Navy

Royal Navy aviators release new Christmas single 15 years after their first festive track

Two serving Royal Navy aviators have released a new Christmas single, 15 years after their first festive track was recorded while deployed on operations.

Fleet Air Arm Observers Lieutenant Commanders Phil Clark and Dave Emery, who perform as part of the band Little Red Ambulance, have released Christmas Eve in support of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

The song, their third collaboration with the Culdrose Military Wives Choir, explores the emotional toll of operational deployments during the festive period.

Little Red Ambulance said: "We're buzzing to be teaming up with RNRMC again. The Royal Navy community has been such a massive source of inspiration for our music over the years, and this new track feels extra special.

"Christmas Eve is all about that moment of coming home – something so many service families understand as well as anyone. We just hope people love it as much as we loved making it."

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All proceeds from the single will go to RNRMC, which provides lifelong support to Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel, including crisis grants, mental health support and family welfare services.

The band's story began in 2009 when Clark and Emery met shortly before deploying together to Helmand Province in Afghanistan on Operation Herrick.

Outside their flying duties at Camp Bastion, they used music to unwind and entertain colleagues, later recording their first collaborative song in the base's BFBS radio studio.

Vice Admiral Paul Beattie, the Second Sea Lord, said: "Little Red Ambulance and the Culdrose Military Wives Choir have captured something truly special.

"Christmas Eve is a wonderful example of the spirit, talent and sense of duty which runs through our Royal Navy family."