Waverley and East Hants fly the flag for UK's Armed Forces

The Armed Forces Flag been raised around Waverley and East Hampshire in a stirring show of support for the nation’s military.

Civic leaders, veterans and current members of the armed forces took part in ceremonies in Godalming, Bordon and Petersfield to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week.

The mayor of Waverley, Cllr John Ward, showed his support for the borough’s military community during a ceremony outside the council offices.

He was joined by councillors and employees in paying tribute to the “hard work and dedication” of the British Armed Forces.

Cllr Ward said: Raising the Armed Forces Flag at the start of Armed Forces Week is a reminder to us all how much we owe to those who put themselves in peril to preserve our freedom and security.”

British Armed Forces are currently taking part in 35 operations in 30 countries across the globe, ranging from counter-poaching exercises in Africa to training allies in Ukraine.

Petersfield’s deputy mayor, Cllr Lesley Farrow, stood alongside town council figures, veterans and members of the Royal British Legion in a flag-raising ceremony outside the town hall on Monday, June 24.

And there were similar scenes in Bordon with Whitehill’s deputy mayor, Cllr Lynn Malikoff-Johnston, paying tribute to the Corps of the REME for their lengthy role in the town.

Major Trevor Isaac, 4th Battalion of REME, spoke about their link with Bordon before Father John Chandler of Sacred Heart Church gave an address about the town’s rich military history.

A good-sized crowd gathered for the ceremony outside the Forest Community Centre with the Union Flag being raised by Lt Col (Retd) John Cosh on behalf of the RBL and REME.

It was followed by a one-minute silence and three cheers, led by town crier, Stuart Morrison, in support of our Armed Forces.