Latest news with #ArmyBenevolentFund
BBC News
30-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
March to remember 'the day Sussex died'
A British army veteran is marching along the Sussex coastline from Rye to Chichester in remembrance of those from the Royal Sussex Regiment who fell during a battle in World War One. On his second day, Guy Radlett arrived in Brighton as the city marks the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Boar's Head, also known as "the day Sussex died".Some 366 officers and men of the Southdowns Brigade were killed during the battle, while over 1,000 were wounded or holding a memorial at the Amex stadium, he said: "I have a 1916 trench whistle that I will blow as a tribute here at the Amex to all the men who lost their lives." Amanda Grimshaw, Mayor of Brighton & Hove and Armed Forces Champion for Brighton & Hove, said: "Sixty-two men from the city died in the battle - the city's greatest loss of life in one day and scarcely a town or village in Sussex did not have men who were affected."Setting off on the second leg of his 120-mile (193km) march, the Royal Sussex Regiment veteran said he was optimistic about reaching Chichester Harbour on time."The first day was a gruelling day carrying weight on stretches of shingle and sun, yesterday took it tolls and my legs are tired, but I'll get there," he said. "We need to learn the lessons of the past. We need to live today, but to look back so we can move forward to better shape the future without war."He is raising funds for the the Army Benevolent Fund, the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal and Veterans' Growth.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cumbrian veteran attends Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey
A Cumbrian veteran attended the national Service of Thanksgiving to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Mark Harding, from Wigton, was one of the guests of the Army Benevolent Fund who attended the commemorative service held at Westminster Abbey on May 8. Hundreds of veterans, including Mark, attended the event which was also attended by the Royal Family. Mark, who joined the Army at 19, was serving in the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster Regiment in Afghanistan in 2010 when he was shot by the Taliban. Although he was told that he would never walk again, he has become a sportsman, a motivational speaker, and a fundraiser for military charities through his resilience and determination to honour fallen soldiers. He said: "It's so important to remember VE Day and to think about the sacrifices made for our way of life. My great grandfather died at just 33 when his boat was sunk. Remembering VE Day helps to keep his and his comrades' memories alive." Mark joined Harry Clark, a former soldier and winner of BBC 1's The Traitors, at the service to commemorate those who fought in the Second World War. Harry served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for almost seven years, he left the Army after winning season two of BBC1's The Traitors. He said: "I am honoured to have attended the Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey with the Army Benevolent Fund to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It's a privilege to share this moment with the ABF's ambassadors, an amazing group of veterans, who have been through so much. "Together we paid tribute to all those who served in World War II and especially those who died. So many were around my age when they went into action, and for my generation, it's hard to imagine what they experienced but it's so important that we remember. "
