Chief of Defence Staff joins poppy appeal in run-up to Remembrance Sunday

The head of the UK's Armed Forces has been showing his support for the Royal British Legion, meeting members of the public and selling poppies.

Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said the annual Poppy Appeal plays an important part in the way in which the UK looks after those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces.

On Sunday, 8 November, a two-minute silence will be observed for Remembrance Sunday to honour the service and sacrifice of British and Commonwealth military and civilian personnel in the two World Wars and in later conflicts.

• We celebrate your service: PM calls veterans a national asset ahead of Armistice Day
• Royal British Legion launches 2025 Poppy Appeal, aiming to rebuild lives in AF community
• Remembrance Sunday: How Britain honoured those who gave their lives for freedom

The following week marks the anniversary of the armistice, signed on 11 November 1918, which ended the First World War. It will be a moment of national reflection to remember all those who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Moment of reflection 

Speaking to BFBS Forces News, Sir Rich said: "It's great to come out and meet the public and talk to them about what remembrance means, and what the poppy symbolises for the country.

"The people we come across are so interested and proud to be associated with the appeal and associated with the Armed Forces."

Sir Rich said Remembrance Sunday is also an opportunity for people to remember those who might be "unseen" – from submariners operating beneath the waves, to personnel on alert at RAF Coningsby, and soldiers currently deployed in Estonia.

"This is a moment for us to reflect on what the servicemen and women of the Armed Forces do to keep us all safe, and for us to be proud of the work that they do on behalf of our citizens and the country," he said.

Additional reporting by Rosie Laydon