Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 July 2024.

Royal Navy warship HMS Trent will deploy to the Cayman Islands to offer UK support following the devastation brought this week by Hurricane Beryl.

HMS Trent, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, is scheduled to arrive in the Cayman Islands this weekend, where her crew will be ready to offer assistance with equipment and support to help communities affected by flooding and storm damage.

The hurricane, which has previously been rated Category 5, could bring winds of more than 155mph and has already caused a large amount of destruction in the region this week.

HMS Trent is crewed by more than 50 sailors and departed from Puerto Rico yesterday, carrying bottled water, basic emergency supplies, and equipment.

The ship has a Crisis Response Troop embarked, comprising members of 24 Commando Royal Engineers and their equipment, and further augmented with personnel to support planning, information operations, meteorological forecasting, and image capture.

Additional personnel include a team from 700X Naval Air Squadron who provide HMS Trent’s embarked PUMA Flight (Remote Piloted Air System), allowing them to conduct airborne reconnaissance and damage assessment in direct support of 24 Commando activity.

A specialist Rapid Deployment Team has already travelled to the Eastern Caribbean to provide consular assistance to any affected British Nationals. The UK continues to work with the Caribbean’s crisis response organisation, CDEMA, to provide assistance for the worst affected islands, including St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.

In previous years, members of the Armed Forces have deployed to the Caribbean under Operation Ventus to provide humanitarian assistance in the form of food and basic medical relief, as well as engineering to repair damaged homes and infrastructure, and creating flood and hurricane defences.

Hurricane Beryl has been described as the earliest ever Category 5 storm to form in the Atlantic, with storms of this scale usually recorded later in the summer.

HMS Trent has been deployed to the Caribbean since the end of 2023, where she has been disrupting drug networks across the world following a series of drugs seizures at sea.

In May, it was confirmed HMS Trent’s crew had seized more than £204 million worth of cocaine following an intercept in the Caribbean Sea – which followed a double-bust earlier in the year where nearly £300 million was seized.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 July 2024.

The graves of six soldiers from Welsh regiments, who went missing in France and Belgium during World War One, have now been marked more than a century after their deaths.

Though all six soldiers had been buried at the times of their deaths, their names had been lost. Their graves were only identified recently after researchers submitted cases to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC).

Further research by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, the CWGC, and the National Army Museum, used sources such as war diaries, service records, grave registration reports and other documents. Following this, the original findings were confirmed allowing each soldier to be commemorated by name.

The grave rededication services were organised by JCCC, and saw named headstones provided for Second Lieutenant (2/Lt) Noel Osbourne Jones; 2/Lt Herbert Taggart; Private (Pte) Lionel Grove and Captain (Capt) Clifford Nichols, all of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, as well as Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Arthur Dowding of the Monmouthshire Regiment and Pte George Price of the South Wales Borderers. The services were attended by serving soldiers and representatives of The Royal Welsh.

The services were held in France on 2 July at CWGC’s Bellicourt British Cemetery and Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery, as well as in Belgium, on 3 July, at Bedford House Cemetery and Chester Farm Cemetery. The family of Captain Nichols attended.

JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said:

Researching these six men and getting to know their individual war stories has been a fascinating journey. It has been a privilege to have played a part in the conclusion of those stories and to know that their families finally have answers to what happened to them.

2/Lt Noel Osborne-Jones, 2/Lt Herbert Taggart, and Pte Lionel Grove were all killed on 8 May 1916 while conducting a trench raid. Their bodies were recovered by the Germans and buried by them at Fournes, before being moved to the Cabaret Rouge Cemetery after the war. Unfortunately, the Germans did not know their names, and as such they identified their bodies only by rank and regiment. Following the war, all three men were named on the Memorial to the Missing at Loos.

L/Cpl Dowding was killed in action near Ramicourt in October 1918, just weeks before the end of the war. Although he was buried at the time of his death, key information about his grave was lost in the chaos of conflict, and after the war he was named on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.

Captain Nichols was killed during the Battle of Passchendaele on 31 July 1917. At the time of his death, he was listed as a member of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers who had been attached to 164 Machine Gun Company. His body was recovered from an unmarked field grave near Spree Farm in 1923, and his rank and regiment were identified by his buttons and badges. Unfortunately, there was nothing to indicate his name at the time, and he was buried as an unknown officer. Following the war, Capt. Nichols was commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres.

