Germany-based Veterans linked up with serving personnel and families at Bergen-Hohne on 27 June for the first ever Armed Forces Day.

The 27th June was designated as Armed Forces Day (AFD) this year, aimed at acknowledging the contribution that the Armed Forces past, present and future make and have made to the nation, to show both Forces personnel and Veterans that they are valued and respected.

The inaugural AFD event in BFG was hosted in fine style by 7th Armoured Brigade and Bergen-Hohne Garrison, with the focus being on Veterans, especially those now resident in Germany. 

Building on the success of last year’s BFG Veterans Day, hosted by 20th Armoured Brigade and Paderborn Garrison, a packed programme was staged for the Veterans and Bergen-Hohne family members, giving them the opportunity to meet old comrades, hear about the Army of today and look at new equipment.

Veterans meet members of 111 Provost Company RMP at Armed Forces Day, Bergen-Hohne.  L to R: SSgt Craig Palmer, Alex Lambie (ex unit member), Susanna Kaufmann, Brian Croft, formerly with REME, and Cpl Hemmy Spiggott.

The Veterans were joined by General Officer Commanding (GOC) United Kingdom Support Command, Major General Mungo Melvin OBE, and some of his senior BFG staff, for the colourful day of celebrations and commemorations.

For many of them it was a trip down memory lane, as they caught up with old comrades and took part in a poignant Remembrance Service, conducted by Rev’d Philip Bosher, Senior Chaplain 7th Armoured Brigade. But with their eyes also set on the future, they were delighted to meet up with serving soldiers from 7th Armoured Brigade who laid on a display of some of their latest equipment and vehicles and updated them on recent operational activities.

No military ceremony would be complete without a dash of pageantry, and The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band provided just that, with a colourful display of music and marching, led by Bandmaster WO1 Ian Mitchell and Drum Major Alastair Smith. Band members also kept the guests entertained during the curry lunch at the Hohne Station Officers Mess, with a catchy performance by their drummers and pipers.

While Bergen-Hohne was hosting BFG’s official ceremony, other events were being staged in UK and across the world, and despite rain at the main UK event in Chatham and thunderstorms in other parts of BFG, the weather stayed bright for the visitors.

The celebrations had already launched in style earlier in the week with BFG flag ceremonies on 22 June, when Armed Forces Day flags were raised at HQ UKSC and HQ 1st (United Kingdom) Armoured Division as well as HQ 7th Armoured Brigade and Bergen-Hohne Garrison.

Lance Corporal Dan Hart and Drummer Ashley Davis from 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers salute Armed Forces Day on behalf of 7th Armoured Brigade at Bergen-Hohne, Germany

Welcoming the Veterans to the first ever Armed Forces Day, Major General Melvin and his senior team took the opportunity to update them on British Forces Germany, and the progress being made by his BFG Veterans Support Initiative.  But the General was just as much on ‘receive’ as well as ‘send’, keen to hear at first hand from the Veterans about their lives in Germany and how they and his HQ could work together to benefit both serving and retired Service personnel and their families based in Germany.

During the two-way forum, the General was delighted to be able to report the successful launch of the Veterans Installation Access Pass, which gives limited access to barrack facilities in Germany.  Over 100 Veterans have now received their passes, and many more applications are in the pipeline. (for further information look on www.bfgnet.de/BFGVets.html)
 
Major General Melvin also made a point of recording his thanks to Colonel Paul Smith, Deputy Commander Bergen-Hohne Garrison, and his staff for all their hard work and hospitality in staging such an excellent day, as well as the Royal British Legion (Germany) for their continuing support.

Among the many Veterans who attended the day were Ernest Johnson, 73, along with his wife Waldtraut.  Ernest served with 94 Locating Regiment Royal Artillery from 1964 – 80, before settling in Celle and working in the oil industry.  Commenting positively on the day, Ernest said: “It has been an excellent programme and it is wonderful that the Government is paying Veterans, as well as serving personnel, the recognition we deserve.  The hospitality shown by the Garrison and Brigade has been superb”.

This was echoed by James and Hanna Somerville. James, 74, was a soldier from 1965 – 78, serving with 1st Battalion the Royal Hampshire Regiment in Munster, before switching to the RAOC in Monchengladbach. The Army is a ‘family business’ for them, with son James an ex soldier before switching to the Australian Army. “It is very gratifying that we are being recognised in this way”, James said. “But not before time – we put so much into the Army”.

Another visitor - who has hit the headlines recently – was Brian Croft, Chairman RBL  Fallingbostel, who served with REME between 1962-84.  “It’s great catching up with old friends and I have met someone I last saw in 1974”, said Brian. “It has been an amazing time for me lately.  I recently caught up with my brother George who I had not seen for over 60 years”.

Brian Croft, Chairman RBL Fallingbostel and ex REME, chats to BFBS about old times at Bergen-Hohne.

Gunners Kojo Opoku-Ware and Michael Wana of 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (left and right) meet Susanna Kaufmann on Armed Forces Day.

Keith Smith, proud standard bearer for RBL Paderborn and ex member of 12 Regiment RA, at the AFD Parade in Bergen-Hohne.

Strawberries and cream for Armed Forces Day.  NAAFI employee and Veteran Tony Kay, ex Army Catering Corps and Royal Logistic Corps from 1969-94, and wife Angie help visitors celebrate in style.