Chatham Historic Dockyard to host Armed Forces Day event on Sunday

Following the success of the inaugural Armed Forces Day event last year, the Chatham Historic Dockyard is to host a second event this Sunday, 27 June.

Admitting that this years’ event will be far less active, the organisers are still pulling out all the stops to celebrate and pay tribute to Britain’s Armed Forces.

This year will also draw on the Sea, Army and Air Cadets more, as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the cadet forces movement.

According to the organisers, “The main elements of Chatham Armed Forces Day will be a commemorative Church Service and a Veterans and Cadets Parade with ex-services standards led by the City of Rochester Pipe Band plus some displays by the Cadets and ex-services organisations.

“The day will culminate with a prize giving ceremony and speeches, followed by a band display by the pipe band and a flag lowering ceremony.

“During the day a dedicated Reunion Hall will be open for qualifying holders of the free passes and their guests.”

Unfortunately, they later had to add that “unforeseen circumstances left the Army Cadets with no option but to withdraw their team from the Field Gun Competition” but that “the Sea Cadet Corps will continue with the display with runs made against the clock”.

Last year, Chatham hosted the first national Armed Forces Day event, but has chosen to hold its celebrations this year the day after Armed Forces Day, whilst Cardiff hosts the national event on Saturday