Private Price was killed in action near Hill 60, Belgium in October 1917. He was originally buried in a field grave, but by the end of the war all recordings of his name had been lost. He was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing.

The services were conducted by The Reverend Richard Mutter CF, Chaplain to 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh.

The Reverend Richard Mutter CF said:

To restore the names to these young men and to honour their sacrifice here in this place is a very special thing. I am pleased to have led these services of rededication and to help close the final chapter of these men’s stories.

The headstones over the graves were replaced by CWGC. Xavier Puppinck, France Area Director at CWGC, said:

It is an honour for the CWGC to care for the graves of these six valiant soldiers of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the Monmouthshire Regiment and the South Wales Borderers who went missing in France and Belgium during World War One. They paid the ultimate price while fighting on the Western Front, more than 100 years ago. And now, it is our privilege and duty to care for their graves in perpetuity.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 June 2024.

A number of military personnel have been granted state honours in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their work in the Armed Forces.

Royal Navy Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath.

As Knight Commander

• Lieutenant General Charles Richard STICKLAND, CB, OBE

As Companion

• Rear Admiral Rex John COX

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders

• Rear Admiral Paul BEATTIE
• Commodore David Andrew JOYCE
• Commodore David Christopher MOODY
• Major General Philip Mark TOTTEN, OBE

As Officers

• Commodore Andrew John AITKEN
• Commander Stephen BRIAN
• Lieutenant Colonel Oliver William DENNING
• Commander Iain Buchan FERGUSSON
• Commander James HOWARD
• Colonel Aran Ernest Kingston JESS
• Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Craig Edward RENNEY

As Members

• Major Matthew ADAMS
• Colour Sergeant David Robert BARTLETT
• Warrant Officer 2 Marcus BASSETT
• Commander Liam Bernard BYRD
• Major Mark Ashley CARROLL
• Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Communications and Information Systems Submarines) Matthew CONNICK
• Chief Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Communications and Information Systems) Adrian David GRIMES
• Commander Christopher HILL
• Lieutenant Commander (now Acting Commander) Alasdair MAGILL
• Lieutenant Commander Lyndsay Ann OLDRIDGE
• Captain Mark WILLIAMS

King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

• Warrant Officer 1 Gary Robert DOKE, Royal Naval Reserve

Army Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath.

As Knight Commander

• Lieutenant General Ian John CAVE, CB

As Companions

• Major General John Richard COLLYER
• Major General Anna-Lee REILLY
• Lieutenant General Richard WARDLAW, OBE

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders

• Brigadier Richard Charles BROWN
• Brigadier Edward John Rafe CHAMBERLAIN
• Colonel (now Acting Brigadier) Gavin Paul HATCHER, OBE
• Brigadier Justin George Edward STENHOUSE, DSO, MBE

As Officers

• Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Caradoc BLACKMORE, Intelligence Corps
• Lieutenant Colonel Simon Charles BOYLE, The Royal Welsh
• Colonel James David FORREST, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Adrian HOLLIS, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Lieutenant Colonel Carl Edward Robert MEYER, Royal Army Medical Corps, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert Rowland PHILIPSON-STOW, The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons)
• Colonel Katherine Morag RICHARDSON
• Colonel Zarack Dilwyn Coulson SCOTT
• Colonel Sion Duncan WALKER, TD, VR, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Adam James ZIPFELL, Army Air Corps

As Members

• Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) James Edward ALLEN, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Major Ranjankumar BADGAMI, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
• Captain William John BARRACLOUGH, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Major Jenny Elizabeth CONNELL, Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services Branch)
• Major Jean-Sebastien CORMIER, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Major Liam Terence CRANE, Royal Corps of Signals
• Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Michael Olaf Chetwynd DOBBIN, DSO, MC, Grenadier Guards
• Warrant Officer Class 2 Rupert John DOWDESWELL, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
• Major Thomas Edward DUDLEY, The Queen’s Royal Hussars
• Captain Dannielle Jade DUNN, Corps of Royal Engineers
• Major Michael Graham ELLIOTT, The Rifles
• Major Andrew David FORD, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Sergeant Peter HARVEY-JONES, Intelligence Corps
• Major George Thomas HOLDCROFT, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Major Andrew James HORSFALL, The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeth’s Own)
• Captain Theodoros Roezelt JORDAAN, Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Services Branch)
• Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Jodie Anne Bowie KENNEDY-SMITH, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Simon Philip MAGGS, The Queen’s Royal Hussars
• Warrant Officer Class 2 John Stanley MAUCHLEN, The Parachute Regiment
• Captain (now Acting Major) Renata Dawn McKINNELL, Intelligence Corps, Army Reserve
• Captain Chris MUDGE, Intelligence Corps
• Warrant Officer Class 1 Marjorie Shamiso MUZAVAZI, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
• Lieutenant Colonel Katherine Hazel PRUDHOE, Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Services Branch), Army Reserve
• Major Lucy Christina SCOTT, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Sergeant Kelly Louise STEPHENSON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
• Major Ronald Benjamin TASKER, The Queen’s Royal Hussars
• Major Andrew John THACKWAY, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Major Timothy James Hamilton TOWLER, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
• Captain Paul David TYRER, The Mercian Regiment, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Ruthven WILSON, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
• Warrant Officer Class 2 Nicholas WITHERS, The Parachute Regiment
• Lance Corporal Yan-Hap David WONG, Corps of Royal Engineers

Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

• Major Robert Stuart GARBETT, VR, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, Army Reserve

King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

• Corporal Nicholas Anthony CRANFIELD, VR, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Dyer FIELD, VR, The Royal Yeomanry, Army Reserve
• Staff Sergeant Kevin William McLEAN, VR, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve
• Colonel Jonathan Layton PRICHARD, Army Reserve

Royal Air Force Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath.

As Companion

• Air Marshal Martin Elliott SAMPSON, CBE, DSO

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders

• Air Commodore Mark David LORRIMAN-HUGHES, OBE
• Air Commodore James William Stephen THOMPSON
• Group Captain Sarah VAMPLEW

As Officers

• Wing Commander Christopher David BALL
• Group Captain David COLLINS
• Wing Commander Fiona Margaret DYSON
• Wing Commander Arthur MCGUIRE
• Wing Commander Wesley PEAD
• Wing Commander James SJOBERG

As Members

• Chief Technician Stuart William BENSON
• Flight Sergeant Keith Paul BURT
• Wing Commander Andrew Jon BUTTERFIELD
• Squadron Leader Richard Martin DODD
• Squadron Leader Howard FIELDER
• Squadron Leader Christopher GORDON
• Squadron Leader Barry LAWS
• Flight Sergeant (now Acting Warrant Officer) Jonathan Nigel OWENS
• Warrant Officer Michelle REES-MARTIN
• Warrant Officer Christopher David TAYLOR
• Flight Sergeant Christopher WORKMAN

Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

• Squadron Leader Harmony Avril SLADE

King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

• Wing Commander Stephen Michael FRY, DL
• Squadron Leader Simon James KIRKBRIDE
• Master Aircrew Dean William Edward PENLINGTON, MBE

Operational Awards

Royal Navy

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Officer

• Commander George Houston STORTON

As Member

• Lieutenant Commander David Wayne DONBAVAND

Army

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Haydn James GAUKROGER, The Parachute Regiment

As Members

• Warrant Officer Class 2 Osamah Omar AL-KHALDI, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Major Yugal ANGBO, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Lance Corporal Charlotte Sophie PARRY, Intelligence Corps

King’s Commendation for Bravery

• Trooper Lorcan Ignatius Valentine Noel GRAYDON, The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons)

King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

• Acting Brigadier Matthew Richard BAKER, OBE
• Lieutenant Colonel Shane Stephen BURTON, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
• Major David Alexander EDMONDSON, Army Air Corps
• Captain Barry Kieron GREEN, Royal Regiment of Artillery
• Major Ashley Michael NEVE, The Parachute Regiment
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Anderson FORREST, The Royal Irish Regiment

Non-Operational Gallantry

King’s Commendation for Bravery

• Acting Corporal Richard David HAYES, The Parachute Regiment
• Major Harry Alexander Robarts WALLACE, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Royal Air Force

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Member

• Squadron Leader Graham James ORME

King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

• Squadron Leader Daniel BLENKINSOP
• Sergeant James CASEY

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 June 2024.

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long.

Born in Bury St Edmunds, Mark was 43 years old.

While studying Economics at the University of Warwick, Mark learnt to fly on the University of Birmingham Air Squadron. He graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2003 and was subsequently sent to RAF Linton on Ouse to fly the Tucano, gaining his ‘wings’ in 2004. His Advanced Flying Training was on the Hawk and he was selected to remain on 208(R) Squadron to take on the role of an Instructor.

