Tuesday, 26 May 2020

Centenary Royal Artillery Association


The Royal Artillery Association was founded on 26th May 1920 to foster comradeship of those who had served as Gunners and to maintain and promote the proud traditions of the Royal Artillery. 


On the occasion of the centenary the Master Gunner message to the members of the Royal Artillery Association. 



MESSAGE FROM THE MASTER GUNNER ST JAMES’S PARK

“Dear Members of the Royal Artillery Association,

One hundred years ago today, on the 26th May 1920, the Royal Artillery Association was formed. Its objectives remain the foundation of its activities today, namely to embrace and support anybody who is or has been part of our Regimental family; that includes those who are currently serving, veterans, families, widows and widowers, dependants and more. Amongst its services, the Association is proud to provide comradeship, welfare support and advice – including when leaving the Army. It is a fundamental aspect of what makes the Royal Regiment of Artillery a proper ‘family’ and gives substance to the cry, ‘Once a Gunner, Always a Gunner’. And it is underpinned by the considerable commitment of so many of you who give your time and energy in order to ensure, across the Regiment, from the newest and youngest recruit to the most senior veteran, we take pride in our collective heritage, traditions and, perhaps most importantly, our ability to be there for each other.

With my best wishes

Andrew Gregory                                                                                                                                Master Gunner St James’s Park  

As a result of Covid-19 the occasion would be marked by a party in the back garden and sharing on social media. 

RA 100 Standard Bearers


RA 100 IJ





Friday, 8 May 2020

VE Day 75th Anniversary



On the 8th May 1945 Germany singed an unconditional surrender bringing an end to the Second World War in Europe. 

German Surrender 8th May 1945
German signing of unconditional surrender

The act of surrender followed the total defeat of German Armed forces and the Thousand Year Reich lay in ruins.

Reichstag Berlin in ruins

Soviet flag flies over ruins of Berlin

Soviet troops in Berlin

Canadian Gunners VE Day

An end to conflict which began for the British people on the 3rd September 193, ending 2,074 days later. 


The end to fighting in Europe resulted in celebrations in Europe and America, though it was remembered that fighting continued in the Far East, it would be 15th August before Victory over Japan would be declared.

Victory in Europe 8th May 1945

VE Day Churchill and Royal Family

VE Day Street Party 8th May 1945

The 75th Anniversary commemoration was to be a virtual occasion with the UK in lockdown due to Covid 19. Parading via social media and back garden parties replacing street parties.

VE Day 75 Virtual Parade 8th May 2020

VE Day 75 Virtual Parade 8th May 2020


VE Day 75 Back Garden Party 8th May 1945