Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom is an annual event to commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces, to ensure the contribution of veterans is never forgotten. Veterans' Day was first observed in 2006 and changed its name to Armed Forces Day in 2009. The day is marked across the UK by local ceremonies, fireworks and military displays as well as the presentation of medals to living ex-servicemen and women. 

 

As a city, we have a long standing military heritage, starting with the construction of the citadel in the late 1660s and the first Royal Dockyard which opened on the banks of the River Tamar in 1691. In 1982, those same waters witnessed the return of many sailors on ships returning from the Falklands conflict and since 1907, Devonport has played a part in the annual Field Gun competitions which commemorate teamwork, leadership and moral and physical courage.

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Here we have some archive clips courtesy of The Box, Plymouth – which illustrates some of these moments in motion.