Armed Forces Day: 'I've never regretted joining'

2 hours ago

Jonathan Morris,South Westand

Tamsin Melville,in Plymouth

News image — Megan Chudley said she loved serving in the Army

BBC A person wearing glasses and a black polo shirt stands in the foreground on Plymouth Hoe, with military display stands and flags visible behind them. In the background, small groups of people are gathered on the grass near exhibition boards and equipment as part of the Armed Forces Day event. — Megan Chudley said she loved serving in the Army

People at Plymouth Armed Forces Day have spoken about their personal connections to the military, with many sharing how service has shaped their lives.

Thousands headed to the Hoe on Saturday for the annual event, where families, veterans and young recruits mixed with serving personnel for a day of displays, live performances and activities.

Among those attending was L/Cpl Megan Chudley, 24, who grew up in the city and now serves in the Army. She said: "I absolutely love it, I've never regretted my decision one bit."

She explained she had first tried to join at 15 but had been turned away because of asthma, adding that she later tried again during the Covid pandemic and had "loved it ever since".

A group of people gather on the grass at Plymouth Hoe around military activity stands, with some using rowing machines and others chatting under a black canopy tent. In the background, a red and white lighthouse stands prominently against a bright sky, while flags, banners and more visitors fill the waterfront during the Armed Forces Day event. — Families, veterans and young recruits mixed with serving personnel for a day of displays on Plymouth Hoe

Chudley, a driver in the Royal Logistic Corps, said she had travelled widely, including to Poland and Cyprus, describing her role as transporting "food equipment fuel whatever you can think of".

She added that she was keen to challenge assumptions about military life, saying "it's a complete myth-busting experience" and telling young women they did not have to be "incredibly fit" to apply.

Veteran Bob Goodman, 73, vice chairman of Devon County Royal British Legion, said he had joined the Royal Navy at 15 and served for nine years before a further 28 in the British Transport Police.

He said his service had shaped his life, and insisted he was still proud the UK had "the best Navy".

A person wearing a suit jacket with medals and a tie stands in the foreground on Plymouth Hoe, with a large crowd gathered behind them. In the background, people are walking and sitting on the grass near a tall naval memorial column, with more event activity taking place across the waterfront. — Bob Goodman joined the Royal Navy at 15

RAF recruiter Andrew Lane, 43, said he had joined at 25 after a career change and had since travelled the world, including tours in the Falklands and Afghanistan.

"I've been lucky enough to travel all around the world, I've also served in Oman and Afghanistan in 2013," he said.

"It's given me a career, it's given me opportunities that I wouldn't have had if I hadn't joined the services.

"This is more just letting people know that we're out here, and let people talk to us, see the type of people we are."

All three said events like Armed Forces Day were vital, with Chudley explaining they helped young people see "we are humans behind the kit" and Goodman adding they gave people the chance to "go and say thanks".