Each year, during Remembrance, we pause and remember those who have defended our democratic freedom and way of life; many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.
This Remembrance, the ABF invited its ambassadors, staff and supporters to share, on Remembrance crosses, their tributes to those who have served and lost their lives. Each was handwritten, with a personal dedication, and planted in the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.
In memory of Christopher Ford, Great Uncle of Bear Grylls. Major Grenadier Guards. Born 1910. Killed in action near Anzio, Italy. January 28, 1944.
– Bear Grylls OBE, British Adventurer and ABF supporter
To those who have served and the families, support networks and friends involved.
“Time goes on but the memories stay, life moves on and sometimes our hearts will stray. We live for today hoping for a better tomorrow, conquering through certain sorrows. Together we shall march in uniforms or not as I pray time will bring us forward without a shot. We will remember not just one but all who have served remembering the families who will share this and preserve. Today we may cry for our tomorrow we shall will fly.”
– Jonny Holloway (The Traitors Season 2), Army veteran and ABF supporter
Dedicated to those from the Bomb Disposal community across the Services who lost their lives on active duty. Trying to make the world a safer place.
– Andy Torbet, Explorer and ABF supporter
Beloved and deeply missed husband and father. 565460 Capt Mark James Hale, 2RIFLES. Solider of Christ and country. KIA Helmand Province 13/08/09 Psalm 46 v 10
– Alix, Tori and Brenda Hale, ABF beneficiaries
In Memory of Lance Corporal Peter Henry Sullivan
24652113, Parachute Regiment
Who died, age 26, on 27 June 1992
When they talk of Ulster, Tell them of us who died and say, For their tomorrow, We gave our today.
– Al Hodgson, ABF ambassador and beneficiary
My great-grandfather, Captain Greville Hubert Robins Blount, Royal Field Artillery. Wounded at the 1st Battle of the Marne on 10th Sept 1914. Died two weeks later of his wounds in the Australian Voluntary Hospital, aged 31. Buried at Cimitiere des Toutes Aides, St. Nazaire.
– James Blunt, Musician and ABF supporter
Levison Hopkin Wood
Royal Welch Fusiliers
India. Burma. Japan 1944-47
‘Nec Aspera Terrent’
– Levison Wood, British Army officer, explorer and ABF supporter
Andrew (uncle) Dumper – serviced 23 year with AGC – promoted to WO2 and left in 2022 – one year later died of prostate cancer.
– Matt Dumper, ABF beneficiary
In memory of Robert Arthur Wright, Royal Artillery Veteran and survivor of WW2.
Remembrance of World War II honors those who served and sacrificed, reminding us of the cost of war and the importance of peace, freedom, and unity for future generations.
– Lee Harris-Hamer, ABF ambassador and beneficiary
In memory of Great Uncle Private Henry Whenham, 6th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs).
Died of Wounds on the Somme 4th August 1916. Buried in Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery Extension.
“He died so that we may live”. Remembered by Terry and Mary Whenham, Northampton.
– Terry Whenham, ABF fundraiser
Remembering my father ‘Pa’ – Major Charles Brandreth, Intelligence Corps. Served for 6 years in in WWII including campaigns in North Africa and Italy.
– Gyles Brandreth, broadcaster and ABF supporter
In honour of my wonderful father, Richard Hugh Mosse – Captain in the Welsh Guards – a true English officer and gentleman, and much missed.
– Kate Mosse, writer and ABF supporter
“My father, George Knight, was in the Warwickshire Yeomanry and fought in North Africa. He never told us anything about the desert war. He said, ‘We played cowboys and Indians in the sand.’ He won medals. The truth of his bravery died with him.”
– Steven Knight CBE, British screenwriter and ABF supporter
Capt Lisa Jade Head RLC. A magnificent bomb disposal expert who sadly succumbed to her injuries after attempting to diffuse an explosive device on 18 April 2011. Loving daughter to Leila and John and sister to Helen and Jayne.
– Kate Holmes, ABF beneficiary
Remembering the chosen men who sadly did not return from Afghanistan.
Rfn “Kit” Kitulagoda. The Rifle Volunteers.
Rfn “Marshy” Marshall. 6 Rifles
Sjt “Reedy” Reed. 6 Rifles.
Taken too soon, but never forgotten.
“Swift and Bold”
‘Dedicated to my uncles, John and Derek Gower, RN and RA respectively, who both served with bravery during the D-Day Landings in the Second World War.’
– David Gower, cricketer, presenter and ABF supporter
Captain Brian Stewart CMG, (1922-2015), father of Heather, Anne, Rory and Fiona. Brother of Lt George Stewart (killed in action Sicily 1943) both of the Black Watch (RHR). Fortiter in Re.
– Rory Stewart, broadcaster, writer, ABF supporter
In proud memory of Trav and all who served on Operation Herrick.
Gone from our sight, never from our hearts.
– Gregg Stevenson, Army veteran, Paralympic gold medallist and ABF supporter
No name rank or number
No one knows who you are
Slain, fallen in an unmarked space
No loved ones to tend your grave
Lost, but always remembered
For the sacrifices you made.
– John Cutting, ABF ambassador and beneficiary
In loving memory of all Royal Army Medical Corps personnel who lost their lives serving their country, especially those who fought in recent conflicts and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
May they always be remembered for helping others in their time of need.
– Vicky McLennan, ABF ambassador and beneficiary
LCpl Oli Thomas (Military intelligence) KIA in Afghanistan in April 2014.
I’d only known you a short time, going through pre-deployment together prior to Afghanistan in 2013. I’ll always remember your motivation in the timed run in the rain and you helping me get my PB time.
– Simon Garland, ABF beneficiary
Cpl John “Johnny” Warwick, 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, 3 April 1981 – 15 March 2025.
