Cardiff Royal Naval Association

21/08/2026

This week saw the loss of Twenty-one members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) who lost their lives when SS Aguila was torpedoed by German submarine U-201 on 19 August 1941, while sailing with Convoy OG 71 from Liverpool toward Gibraltar.

They were travelling to Gibraltar to serve as cypher officers and wireless operators. There were no survivors among the Wrens.

The 21 Wrens were:

Phyllis Bacon, 21
Margaret Watmore Barnes, 18
Cecilly Monica Bruce Benjamin, 20
Cecelia Mary Blake-Forster
Dorothy Bonsor
Margaret Eulalia Chappe-Hall, 26
Madeleine Alice Cooper, 31
Mary Grant, 26
Alix Bruce Joy, 24
Florence Macpherson, 35
Victoria Constance McLaren
Kathleen Miller, 34
Isabel Mary Milne Home, 23
Mildred Georgina Norman, 21
Christine Emma Ogle, 34
Josephine Caldwell Reith, 28
Elsie Elizabeth Shepherd
Catherine Johnston Slaven, 19
Beatrice Mabel Smith, 30
Ellen Jessie Waters
Rosalie Wells, 33

Kate Ellen Gribble, a Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service nursing sister, rather than a member of the WRNS also lost her life.

We will remember them.

06/07/2026

https://valour.campaign.gov.uk/

VALOUR is a new national programme designed to make it easier for veterans across the UK to access the care and support they deserve.

18/06/2026

13/06/2026

Congratulations Cardiff Branch on receiving the Briggs Kirk sword, for the the branch with the biggest increase in membership! Welcome to all our new members and BZ to the branch committee.

21/05/2026

41st ANNUAL GURKHA BRECON FREEDOM PARADE – SUNDAY 7 JUNE 2026

The Parade will form up at 1340 hrs at the Cooperative car park in Brecon. At 1410 hrs, the parade will step off towards the Guildhall led by the Parade Sergeant Major and the Band of BG.

The Mayor’s Civic Procession will depart the Guildhall Brecon for Parade location, led by two Gurkha SNCOs and one piper. The Parade Commander will invite the Mayor to inspect the parade, followed by speeches.

The march-past will proceed through Brecon town centre.

The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas will conduct a musical display.
GW(M) wives and members of the Brecon Nepalese Community will
present a short cultural dance.

This is a colourful and memorable occasion and everyone is welcome to attend the parade and watch the cultural performances that follow.

09/05/2026

https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/reserves-day/

Reserves Day In 2026, Reserves Day is being celebrated on Wednesday 24 June. Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the military...

04/05/2026

https://nff.org.uk/homeport/

Stay informed with Homeport, the free quarterly magazine delivering news, advice, and stories to Royal Navy and Royal Marines families.