Last week, the Army Benevolent Fund was delighted to host the annual Army Carol Service. Set in the glorious surroundings of the Wren Chapel at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this traditional service of lessons and carols forms a key part of the Army’s and the ABF’s Christmas season.
The Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General David Eastman MBE, led soldiers drawn from across the United Kingdom, representing the full range of ranks and diversity in today’s Army, in reading the lessons.
Guests arriving at the Army Carol Service were greeted by a piper, Lance Sergeant Warren from F Company Scots Guards, and soldiers from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery flanked the entrance to the Chapel. Lit only by candles for the opening carol, A Fanfare Team from the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed in the chapel, accompanying the Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Lesson readers included Colonel Guy Stone LVO, Chief of Staff, London District; Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Forde, Deputy Chief of Staff, London District; Superintendent Clerk Damian Thomas, Grenadier Guards and the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General David Eastman, as well as soldiers from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps, Adjutant General’s Corps and Household Cavalry Regiment.
The ABF thanks the Inner London Committee and the Royal Hospital Chelsea for once again providing a wonderful venue and a highly enjoyable evening for our Army colleagues and supporters.