On completion of his instructional tour, Mark converted to the Harrier GR7/9 and was posted to 1(F) Squadron, RAF Cottesmore. He was the last RAF Harrier pilot qualified to conduct operations off an aircraft carrier.

In 2012 Mark joined the Typhoon Force, and was assigned to XI Squadron at RAF Coningsby, before an assignment to 29 Squadron in 2014 on instructional duties. In 2016 he was the Typhoon Display Pilot. His primary role was to teach the student pilots how to operate the Typhoon.

In addition to his instructional duties, Mark contributed to RAF Coningsby’s primary task of defending UK sovereign airspace by undertaking Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, both in the UK and in the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (Falklands Islands), and additionally conducting QRA duties whilst on Baltic Air Policing Operations in Lithuania.

Mark lived in Lincolnshire with his wife, two daughters and dog. 2024 was his fourth season with the BBMF.

Mark’s family said:

Mark lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love, and dedication to his family. His talent for flying was there for all to see, and his ability to connect to everyone he met was infectious.  Mark will be cherished and deeply missed by us all.

Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, Officer Commanding Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, said:

In life, we are occasionally privileged to meet incredible people like Mark. Mark touched the hearts of everyone that he met, always prioritising the needs of others before himself. The epitome of a military fighter pilot, he personified the very best of the Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. We were lucky to have him as part of the team and part of our BBMF family. Always a vision of calm, Mark faced life’s obstacles with a wry smile, a knowing nod and a pint of tea. Above all, he was a devoted husband and a proud father. Whilst words alone cannot adequately convey our loss, he will remain forever “the best boss that BBMF never had.

Wing Commander Andy Shaw, Officer Commanding 29 Squadron, said:

Mark was a humble, kind, generous family man as well as an outstanding fighter pilot, instructor, and Display Pilot. He inspired every single Typhoon pilot in the RAF, and taught many of them, bringing an infectious enthusiasm to every task. His loss will be keenly felt both throughout the Typhoon Force and by those who knew him in his Display and BBMF roles.

Throughout, he mentored and cared for all those around him. Personally, he was a great support and friend to me as squadron commander but, more tellingly, he mentored many of our more junior members, some of whom have been selected to be trained as pilots themselves. As a member of 29 Squadron for the last decade, Squadron Leader Mark Long will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and those who loved him at this time.

Group Captain Billy Cooper, Commander Air Wing, said:

My deepest condolences go out to Mark’s family and friends at this incredibly tragic and difficult time. Mark was a hugely respected fighter pilot, instructor, and friend, and one of the most talented aviators I have flown with. His service over many years has contributed such a huge amount to not only the operational effectiveness of the Typhoon Air Wing, but also had such a positive impact on the lives of so many. He was selected to be the Typhoon Display Pilot for the 2016 season, followed by his time with BBMF.

Nothing better demonstrates his outstanding skill as a pilot, his exemplary leadership, and his engaging and infectious personality than this unique achievement. Mark was the quintessential RAF Officer; respectful, humble, upbeat, and driven by an innate sense of service and professionalism and doing the right thing by others. His time as an instructor and leader has touched everybody on the Typhoon Air Wing and people’s lives are better because of him.

Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin, Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, said:

I was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident over the weekend and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family and his loved ones.

A superbly talented Combat Air and Display Pilot, Mark inspired all those he met with his truly infectious energy, across both the Combat Air Force and all those serving at Royal Air Force Coningsby.

Having seen first-hand the difference Mark made within the Typhoon Force, the Display Wing, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, I know his talent and energy will leave a lasting legacy, which will continue to be a source of inspiration for us all.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 June 2024.

The drones will be procured as part of the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine, co-led by the UK and Latvia.

In February, the UK and Latvia announced that they would lead the new Drone Capability Coalition, designed to rapidly supply Ukraine with tens of thousands of first person view drones.

Today, the UK and Latvia have opened the bidding for companies to supply FPV drones to Ukraine, on behalf of the Drone Capability Coalition. This competition aims to produce these drones at scale and at an affordable price point, leveraging the strength of Western industry.

Industry can find the details of how to apply via the Defence Sourcing Portal. This competition is open to industry from any nation in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

Companies have until 28 June 2024 to submit their proposals, which will then be considered by the Drone Capability Coalition members and evaluated. Successful companies will receive orders to supply drones to Ukraine and, upon receipt of positive operational feedback, the intent is to place larger, follow up orders for FPV drones. Additional FPV competitions are expected to take place through 2024, building on the lessons learned from this first competition.

