Why are there so many Armed Forces personnel at Wimbledon?

For civilians, gaining entry to Wimbledon can mean long queues – either in the lashing rain or sweltering heat.

However, there are a few members of Britain's Armed Forces that get to walk straight in.

Hundreds of military personnel volunteer to work as stewards at Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, each year. 

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This year, there are just over 450 military personnel volunteering, an increase of about 50 compared to last year.

The now well-established tradition of military stewards manning gangways on Centre and No 1 Court began after the Second World War.

Left badly damaged by German bombing during the war, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club was offered the services of the Armed Forces in 1946 in order to get the venue back on its feet. 

Nowadays, Armed Forces personnel have to use part of their allocated leave to steward at Wimbledon.

Competition for places, however, is almost as fierce as that taking place on the courts themselves – with the opportunity to work at such famous courts difficult to ignore for many service personnel.

The Metropolitan Police and military personnel work together to create not just an effective team, but one that has long proved popular with the crowds watching the action on the grass courts of SW19. 

What are their duties?

• Helping the public get to their seats
• Ensuring the welfare and safety of the crowd and players 
• Keeping members of the audience well hydrated
• Ensuring mobile phones are switched off during play

The large military presence is unique for a British sporting event and the chance to be part of the tradition, witnessed by millions worldwide, is an honour that many strive to attain.