From foreign fields, their journey ends,
A debt to bravery we owe.
Their sacrifice the world defends,
In silent tribute, our lion of England, you’ll never be forgotten.
– Mark Harding, ABF ambassador and beneficiary
‘Across that angry or that glimmering sea’
To the men of 22 SAS
From
Colin Maclachlan
D Sqn 22 SAS
– Colin Mclachlan, actor and ABF supporter
“In memory of Mark Anthony Frank Moseley (MOSE) a much loved and respected member of the Special Communications family. He lost the battle with his demons in 2016. With much love Steve Smith (SMUDGE) 602 Signal Troop (Special Communications).”
– Steve Smith, ABF fundraiser
Corporal Taniela Tolevu Rogoiruwai of the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, tragically lost his life in Afghanistan on Tuesday, 15 June 2010.
As a steadfast guardian of his comrades, a true son of Fiji, and a lion of England, his unwavering dedication has etched a legacy of valour and sacrifice. In the tender imprints of his courage, new paths are born, ensuring he will forever remain in our hearts, never to be forgotten, my friend.
– Mark Harding, ABF ambassador and beneficiary
Alan Titchmarsh Senior
Born 1924
Thanks, Dad, for “doing your bit” in the Second World War with REME in India. The war ended shortly after your were sent there.
You told us little but said they heard you were coming…. Bless you!
All my love,
Alan Junior
– Alan Titchmarsh, gardener, TV presenter and ABF supporter
In proud remembrance of all Armed Forces members who sacrificed their lives in service.
Especially our fellow Rugby Relic, Keith Sherer, a proud Royal Navy veteran, who crossed the bar in 2023.
We will remember them.
– Chris Price and The Rugby Relics, ABF fundraisers
22289007 WO1 Louis Gibson MBE.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, who gave his all, to both the Army and his family. A 2-time non-stop walking world record holder. We are so proud of you dad! Forever loved, never forgotten xxx
– Rob Gibson, ABF in-memory supporter
This year like every year, I will be remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. For me especially it will be those brave Welsh Guardsman that never came home from Afghanistan. Your memory, friendship and service will be forgotten. See you on the Re-Org’ – Capt DP Cope WG
– WO1 Dan Cope, ABF fundraiser
Frank Campbell was the finest man I ever knew. He served his country and fought for freedom in the jungles of Burma and at the battle of Kohima and in truth never fully recovered. It affected him deeply. I love you Dad.
– Nicky Campbell, ABF supporter
Kingsman Ponipate Tagitaginimoce, who served with honour in Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, on that fateful Tuesday, 15 June 2010.
Amidst Afghanistan’s relentless sunlit glare,
A foreign dust blankets the air of despair.
Yet when the call of duty echoes clear,
A Fijian son, England’s lion, stands sincere.
For Queen and country, your spirit will soar,
In hearts forever, remembered evermore.
– Mark Harding, ABF ambassador and beneficiary
Charlotte (Betty) Webb MBE 13 May 1923 – 31 March 2025
ATS and WRAC TA
Bletchley Park WW2
Contributed greatly to our country
Inspirational, warm with a keen mind and wit
Ambassador, ABF – an honour to have known you. Helen
– Helen McMahon, Case Studies Liaison at the ABF
Lt Col Rg Davies OBE MC
SLI and RMP
‘Followed the Flag 1938 -1973
Won the MC in Burma and appointed OBE as Provost Marshal Berlin 1968-72
– Di Davies, ABF supporter
Standing Tall Foundation would like to commemorate the fallen of all personnel in all conflicts from St Helens Borough.
– Andy Reid MBE, ABF ambassador and beneficiary
Pte James Prosser 14:04:88 – 27:09:09
Loved and missed by all!
My shining star!
Love always Mum xx
– Sarah Adams, ABF fundraiser
In memory of all the Missing who remain on the battlefields. You gave all for the benefit of us all. You will never be forgotten!
– Chris Devney, ABF fundraiser
In loving memory of Gunner Albert Reginald Barnbrook, RHQ, 6th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery, who endured seven months as a Japanese POW and died of typhoid aboard a ‘death ship’ on 27th November 1942. Forever honoured, never forgotten.
– Lieutenant Colonel Barney Barnbrook, ABF Regional Director North East and Yorkshire
In loving memory of Sergeant John Jamieson Simeon, 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, who gave his life on Mount Tumbledown on 14 June 1982. We honour his courage and sacrifice in the Falklands War. Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.
– Amy Simeon, ABF Events Executive
Wayne was Canadian but after with the Royal Canadian Regiment between 1954 and 1958 he served with the British Army (Royal Military Police) from 1962 to 1981.
He was awarded the BEM in 1973.
He joined the Royal Hospital Chelsea in March 2010 and died there on 27 February 2025.
He was a kind and selfless old soldier.
– Tim Coles, ABF Regional Director
22429704 Sgt Derrick John Whiting (11/07/1932 to 8/06/2022) Royal Signals
National Service 1950-1952, TA Service 1052-1966 at Brompton Road, London.
Venture Scout leader and loyal volunteer with the Army Benevolent Fund during the Chelsea Flower Show collections for many years up to 2019. A kind and selfless person.
We are grateful for his service to the ABF, the Army and the nation.
– Derrick’s family
John “George” Lazenby MBE LLB
Father, Brother, Husband
for his outstanding contribution in peace and in war to the Army and in particular
the United Kingdom Special Forces
1984-2011
– His wife and family.
In memory of Colonel Mick Biegel OBE DL
He was a kind, honest and wise man with a great sense of humour, and a highly developed sense of the ridiculous derived from years of military service.
– His wife and family.