First person view drones have proven highly effective on the battlefield since Russia’s full-scale invasion, providing Ukrainian operators with situational awareness to target enemy positions, armoured vehicles, and ships with explosive ordnance.

Members of the coalition include: UK, Latvia, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine. Further countries are considering joining the coalition.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 May 2024.

Royal Air Force participates in operation targeting Houthi military facilities in Yemen.

On Thursday 30 May, UK forces participated in a joint operation with US forces against Houthi military facilities to degrade their ability to persist with their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have thus far killed innocent merchant mariners from Vietnam and the Philippines, damaged several merchant ships, and sunk the bulk carrier Rubymar.

Intelligence had confirmed two locations near Hudaydah as being involved with the Houthi anti-shipping attacks, with a number of buildings identified as housing drone ground control facilities and providing storage for very long range drones, as well as surface to air weapons used to impede coalition operations to safeguard shipping in the region. Furthermore, a set of Houthi facilities at Ghulayfiqah, further south on the Yemeni coast, had also been identified as being involved in the command and control of their anti-shipping campaign.

Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s therefore conducted strikes on the target buildings at these three locations, using Paveway IV guided bombs. As ever, the utmost care was taken in planning the strikes to minimise any risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure. Conducting the strikes in the hours of darkness should also have mitigated yet further any such risks. As ever with such missions, RAF Voyager tankers provided essential air refuelling support to the Typhoons.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 27 May 2024.

The Type 45 destroyed sailed from Portsmouth today to relieve her sister ship, HMS Diamond.

Royal Navy warship HMS Duncan has deployed from Portsmouth today to the Red Sea.

The Type 45 destroyer will relieve its sister ship HMS Diamond, which has been protecting shipping lanes in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks since before Christmas.

HMS Duncan is a like-for-like replacement for Diamond – armed with the same Sea Viper missile system and equipped with the same radar systems, which are able to accurately detect faraway threats.

During her deployment, HMS Diamond has shot down nine drones and one missile, launched by Houthis from the coast of Yemen at cargo ships.

The 200 men and women of HMS Duncan have worked to ensure that their ship is ready to deploy, successfully completing trials and training last week in preparation for the deployment, which will see the ship work to ensure freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for merchant vessels.

HMS Duncan spent five months leading NATO’s premier task group in the Mediterranean Sea last year, until handing over flagship duties to the Italian Navy in December.

The ship is now ready for more operations, with over 60 new members joining the ship’s company.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 May 2024.

30 children visited 10 Downing Street and HMS Belfast for the ultimate D-Day history lesson, transported on a Second World War-era red London bus.

Schoolchildren were given the ultimate history lesson for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, with a behind-the-scenes tour of 10 Downing Street and Second World War Royal Navy ship HMS Belfast.

Akshata Murty welcomed 30 schoolchildren to Number 10 as the Ministry of Defence announced a range of initiatives to inspire a new generation with the story and legacy of D-Day.

The children from Hayfield Cross School near Kettering met two D-Day veterans – George Chandler and Bernard Morgan – during the visit to 10 Downing Street, where they received a tour and a lesson on the role of Prime Minister Winston Churchill in planning the Normandy Landings.

Following the visit, Akshata Murty said:

It was a privilege to welcome George and Bernard to Downing Street today. They along with all our brave veterans are truly inspirational. It was wonderful that the pupils from Hayfield Cross Primary School were given the unique opportunity to hear their incredible stories first-hand.

The team from the Imperial War Museum also provided the kids with a powerful lesson in the Cabinet Room that helped to highlight the unparalleled sacrifice that so many made 80 years ago.

They then boarded a Second World War-era red double-decker bus adorned with the D-Day 80 logo and travelled to HMS Belfast – the only British ship remaining from the bombardment fleet of D-Day.

Onboard, they met Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, learned more about HMS Belfast’s role in D-Day, participated in a hands-on Morse code lesson and had the special privilege of asking the two D-Day veterans questions about their experiences 80 years ago.

As part of a range of new education initiatives, the Ministry of Defence and its partners are working to ensure the inspiring message of D-Day is passed down to a new generation.

On 3 June, D-Day veterans will gather in Portsmouth to meet local schoolchildren and modern-day Royal Marines personnel to pass on their wisdom to a new generation.

