Your service is an inspiration, not just to those in uniform, says head of the British Army
In his Christmas message, General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff and head of the British Army, praised the men and women of the Armed Forces for inspiring not only those in uniform but people across the globe.
He recalled laying a wreath alongside King Charles, Prince William, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Remembrance Sunday as a moment to reflect on the responsibility to protect the nation in all times of crisis.
Looking to next year, he acknowledged that there is "more to do", but emphasised that this year's achievements will build a stronger foundation for doing more faster, more efficiently and with better results.
Sir Roly Walker's Christmas message in full:
"The first thing when the time comes is to say happy Christmas. You've really deserved a break, if you're lucky enough to get one, and particularly so if you're able to spend that with those that you love most and that love you.
"I hope for you, it'll also be a moment to just pause and reflect on what an extraordinary contribution each and every one of you has made over the course of the last year.
"I get the privilege of hearing from so many people that I come into contact with about how highly they hold in their regard the British Army and its soldiers from across the world, across society and in all strata of the UK community.
"And you've done that, and you deserve that recognition.
"Your service is an inspiration, not just to those in uniform. If you're a leader or you're an influencer, or if you're somebody who has done something extraordinary against the odds to inspire your fellow soldiers.
"But you're also an inspiration to the nation, and it is to us and our sister services that the nation turns to in times of crisis and in times of conflict, and we are entrusted with an extraordinary responsibility to protect and defend this nation in all times of crisis, whatever the threat may be.
"And that was very much the theme in my mind as I stood in front of the Cenotaph this year at the service of remembrance.
"To 2026, it's more of the same – we go again. There's more to do, but we can take great confidence that what we've achieved in the last year will build a stronger foundation for doing more, faster, in a cheaper way, with better outcomes, next year.
"So to all of you, please have a wonderful break if you're getting it, [and] to those that are on duty, your time will come.
"And thank you for stagging on while the rest of us take a short break. But thank you – and happy Christmas."
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