The blaster carried by Imperial Stormtroopers—the famous E-11—was built using the British Sterling submachine gun.

Durham Light Infantry: History, Service and Remembrance in Durham Cathedral

Armed Forces Day 2026 Military Displays and family days out recognising the UK Armed Forces community

It's always struck me that 7.62mm is an oddly specific number - wouldn't it have been an easier manufacturing choice to go for 7.5mm or even 7.7mm? The real reason is, of course, that it was a nice, round number to start with - specifically 0.3 inch which, when all that metric stuff came along, converted to 7.62mm. Where the “.30 inch” came from Back in the late 1800s / early 1900s, countries like the UK were designing rifles using imperial measurements . A .30 calibre bore

Looking for meaningful military gifts in the UK? Explore our full range here →MILITARY GIFTS UK If you’ve ever tried to buy a military-themed gift for someone who actually served, you’ll k now the problem.Most of them miss the mark completely. Aside from things like our range of Remembrance Poppies, they’re often generic (thinks mugs, coasters and hats) or they look like something designed by someone whose closest experience to the Army was watching a Sunday afternoon film. B

When it comes to choosing British military gifts , it’s not just about finding something that looks the part. For many veterans and their families, a gift represents service, sacrifice, and memories that deserve to stand to attention. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful present for a loved one or something to honour a particular regiment or period of service, the best gifts are those that carry real significance — not just something picked from a generic catalogue. 👉 Exp

WRAC Memorial Poppy Finding the right gift for someone who has served in the British Armed Forces can feel surprisingly difficult. Whether it’s your mum, dad, grandad, partner or a close friend, you want something that actually means something — not just another pair of socks or a novelty mug that will quietly disappear into the back of a cupboard. If you’ve ever found yourself typing: “What gift can I buy for my dad who served in the Rifles?” — you’re not alone. This guide b

RAF Memorial Poppy On 1st April 1918 , in the closing months of the First World War, something remarkable happened. Two separate military air services—the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service—were brought together to form a brand-new force: the Royal Air Force. It became the first independent air force in the world . Not part of the Army. Not part of the Navy. Something entirely new. Why Was the RAF Created? By 1918, aerial warfare had evolved far beyond reconna

The Cenotaph Remembrance is not always simple. For many, it is a moment of pride — a chance to reflect on service, duty, and the generations who stood to attention in defence of others. But remembrance can also be quieter, more complicated, and sometimes deeply personal. Across the UK and beyond, there are memorials that reflect different aspects of military history. Some mark well-known operations. Others stand as places of reflection for loss, hardship, or moments that stil

The most famous military model-making kits From Lead Soldiers to Living History Displays Military model making isn’t a modern hobby. It has roots stretching back centuries — long before plastic kits and kitchen-table glue fumes became a rite of passage. What began as a tool for training and planning gradually evolved into one of the most enduring modelling traditions in the world. Early Military Miniatures – Strategy Before Screens Long before digital simulations, armies used

Op Telic Memorial Poppy Operation Telic — A National Tribute and Why Remembrance Still Matters In May, the UK will hold a dedicated national tribute to those who served on Operation Telic — the British military campaign in Iraq from 2003 to 2011. For many veterans and families, this moment carries deep significance. It offers something that has been missing: a shared opportunity to pause, reflect, and acknowledge this service. While the conflicts of the last two decades can s

The phrase “to take the King’s shilling” (or Queen’s, depending on who’s on the throne) is one of those expressions that sounds quaint until you realise it was often the point of no return. It's meaning has changed in nuance over the years, which is why we now use a shilling on most of our products which celebrate military service,such as the British Army Oath of Allegiance But its connotations are also the reason we don't use a shilling on our poignant pieces such as To

If you’ve visited Oaths of Allegiance recently and noticed that our 3D self-assembly rifle kits are no longer listed here, we wanted to explain why — clearly, openly, and properly. Nothing has disappeared. Nothing has been “taken down”.We’ve simply given these kits a dedicated home of their own . What does “7.62mm” mean? The name 762mm comes from 7.62mm , the calibre most people associate with classic British service rifles such as the SLR. It’s a measurement instantly reco

Royal Green Jackets with Remembrance Poppy The Royal Green Jackets were formed in 1966, bringing together three distinguished rifle regiments: the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, and the Rifle Brigade. Each had a proud history stretching back centuries, and their amalgamation marked an important moment in the evolution of Britain’s light infantry. From Light Infantry to Green Jackets The Royal Green Jackets carried forward the sp

British Army Christmas Traditions: A Season of Service, Spirit and Stand-to-Attention Festivities Christmas in the British Army has always been a blend of tradition, camaraderie and a healthy dose of good-humoured resilience. Even when postings take soldiers far from home, the season brings its own unique customs that help keep morale high and spirits bright. From Christmas puddings stirred in cookhouses to officers waiting on junior ranks, these traditions have threaded thro

The Ulster Tower War Memorial stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and respect for those who served and sacrificed during the First World War. Today marks the anniversary of this important monument, a day to reflect on its origins, design, and the people it commemorates. This post explores why the Ulster Tower was built, the inspiration behind its architecture, and the stories of the soldiers it honors. Why the Ulster Tower Was Built The Ulster Tower was constructed to

Cenotaph with poppy Every year, as autumn leaves begin to fall and the air grows crisp, the nation comes together to pause, reflect and remember. On 11 November , at 11am , a silence falls across towns, cities and villages throughout the UK. It’s a moment of deep respect, a time to honour those who gave their lives in service to their country. At the heart of this solemn act of remembrance stands one enduring symbol: The Cenotaph . The Role of the Cenotaph The Cenotaph in Whi

. 🪖 The Welsh Guards Cap Badge — The Leek, Worn with Pride Elegant, unmistakable, and deeply Welsh: the leek of the Welsh Guards is more than an emblem — it’s a promise of service and a link to centuries of tradition. 🏵 Why a Leek? The leek is a national symbol of Wales , with legends dating back to medieval battles. According to tradition, Welsh soldiers wore leeks on their helmets to distinguish themselves from their Saxon enemies on the battlefield. The Welsh won the fi

When it comes to military memorabilia, authenticity matters.MOD licensing isn’t just a stamp on a piece of paper — it’s a mark of trust, accountability and respect. For veteran-run businesses like ours, holding a Ministry of Defence licence isn’t just a formality. It’s a statement of integrity, and a commitment to giving back. 🧭 It Protects the Integrity of Military Heritage MOD licensing ensures that the design and presentation of military badges, insignia and emblems are u

When someone swears the Oath of Allegiance, they’re not simply reciting a line of ceremonial text — they’re making a promise that underpins the very fabric of British public service. From the newest recruit on parade square to the magistrate taking their seat on the bench, the oath binds service, duty, and loyalty to the Crown. A Promise Shared Across Services Every member of the British Armed Forces swears the Oath of Allegiance on joining.But it doesn’t end there. The same