Today is Armed Forces Day, a day to honour the brave men and women who serve our country with courage, dedication, and sacrifice. This week has been Armed Forces Week, a time for recognition and support that I see growing in the coming years as an event everyone can rally behind. From attending events to joining us online, there’s been a tremendous outpouring of gratitude and respect for our Armed Forces community: currently serving troops, service families, veterans, and cadets.
I want to take this opportunity to shout loud and proud about my own military family history, which is deeply rooted in service and sacrifice. It’s a day to remember and celebrate the legacies of those who have served and continue to serve.
Remembering Our Heroes: Lest We Forget
Great Great Grandad James Brown: My family’s military legacy starts with my Great Great Grandad James Brown, who served in the Yorkshire Regiment. He was injured at the Somme and spent three years recovering in a French hospital. Tragically, he later passed away due to complications from his wartime injuries. I see his spirit in my father, and I always felt a deep connection to his photo, dreaming of becoming a soldier like him.
Grandad Gerald Morris: A Battery Sergeant Major in the Artillery, my Grandad was a formidable figure, known for his booming voice and commanding presence. He later became a landlord, the life and soul of the party, sharing military stories at the end of the bar with a cigarette in one hand and a pint in the other. His legacy of confidence and charisma remains a guiding force in my life.
Uncle Tom: Serving in the Light Infantry, Uncle Tom was a beloved figure in our family, deeply respected and sadly missed. He passed away young due to cancer, leaving behind a legacy of strength and love that my family holds dear, especially my Auntie Julie, who mourns him to this day.
Honouring the Living Legends
Dad (Big Barney): My father, Big Barney, is my hero and inspiration. He served in the Queens Royal Irish Hussars (QRIH) as a bandsman and later as a tank commander. He saw action in the Gulf War and Bosnia, facing the horrors of war with remarkable resilience. His dedication and hard work, transitioning from a musician to a gunnery instructor, have always been a source of immense pride for me. His stories shared over a cider or two, remind me of the sacrifices soldiers make and the burdens they carry.
Uncle Roger (Hammy): Not blood-related but practically family, Uncle Roger served alongside my dad in the QRIH. A beast on the rugby field and a machine in spirit, I had the honour of playing rugby with him before I retired. His strength and camaraderie have always been a pillar of support for me.
Uncle Richard (Little Barney): Following in my father’s footsteps, Uncle Richard joined the QRIH but left before the regiment amalgamated. He served in the Gulf War and survived a blue-on-blue attack with significant injuries. His resilience and humour, even about his injuries, are testaments to his strength and character. His stories of survival and bravery are legendary in our family.
Uncles Graham (Mole) and Gary: Both served as Royal Marine Commandos and fought in the Falklands War. My Uncle Gary suffers from PTSD but continues to put on a brave face, embodying the larger-than-life spirit of his father. He is always the center of attention at family gatherings. All of my uncles—Gary, Barney, and Mole—are more like mates than relatives. When we get together, it feels like a military reunion, filled with banter and camaraderie. I’m incredibly lucky to have this bond, something many veterans miss dearly.
Mother: My mother is the linchpin of our family, the rock who has supported us through thick and thin. A true inspiration, she has witnessed the service of her father, husband, and children with unwavering strength and love. Her emotional resilience and support have been crucial in our family’s journey.
Sister Jojo: My sister, Jojo, followed our Grandad’s footsteps into the artillery and served in the second Gulf War. Despite facing immense challenges, including a diagnosis of Lupus that led to her medical discharge, Jojo’s spirit remains unbroken. She married Gareth, a fellow artillery soldier, and together they exemplify dedication and strength. Jojo’s journey has been tough, but her resilience and determination continue to inspire me.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Today, I haven’t attended any parades or events. Instead, I’m with my children, embracing their love and writing this article to say thank you to my family for their sacrifice, guidance, and inspiration. Each and every one of them are legends, and I am incredibly proud to be part of this military family.
To anyone and everyone involved in Armed Forces Week and Day—from serving personnel and veterans to service families, cadets, and those remembering loved ones who have served—I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Keep their memories alive and use this opportunity to shout loud about your loved ones, past and present.
I encourage all of you to share your stories on our Discord and join our community. Let’s celebrate and honour the sacrifices and achievements of our military families together. Lest We Forget.
With pride and gratitude,
Chris Balmforth MC (Barney)
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