At the national commemorative event in Portsmouth on 5 June, a total of 900 schoolchildren and cadets will hear directly from the veterans of D-Day. They will hear powerful testimonies from D-Day veterans and military personnel, as well as musical performances by a military orchestra.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the importance of the commemorations:

Remembering D-Day is a crucial step to ensuring we appreciate the hard-earned peace and freedom we enjoy today.

It was an honour to speak with George and Bernard, and to meet the inquisitive class from Hayfield Cross School.

I hope the ultimate history lesson has worked to highlight the significance of D-Day and to help keep the memory of those that fought alive.

The Normandy Memorial Trust has published a D-Day 80 Teacher Resource Pack which was compiled in collaboration with the British Council and GCHQ.

The printed pack will be handed to schoolchildren taking part in D-Day 80 activities in Portsmouth on 3 June, ahead of the veterans’ departure to Normandy. Packs will also be available at The D-Day Story Museum in Portsmouth, thanks to generous funding from The Spirit of Normandy Trust.

The Normandy Memorial Trust’s ambition to share the lessons of the past with generations of the future will be fulfilled by The Winston Churchill Centre for Education and Learning, thanks to funding from principal sponsor BAE Systems, the Ministry of Defence and others.

The new facility, at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, France, will officially open on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

As part of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission ‘Lighting Their Legacy’ programme of events, a torch of commemoration is being passed from veterans to young people to represent the passing on of the legacy of D-Day to a new generation.

Three Canadian mechanical engineering students at McMaster University in Ontario designed the torches as part of a degree project allowing them to reflect on why the commemoration is important, and why the Second World War continues to be relevant for future generations.

The torch will now travel to the capital cities of the Home Nations and cities up and down the country including Manchester and Plymouth, before joining veterans on a ferry to Normandy for the 80th anniversary.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 May 2024.

A cutting-edge 3D printer is being used by the British Army for the first time in the field on the largest NATO deployment in Europe in a generation.

9 Theatre Support Battalion, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, are using the technology to make spare parts for vehicles as well as print vital modifications to battle-winning equipment on NATO exercise Steadfast Defender – the largest NATO deployment in Europe in a generation.

The Army’s use of both metal and plastic mobile printers in the field, which can be easily transported between locations, is the first time in the world the technology has been used by any military in direct support of a large-scale NATO Exercise.

With the ability to produce metal parts from the back of a truck in less than an hour, 3D cold metal printing can eliminate the need for parts to be shipped out for repair, saving on transport costs and time.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

This world-leading technology is another excellent example of how Britain is at the very forefront of innovation in Defence, providing our exemplary Armed Forces with a faster way to respond flexibly in the field.

The recent increase in Defence spending is crucial to ensuring that our people have the right kit, at the right time. Examples like this demonstrate that we are leading the way in developing new technologies to empower our Armed Forces and give them what they need to defend our nation.

The metal printed technology works by using computer-aided design to digitally produce a component. A fine metal powder, such as copper, aluminium, or steel, is then fired through a nozzle at three times the speed of sound as a mechanical arm shapes the component, building the object one layer at a time. Once constructed, the component is then subjected to post-processing such as heat treating, milling, and finishing.

The printer is currently being used to maintain older vehicles such as the Land Rover by printing harder-to-obtain spare parts. Ambitions for the future include having catalogues of components for new fleets of vehicles such as BOXER and AJAX, so parts can be printed on demand in the field.

Lieutenant Colonel John Anthistle, Commanding Officer of 9 Theatre Support Battalion, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers said:

This equipment gives the Army the flexibility it needs to make spares, components, and modifications to our equipment in the field, at point and time of need. Not only does it save us weeks and sometimes months of having to wait for replacement parts, it also enables us to print components which aren’t available anymore; conduct battle damage repair, and modify equipment to match changing threats.

If you have a broken-down vehicle which needs to be back in the field the next day because it’s a vital piece of equipment, that’s where this technology comes in. It can reduce logistical issues, save money and critically, speed up getting battle-winning equipment back into the fight.

The Australian military were the first to trial the technology on low level exercises, but whereas other countries also utilise 3D printing, it has remained static and employed in laboratory type environments. The British Army, along with industry-leading manufacturers have ‘ruggedised’ the high-tech process so that it can work in the field as a tactically deployed asset.

