Seventh annual Armed Forces Day

Thousands of people across the UK celebrated the men and women of the Armed Forces, past and present, at more than 150 events to mark the seventh annual Armed Forces Day.

Pictured above, the Band of the Grenadier Guards leads the Armed Forces Day Parade through Guildford in front of cheering crowds.

Other events ranged from large-scale parades to simple community events, but the main focus of attention was at the National Event in Guildford, attended by His Royal Highnesses The Duke of York and Prime Minister David Cameron.

Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon and the Worshipful Mayor of Guildford Nikki Nelson-Smith also attended.

The day’s celebrations began with a thanksgiving service at Guildford Cathedral, followed by a parade of more than 900 service personnel, veterans and cadets through the historic heart of the city from the High Street to the outdoor events arena at Stoke Park.

The Duke of York took the salute on the parade route on behalf of The Queen and Royal Family, as the world-famous Red Arrows roared over the square in tribute.

Afternoon celebrations continued at Stoke Park with a variety of military displays including a Royal Air Force GR4 Tornado flypast.

Visitors also enjoyed a Sea King search-and-rescue demonstration, Spitfires and Hurricaines from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and a Swordfish biplane from the Royal Navy Historic Flight.

In addition, crowds estimated at about 60,000, were treated to three parachute displays from the Royal Navy Raiders, the Army Red Devils and the RAF Falcons, as well as the Royal Signals White Helmet motorbike display team on the ground.

The Red Arrows and the bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, Portsmouth, the Grenadier Guards, and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force rounded out the celebrations.

 

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