Hungerford Arcade are firm supporters of our Armed Forces and the Royal British Legion. We are also a sponsor of Walking with the Wounded.
As part of the annual commemorations which culminate in the national service at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday, we decorate the Arcade with commemorative items. We also host a display of vintage Military Vehicles on the preceding Sunday, each year.
The wonderful display of the silhouettes of Tommies with our collection box for the Royal British Legion in the Arcade.
Ann Parker always has an impressive display of miniature military figures
The outside of our building was decorated with this huge historic flag, which came from HMS Ark Royal. Ark Royal was involved in several naval actions during World War 11, the most famous of which was the sinking of the Bismarck in May 1941. Swordfish squadrons from Ark Royal and her sister ship, HMS Victorious launched torpedoes against the Bismarck which helped to disable her and allowed other ships, notably HMS Devonshire to sink her. However, her luck ran out and she was torpedoed on 13 November 1941, just off Gibraltar and sank the following day – luckily with the loss of only one life.
The vehicles were on show from 10.00 am with their owners happy to talk about them and their histories.
George, Bob and Gary swapping stories!
This fabulous armoured vehicle with the Tommy silhouettes was a fitting display.
Our precious Poppy getting ready to drive!
Jeeps galore!
We were also lucky to have Monty’s Misfits with us, who brought with them a wonderful display of vintage military equipment. The long socks are particularly familiar to me as Mum used Dad’s old Army socks for my Christmas stocking!!
It was a great day and we extend our grateful thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it a success and a fitting commemoration for all our Armed Forces past and present.
