Military leaders send festive message of thanks to personnel and families for Christmas
The leader of the Armed Forces, along with the heads of each of the three services, has thanked personnel for their service over the Christmas period.
In a message recorded by BFBS Forces News, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, wished a Happy Christmas to all personnel and those who support them.
He pointed out how there are more than 10,000 people away this Christmas on over 60 operations across 44 countries, alongside a "bedrock of people at home".
"Some are, as ever, on duty. Others, I hope, taking a break," he said. "I'd just like to thank you for what you're providing for your country.
"You're helping to keep our country secure and helping to make our country strong abroad at a very difficult time.
"And we do that with the support of our families and friends.
"So thank you for your commitment. Thank you for your service and I really wish everybody a Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year."
Navy chief thanks personnel for phenomenal effort
The First Sea Lord sent his thanks to "all who serve in uniform, who support us and our wonderful families and friends and those we love" for what he said had been a "phenomenal effort".
"We have achieved a huge amount, often in very difficult and trying circumstances," Admiral Sir Ben Key said.
"For those of you who have got the opportunity to spend Christmas and the new year with family and friends, please do so with a great sense of pride.
"Take the opportunity to recharge your batteries and then to come back refreshed into the new year for whatever lies ahead."
The Navy chief also thanked all personnel who are on watch both domestically and overseas, telling them he knows and understands the sacrifice and stress it places on sailors and their families.
"I know myself what it is to spend Christmas away from those you love," he said.
"I know the pressure that it can put on the family through a period of absence when so many are together.
"It is hugely appreciated and I'm confident that come that moment of joyful reunion, whenever that is, you will be able to pick up and bring together all that sense of love that I know we feel for each other and our families, particularly at this time of Christmas."
Support of loved ones the heart of our strength as an Army
The head of the British Army has told service families they are "the heart of our strength as an Army" in his Christmas message.
Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker said all personnel should take pride in their service.
"Ours is a worthy cause. It is difficult at times. We ask a lot of you, but it is work worth doing, particularly in these difficult times," he said.
"What you do is needed now more than ever, and we couldn't possibly do it without the strong support you get from your families.
"So to your families, to your friends and those that love you, thank you.
"Your support is at the heart of our strength as an Army."
He also sent a special thanks to those on duty over the Christmas period.
"That you are standing guard and looking out for this country means many families can get together over the Christmas period and rest safe and easy in the knowledge that you're keeping them safe," he said.
We’re thinking of you, RAF chief tells personnel
The head of the Royal Air Force has told the UK's airmen and women: "Thank you. We're thinking of you."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, kept his message simple.
"My message to everybody who's deployed overseas over the festive season is really simply to say, thank you," he said.
"It's a duty and responsibility that we have to serve our country and serve the Royal Air Force and those who are doing it over Christmas carry that burden.
"And I just want to say to all of you, thank you.
"We're thinking of you."
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