The Kemish Award 2026
The Association Committee is delighted to announce that Andy Tibble has been awarded the 2026 Kemish Award in recognition of his exceptional service and long-standing commitment to the Artillery Clerks’ Association.
A dedicated member since 1998, Andy has been at the beating heart of our Association for over 28 years, and his influence is felt in every corner of it. As our Association Secretary he has gone far beyond routine involvement; as he has consistently stepped forward to support, guide, and strengthen the Association in ways that have shaped its identity and ensured its continued stability
The award will be formally presented to Andy at our Annual Reunion Dinner at Larkhill on Saturday 4 th July 2026, where he looks forward to seeing many of his friends and comrades.
Congratulations, Andy, and thank you for all you have done and continue to do.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Award of the Ubique Cup to the Artillery Clerks’ Association
It is with great pride and pleasure that I share some outstanding news with our members
At their most recent meeting, the National Executive Committee of the Royal Artillery Association awarded the Ubique Cup to the Artillery Clerks’ Association. This new and prestigious award has been established to recognise excellence within the National Branch network of the Royal Artillery Association.
This honour reflects the continued commitment, professionalism, and support demonstrated by our Committee and members in preserving the traditions of the Royal Artillery while fostering strong connections within our Association and the wider Gunner family.
In presenting this award, our Association has been recognised as a “shining example and model National Branch promoting diligent excellence.” This distinction highlights the strength, dedication, and spirit that define the Artillery Clerks’ Association.
The Cup will be formally presented to a member of our Committee at the National Assembly in Blackpool on Saturday 16th May 2026, and displayed at our Annual Reunion Dinner in Larkhill on Saturday 4th July 2026.
On behalf of the Association, I extend our sincere thanks to the National Executive Committee of the Royal Artillery Association for this recognition. I would also like to congratulate and thank all our members for their continued support, enthusiasm, and dedication.
Ubique, Joe Falzon
Association Chairman
The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports new museum
The Royal Artillery Museum has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Guns on the Plain project, it was announced today. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to bring together military, veteran and civilian communities at a dynamic, accessible and sustainable museum and collections centre at Larkhill, home of the Royal Artillery. Development funding of £286,999 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help the Royal Artillery Museum progress their plans to apply for a full grant of £4.6million at a later date.
The Royal Artillery Museum holds one of the oldest and most significant of all military collections, but without this funding from the Heritage Fund much of it would remain in storage and inaccessible to the public, with no way of safeguarding it for future generations.
The project will see the museum reach more diverse audiences in a place where 125 years of artillery training has shaped lives, communities and the remarkable landscape of Salisbury Plain.
The new museum will feature galleries, exhibitions and hands-on activities exploring stories of service, bravery, ingenuity and innovation, designed to appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. With a café and children’s play area, together with a programme of events, educational visits and volunteering opportunities, the museum is expected to become a valued hub for both civilian and military communities in the area.
The purpose designed storage facilities, conservation workshop, learning spaces, archives and research centre mean that the collection will be both better preserved for future generations to enjoy and more widely accessible than ever before. Over the next two years the Royal Artillery Museum will host community consultation days to seek the views of local people as the plans are developed. It will also continue to welcome visitors to its current temporary facilities at Wood Road, Larkhill, on its popular open days. Visit the Royal Artillery Museum website to find out about forthcoming events.
Major General Nick Eeles, Chair of the Royal Artillery Museum, said: “We are delighted to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can now develop our plans to share the remarkable story of the Gunners, and their unique place in our Nation’s history, while ensuring that our extraordinary collection is preserved for future generations.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re proud to support the Royal Artillery Museum as it takes this important next step towards creating a new home at Larkhill. This project will open up one of the country’s most significant military collections, ensuring these stories are preserved and shared for generations to come. We look forward to working with the team to progress their plans to apply for their full National Lottery grant at a later date.”
Messages from the Chairman RAA
Follow the link below for the end-of-year message from the Chairman of the Royal Artillery Association:
RAA Chairman end-of-year message
RA Assembly Blackpool 2026
Special Announcement from the Association Chair
Introducing Our New Honorary President (Elect)
Dear All
I am delighted to announce that Major General Neil Marshall OBE has graciously accepted the Association Committee’s invitation to become our next Honorary President, succeeding Lieutenant General Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE.
Major General Marshall assumes this role with the full support and endorsement of all former Honorary Presidents. His distinguished service, leadership, experience and commitment will, I am confident, continue to strengthen and inspire our Association in the years ahead.
On behalf of the Association Committee and all members, I wish to extend our sincere thanks to Lieutenant General Nugee for his outstanding service and valued contributions during his decade as our Honorary President. His guidance and friendship are deeply appreciated by all, particularly in the lead-up to our 25th Anniversary in 2023 and the commissioning of our Silver Centrepiece.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Major General Neil Marshall as he takes up this honorary position with effect from 1 January 2026. We greatly look forward to working with him and to the continued success of our Association.