The information to make certain metal parts can also be stored in a computer and shared with NATO partners.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 May 2024.

Over a thousand properties have been brought back into use for the Armed Forces and their families thanks to £400m investment in military accommodation.

• Military accommodation refurbishments mean over 1,000 properties available to home personnel and their families
• £400 million programme of military housing investment
• Heat efficiency improvements in more than 4,000 properties

Over a thousand properties have been brought back into use for the Armed Forces and their families thanks to £400m investment in military accommodation, it has been announced today (10 May).

The programme of extensive refurbishments to long-term, so called ‘void’ houses, launched in September last year following a £400m additional investment by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) into military homes.

The programme of works has allowed the MOD to significantly increase the number of high-quality homes available to service families.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

Improving accommodation for our service personnel and their families is a top priority – that’s why we are investing an additional £400 million into maintaining and upgrading homes.

I am grateful for the collaborative work between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and contractors to ensure as many of our people as possible have access to high-quality homes, which will include damp and mould improvements to around 5,000 properties.

One beneficiary of the refurbishment programme has been Corporal Tom Amponsah-Dadzie, who serves with the Royal Logistic Corps. He has recently moved, along with his wife and children, into one of the newly available properties in Aldershot, Hampshire.

He said:

This new home is one of the best places I have ever lived in – I can’t express the reaction on the face of my wife when she saw the house for the first time. She couldn’t stop talking about it, she took so many pictures of everywhere. But not only her, my Army friends when they come to visit always ask if this is a military house.  They keep thinking it’s a newly purchased home.

On a personal level, living in a house like this brings excitement and peace to my life. Coming home makes me happy. The house allows me to sleep well at night and gives me peace of mind during the day so I can carry out my job effectively.

The houses that have benefited from the refurbishments were previously deemed uninhabitable, primarily due to their age and condition. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), working alongside contractors VIVO Defence Services and Amey, have carried out the works with funds prioritised for accommodation, allocated through last year’s Defence Command Paper Refresh.

Over a thousand properties across the UK, including 142 in Tidworth, Wiltshire; 134 in Aldershot, Hampshire; 48 in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, and 41 in Catterick, Yorkshire, have all now undergone the extensive work needed to bring them back to the required standard. Works varied from new kitchens and bathrooms to new boilers carpets and curtains.

A number of properties have had a full refurbishment, including rewiring, new heating, new doors and windows, internal redecoration work and external work to outside spaces. All completed houses are now warm, comfortable, safe, more energy efficient and, most importantly, available to military personnel and their families.

In addition to the refurbishment, DIO is also carrying out work to more than 4,000 properties to improve their thermal efficiency. New doors, windows, roofs, and external wall insulation will act to prevent issues with damp and mould and reduce the overall cost of living for service families.

Phil Riley, Director of Accommodation at DIO, said:

Improving the standard of Service Family Accommodation is my top priority, I’m delighted to see the tremendous work that has been done to ensure high-quality homes have been made available to our service families.

These high-standard refurbishments, along with the steps taken to improve ventilation and thermal efficiency, are making Service family homes more energy efficient and resilient to issues such as damp and mould. DIO will continue to work closely and collaboratively with our contractors to build on the progress made.

Jerry Moloney, Managing Director of VIVO Defence Services, said:

We at VIVO are very proud of the part we have played bringing such a quantity of previously uninhabitable homes back into use.

Our teams have worked at exceptional pace since last summer transforming these unused properties into high-quality, energy efficient homes, ready for Service personnel and their families to move into.

Tom Silvey, Business Director Defence at Amey said:

Amey is proud to have demonstrated consistently high standards throughout an extremely challenging programme. The properties have been expertly refurbished in the Central and North regions, increasing the housing options for Service families and providing comfortable and modern homes that are sustainable for the long-term.

We are now building on this success by piloting an initiative across our contracts that will see additional staff specifically tasked with managing voids. This will reduce turnaround times and ensure quicker delivery of homes for families.

Of the thousand homes, VIVO Defence has refurbished 667 homes across southeast and southwest England and Amey has completed 195 across the central and northern regions. Due to the large number of refurbishments works to be completed in a short timeframe, DIO engaged Mitie to deliver 180 in the North and Central Regions.

In addition to the refurbishment programme, Amey has carried out External Wall Insulation (EWI) to hundreds of homes across sites in Woodbridge, East Anglia; Catterick, North Yorkshire and Old Dalby, East Midlands.