Royal Army Chaplains' Department

14/09/2026

Far from home, deployed on Op CABRIT, three soldiers from 1 R WELSH recently took a significant step in their faith journey.

Following weeks of spiritual preparation with Padre Rokotoro, the 1 R WELSH chaplain, each soldier publicly declared their faith through baptism. 🙏

In the midst of operational pressure, the simple but meaningful baptism ceremony in austere surroundings, marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Congratulations to you all. 👏

14/09/2026

Our Day 2026 is fast approaching! Come and hear about the vital work of SASRA and celebrate what the Lord has done among the young people of the British Army and Royal Air Force.

For more information - https://sasra.org.uk/our-day-2026/

14/09/2026

We are pleased to announce that the following burial and rededication services will be taking place in October 2026:

6 October

11:00 - A rededication service for Private Sidney Allen of the 7th Battalion The Hampshire Regiment, killed in action on 15 February 1945, at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

14:00 – A rededication service for Lance Corporal Ronald Smirthwaite of The Hallamshire Battalion, The York & Lancaster Regiment, killed in action on 22 February 1945, at Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Netherlands.

7 October

11:00 – A rededication service for members of the crew of Lancaster PD374: Flying Officer Leslie Markland Hough RAAF, Pilot Officer John Henry Tales RAFVR, Sergeant Henry Charles Burnside RAFVR and Sergeant John Lawson RAFVR, killed in action on 8 December 1944, at Venray War Cemetery, Netherlands.

13 October

14:00 – A burial service for Lance Corporal Claude Stanley Dell of 5th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, killed in action on 25 April 1915, at Poelcapelle British Cemetery, Belgium.

14 October

14:00 – A burial service for an unknown soldier of The West Yorkshire Regiment at Serre Road Cemetery No. 2, France.

20 October 2026

13:00 – A burial service for Private George McIntosh of 8th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment, killed in action on 19 April 1917, and an unknown soldier of The Bedfordshire Regiment, at Loos British Cemetery Extension, France.

21 October 2026

11:00 – A burial service for Private Percy Tolliday of 11th Battalion The Middlesex Regiment, killed in action on 4 October 1916, and 2 unknown soldiers, at Warlencourt British Cemetery, France.

11/09/2026

Happy Rosh Hashanah to our Jewish chaplains, service personnel, civil servants and their families as they celebrate the Jewish New Year.

As communities come together to reflect, give thanks and look forward with hope, we wish everyone marking this special occasion a happy, peaceful and sweet year ahead.

to all who are celebrating.

09/09/2026

Veterans, family members and friends came together at Christ Church, Old Town, Swindon to mark the 47th anniversary of the Warrenpoint attack and remember Private Raymond Dunn of 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA), who is laid to rest there.

The memorial service, organised by the Parachute Regimental Association Swindon Branch and conducted by Padre Vikki Day, Chaplain to DSEME Lyneham, provided an opportunity for reflection, prayer and remembrance as the community honoured Raymond and the 17 other servicemen who lost their lives on 27 August 1979.

Nearly five decades on, people continue to speak of Raymond and remember the young soldier behind the history.

Swindon Borough Council

📷Janet French

08/09/2026

Soldiers are not the only members of the Army who undertake preparation before deployment. Army chaplains also attend training and briefing sessions to ensure they are ready to support personnel wherever they serve.

Recently, Padres Abel and McKenzie came together as part of this process, receiving briefings and preparing for future deployments.

During their time together, they also jointly led a service of remembrance to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca, reflecting on the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have gone before.

The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on history while recognising the enduring importance of pastoral, spiritual and moral support within today's Armed Forces.

24/08/2026

24/08/2026

Would you please help us to widen our reach by sharing with your network please? Thank you 🙏

24/08/2026

On Ukraine Independence Day, we continue to show our support to Ukraine and recognise the ongoing courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people and their Armed Forces.

Since 2022 more than 63,000 Ukrainian personnel have completed Op Interflex training, led by the UK Armed Forces and supported by 13 partner nations.

Army chaplaincy have supported this programme, delivering training to nearly 120 Ukrainian military chaplains which equipped them with the religious and practical resources needed to support personnel through the most challenging aspects of operations.

20/08/2026

Pre-deployment training involves more than briefings and presentations. Recently, Padre Abel joined soldiers on a loaded walk, experiencing first-hand some of the physical demands faced by personnel preparing for deployment.

Sharing time alongside soldiers in their working and training environments helps chaplains build relationships, understand their experiences and offer support where it is needed most.

And as many soldiers will tell you, a packet of Haribo can go a long way in boosting morale during a challenging day on the ground.