive delivery, comic timing and understated charm made him a favourite with viewers.

His life reflected the story of many from the wartime generation service during conflict followed by decades of contribution to Britain's cultural life.

Today we remember both the veteran and the actor whose performances entertained millions.

Today we remember Sir Wilfred Thesiger, born on 3 June 1910 in Addis Ababa — explorer, soldier, intelligence officer and...
03/06/2026

Today we remember Sir Wilfred Thesiger, born on 3 June 1910 in Addis Ababa — explorer, soldier, intelligence officer and one of the most remarkable adventurers of the twentieth century. 🌍🇬🇧

Born in Ethiopia while his father served as British Minister to Abyssinia, Thesiger developed a lifelong fascination with remote cultures and challenging landscapes. Before the Second World War, he had already travelled extensively in Africa and developed a deep understanding of regions few Europeans had ever seen.

When war came, he joined the Sudan Defence Force, serving in East Africa during the campaign against Italian forces in Ethiopia and Eritrea. His knowledge of the terrain, local peoples and unconventional warfare made him particularly valuable in some of the most difficult theatres of the conflict.

Thesiger later served with the Special Operations Executive (SOE), supporting clandestine operations, before joining the Special Air Service (SAS), where his skills in reconnaissance, survival and operating behind enemy lines were ideally suited to special operations.

Following the war, he became one of the world's most respected explorers and travel writers. His journeys across the Empty Quarter of Arabia, the marshes of Iraq and remote regions of Africa produced a series of acclaimed books, including Arabian Sands and The Marsh Arabs.

Unlike many travellers of his era, Thesiger developed a profound respect for the peoples among whom he lived, often choosing to travel as they did and recording cultures that would soon be transformed by the modern world.

His life combined military service, exploration and a deep curiosity about humanity in a way few others have matched.

Today we remember both the wartime veteran and the explorer whose adventures inspired generations.

Today we remember Walter Robbins, born on 3 June 1906 a Royal Air Force veteran, England Cricket player and one of the f...
03/06/2026

Today we remember Walter Robbins, born on 3 June 1906 a Royal Air Force veteran, England Cricket player and one of the finest amateur batsmen of his generation. 🇬🇧✈️🏏

Before the outbreak of the Second World War, Robbins had already established himself as a distinguished cricketer, captaining both Middlesex and England while earning a reputation as an elegant and accomplished batsman.

When war came, like many sportsmen of his generation, he put his sporting career aside to serve his country. Joining the Royal Air Force, Robbins served throughout the conflict, becoming part of the generation that exchanged county grounds and Test arenas for wartime service.

Following the war, he continued to contribute to cricket both on and off the field, serving as an administrator and helping guide the game during the post-war years. His influence extended beyond his playing career, helping shape English cricket during a period of recovery and renewal.

His life reflected the story of so many sporting figures whose achievements were matched by a willingness to serve when their country needed them most.

Today we remember both the RAF veteran and the England captain.

Today we remember Maurice Evans, born on 3 June 1901 — British-born actor, U.S. Army officer and one of the great Shakes...
03/06/2026

Today we remember Maurice Evans, born on 3 June 1901 — British-born actor, U.S. Army officer and one of the great Shakespearean performers of the twentieth century. 🇬🇧🇺🇸🎭

Born in Dorchester, Dorset, Evans built a successful stage career before emigrating to the United States, where he became one of the most respected interpreters of Shakespeare for American audiences.

During the Second World War, he served with the US Army's Special Services branch, using theatre and performance to boost morale among Allied servicemen. Perhaps his most remarkable contribution came in the Pacific Theatre, where he created and performed a shortened version of Hamlet specifically designed for troops serving in combat zones.

Taking Shakespeare to remote islands and frontline locations, Evans helped bring moments of culture, entertainment and familiarity to servicemen far from home.

After the war, he enjoyed a distinguished career on stage and screen, becoming known to millions through roles in productions such as Bewitched, where he played Samantha Stephens' father, Maurice. He also appeared in Rosemary's Baby, numerous television dramas and major Shakespearean productions.

You may also remember him (or his voice) as Dr Zaius in Planet of the Apes.

His life demonstrated how service can take many forms — whether on the battlefield or by bringing comfort and inspiration to those serving there.

Today we remember both the veteran and the actor whose performances reached audiences across the world.

Today we remember Vivian Woodward, born on 3 June 1879 England football captain, Olympic gold medallist and distinguishe...
03/06/2026

Today we remember Vivian Woodward, born on 3 June 1879 England football captain, Olympic gold medallist and distinguished British Army officer. 🇬🇧⚽

Widely regarded as one of the finest amateur footballers of his generation, Woodward captained both England and Great Britain, earning admiration for his sportsmanship, leadership and exceptional ability on the pitch.

Playing for clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea Football Club he won numerous honours and represented England 23 times, captaining his country on many occasions. He was also a member of the Team GB teams that won Olympics football gold medals in 1908 and 1912.

When the First World War broke out, Woodward put football aside and volunteered for military service. He was commissioned into the Middlesex Regiment and later served on the Western Front, where he was wounded during the Battle of the Somme.

Like so many sportsmen of his generation, he exchanged the football field for the battlefield, serving his country during one of its greatest periods of need.

Today we remember both the soldier and the footballer whose life reflected duty, leadership and sporting excellence.

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