A full message of thanks and welcome will appear in the next edition of Crossed Quills.
With best regards,
Joe Falzon, Association Chair
Biographical Details – Maj Gen Marshall OBE
Dear Friends and Fellow Artillery Clerks,
Last year, thanks to your incredible generosity, Mission to Malta 2025 was an outstanding success. Together, we helped seven Alabaré veterans rediscover purpose, pride, and belonging as they restored Fort Delimara — a remarkable piece of our shared British and Maltese military heritage.
Your support truly changed lives. The veterans returned home with renewed confidence, lasting friendships, and a sense of achievement that words can barely capture.
Now, by popular demand from Heritage Malta, we’ve been invited back in April 2026 to continue the work we began. This next phase will build on the legacy of our project earlier this year (May 2025) — restoring more of Fort Delimara and offering a new group of veterans the same life-changing experience.
I’d be deeply grateful if you would once again stand shoulder to shoulder with us. Every contribution, large or small, helps us give these men and women the second chance they deserve.
Please take a moment to read the attached appeal letter, and if you can, donate via our JustGiving page.
Your continued friendship and support mean the world to me — and even more to the veterans whose lives you help transform.
With warm regards and sincere thanks,
Joe, Chair, on behalf of Alabaré
Find & Strike Gin
Message from the RAA
Following the success of the initial batch of Find & Strike Gin, it is now available for online purchase with direct distribution from Hawkridge distillery via the link below:
Find & Strike London Dry Gin - The Royal Artillery.
All proceeds from the sales goes directly to support the Gunner family through the work of the Royal Artillery Charities, ensuring the continued raising of funds supports the work they do, to assist the serving and retired regiment.
Gunner Magazine
Gunner magazine is publish throughout the year on the RAA website in PDF format and can be viewed vis this link: Gunner Publications.
Armed Forces Veteran ID Card
An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK armed forces. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran.
It’s free to apply.
You can currently only apply for a Veteran Card if you have a UK address. Veterans who do not have a UK address will be able to apply later this year (2024).
Apply for an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
Requests for Army Service Records and Citations
Former Army personnel who wish to receive copies of their service records under the Data Protection Act are required to submit a Subject Access Request (SAR), accompanied by verification of identify (a photocopy of photo card driving license or copy of passport and a utility bill showing current address) to the following address:
Address: APC MS Support - Disclosures 2, MP 535, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX
Tel: 0345 600 9663
Fax: 0141 224 3172
Email: apc-sp-disclosures2@mod.gov.uk
Those who are seeking a copy of a citation for a National Award need to submit their application to:
Address: MOD (MS Honours), Level 6, Zone C, Main Building, Whitehall, SW1A 2HB
This free service may be affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
The RAA Gunner Lottery
The Gunner Lottery replaced the Annual Grand Draw and was launched at the RAA NEC Assembly in 2019.
The funds raised from the Lottery are there to assist members in need, whatever their cause, at any time in their lives.
The support provided by the Royal Artillery Charities embraces anyone who is or ever has been a member of the Regimental family. Each year, we assist over 1700 Gunner veterans, the serving regiment, dependants, and support welfare projects and sport.
The Royal British Legion Magazine
The Royal British Legion publish a magazine quarterly throughout the year. For those members that don't get the magazine through the post view it via this online link.
Age UK Verteran's Newsletter
Age UK want older veterans and their families to get the assistance they really need. Their Veterans email newsletter will provide advice, support and links to stories of other veterans. Click on the image to access the Age UK Newsletter sign-up page.
Armed Forces Breakfast Clubs
Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs exist to facilitate service personnel & veterans to meet up face-to-face in a relaxed informal environment.
These clubs are free to join and provide a place to socialise with like-minded people who you can share some breakfast scoff and good old service banter.
Veteran Railcard
Military veterans can get cut-price train travel to help boost job prospects and bring them closer to family and friends, with a new Veterans Railcard.
- the new railcard, available from Armistice Day this year, will help boost veterans’ job prospects and strengthen family bonds through cheaper travel
- over 830,000 eligible for a third off their fares, saving veterans and their families hundreds of pounds a year
- discount forms part of government’s new veterans strategy to support former servicemen and women
Replacement Medals or Veterans Badges
Do you need a replacement Veterans Badge? Have your medals been lost or stolen? Well apply for them at the Government website associated with this very aspect.
If any members wish the Association to amend any personal data held or presented on this website, or wish us to stop holding or processing your personal data please contact the Association Secretary If any members notice any errors, typo's, missed or incorrect content within this website or have anything for inclusion or ideas for improvement please send it to the Webmaster using the contact form here.
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