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The Music of Remembrance Sunday: Who Chooses It and Who Plays?
The Massed Bands of the Household Division are central to the ceremony. “Massed bands” means musicians from several bands brought together to perform as a larger ensemble.
The musical duties also involve the other Armed Services. Royal Marines buglers sound the Last Post, while RAF trumpeters sound the Rouse towards the conclusion of the service.
Mike Smith
2 days ago6 min read


Keeping the Guns Supplied: The Ammunition Carriers of the Great War
Behind the firing positions was the work of moving ammunition, negotiating difficult ground and carrying heavy loads. Among the men undertaking that work were ammunition carriers — soldiers whose task was to help keep the guns supplied.
Mike Smith
Oct 114 min read


The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
The coffin bore a simple inscription: “A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914–1918 for King and Country.” Covering the coffin was a Union Flag belonging to David Railton, the chaplain whose proposal had brought the Warrior home. During the war, Railton had used it as an altar cloth for services and as a shroud for the fallen.
Mike Smith
Oct 105 min read


The Cenotaph and Remembrance Sunday 2026: The Stories Behind the Wreaths and Poppies
The King is followed by other members of the Royal Family, including the Prince of Wales.
William's wreath has its own distinctive identity. It continues the tradition of the former Prince of Wales, featuring the Prince of Wales's feathers and a ribbon in Welsh red. So while Charles's wreath represents the Sovereign; William's reflects his position as Prince of Wales and heir to the throne.
Mike Smith
Oct 96 min read


Christmas Gifts for Veterans and Serving Personnel in 2026
At Oaths of Allegiance, we make military keepsakes in the UK, by veterans. Here are a few ideas for Christmas 2026. An Oath of Allegiance frame marks a moment that often stays with someone for life: the day they made their commitment to serve. Our Flanders Forged memorial poppies pair a representation of a military badge with a hand-painted red poppy. Whether it recalls the day they joined, or the regiment they still talk about, a Christmas gift can give someone a reason to r
Mike Smith
Sep 263 min read


What is the Oath of Allegiance and who takes it?
A personalised framed Oath of Allegiance, created with their own service details, can therefore make a particularly meaningful present for a veteran, whether for a birthday, Christmas, retirement or simply as recognition of their years of service.
It isn't trying to recreate a medal or replace something they were officially issued. Instead, it puts into a permanent display the words and commitment that marked the beginning of that part of their life — often decades after the
Mike Smith
Sep 99 min read


What Oath Do Police Officers Take? The Police Constable’s Oath of Office
A personalised framed Police Constable’s Oath of Office returns to where the career began: the promise made when the officer was first attested. It makes a meaningful presentation from a police team, station, department, friends or family. Personalised with the officer’s details, it becomes a lasting record of their service rather than simply another retirement present.
Mike Smith
Sep 24 min read


Why Was the Royal Ulster Constabulary Awarded the George Cross?
The George Cross was awarded to the RUC for its collective and sustained bravery.
The official citation, released by Buckingham Palace on 23 November 1999, described the RUC as having been both the principal defence against and the main target of a sustained terrorist campaign. The award also recognised that RUC families shared much of the burden of service. Partners and children lived with threats, disrupted family lives and the daily knowledge that an officer might be deli
Mike Smith
Sep 25 min read


Why Was the NHS Awarded the George Cross?
That collective history makes a framed NHS George Cross citation an especially appropriate gift. It can thank a team, commemorate a retirement, mark long service or provide a personal reminder of a career spent within the NHS.
Most importantly, it carries the words in which Queen Elizabeth II expressed the gratitude of the nation—not just for one extraordinary period, but for the continuing courage, compassion and dedication of the NHS.
Mike Smith
Sep 24 min read


Army Foundation College Harrogate Graduation – Celebrating the Journey from Junior Soldier to British Soldier
Army Foundation College Harrogate Graduation celebrates months of dedication, determination and military training. Find out what Junior Soldiers experience, what comes next after graduation, and why this unforgettable day becomes a milestone remembered by families for years to come
Mike Smith
Jul 214 min read


What do all British soldiers have in common?
Every Regiment and Corps has its own identity and traditions. Ask which is best and you'll almost certainly start a "lively" debate (aka a massive argument) that could last well past closing time.
Mike Smith
Jul 115 min read


Why Should We Still Care About The Battle of the Somme 110 Years Later?
The Battle of the Somme remains one of the defining moments in British military history, not simply because of the scale of the losses suffered, but because of what those men represented.
Mike Smith
Jun 305 min read


Why We Believe Reusing Materials Still Matters
So when you get your model kit and the box also contains some oddities, remember that responsible packaging is not about appearing environmentally conscious for the sake of appearances. It is about making sensible decisions, respecting resources, and recognising that materials still have value long after their original purpose has ended.
Mike Smith
Jun 254 min read


Armed Forces Week 2026: Why It Matters and Where You Can Show Your Support Across the North East
Behind every uniform is a story of service, sacrifice and commitment. As Armed Forces Week 2026 is marked across the country, communities throughout the North East are coming together to recognise veterans, serving personnel and military families while reminding us why preserving military heritage matters long after active service has ended.
Mike Smith
Jun 224 min read


The Forgotten Sacrifice of the 51st Highland Division: The Men Left Behind After Dunkirk
As the main British Expeditionary Force withdrew towards Dunkirk, the Highland Division remained committed to supporting the French Army. Their position soon became increasingly dangerous.
Mike Smith
Jun 133 min read


Military Leaving Gifts: What Do You Buy Someone Who’s Actually Meant Something?
If you’ve been tasked with finding military leaving gifts, you are not alone. Somewhere across Britain right now, another stressed organiser is chasing collection money while trying to guess whether “He likes fishing” is useful information.
Mike Smith
May 193 min read


Light Infantry Veterans, Regimental History and Meaningful Father’s Day Gifts
Father’s Day gifts for a Light Infantry veteran are often not simply looking for “something military”. They are looking for something personal. Something that recognises service, remembrance and regimental history properly.
That is why remembrance displays and military memorial gifts continue to mean so much to veterans and their families across the UK.
Mike Smith
May 143 min read


Father’s Day 2026: Meaningful British Military Gifts for the Dad Who Never Asks for Anything
Looking for meaningful military gifts in the UK? Explore our full range here →MILITARY GIFTS UK Some dads are easy to buy for. They drop hints. They send links. They somehow manage to mention the exact thing they want every single time you walk past a shop window. Then there are military dads. The ones who still insist they “don’t need anything.”The ones who quietly fix things, carry things, help everyone else out… and somehow never spend anything on themselves. With UK Fathe
Mike Smith
May 103 min read


A Galaxy Far, Far Away… Built in Britain
The blaster carried by Imperial Stormtroopers—the famous E-11—was built using the British Sterling submachine gun.
Mike Smith
May 23 min read


Durham Light Infantry: History, Service and Remembrance in Durham Cathedral
Durham Light Infantry: History, Service and Remembrance in Durham Cathedral
Mike Smith
Apr 244 min read
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