From trench battles to helicopter drills – amazing pics offer insight into the lives of British Army troops
Joe Duggan
THESE dramatic photos give a frontline view of life in the British Army with stunning images of soldiers in trenches, helicopters and tanks.
The Soldiers’ Charity ABF has selected its favourite snapgs in its annual photo competition over the last five years as it appeals for entries for this year’s contest.
Soldiers trudging through the snow wearing heavy backpacks in the Sennybridge Training area in WalesCredit: Bav Media
An Army Air Corps Apache Attack Helicopter prowling around Salisbury Plain Training Area at low levelCredit: Bav Media
A group of soldiers inside a Herrick 17 helicopter on their way to their patrol baseCredit: Bav Media
The chaiity's competition attracts hundreds of entries every year.
Previous snaps have offered a glimpse behind the scenes of army life, showing Britain’s soldiers at work and play.
They show both the professional and human side to the army men and women, including images of soldiers training and taking part in sports.
The top 12 entries will feature in The Soldiers’ Charity’s 2021 calendar, with first place securing the front cover.
Two British Army soldiers huddle in a sandbagged trenchCredit: Bav Media
A member of the Household Cavalry holds a Union Jack aloft as he rides a horse at the open day at Bodney Camp, NorfolkCredit: Bav Media
This photo, called 'Brew of Brothers' has been selected as one of the ABF's favourite images in its annual photo competition over the past five yearsCredit: Bav Media
A picture called "Play On" shows the Grenadier Guards marching in the rain in LondonCredit: Bav Media
The contest, which is in its sixth year, will have a celebrity panel of judges.
Previous judges include British explorer, adventurer and ambassador for The Soldiers’ Charity, Levison Wood, actor Tom Burke, who starred in in the BBC adaptation of JK Rowling’s The Cuckoo Calling and actor Luke Pasqualino, who starred in BBC drama Our Girl.
Brigadier Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said: “It has been a delight to see what the Army means to people in many different ways.
“So far, the charity has received lots of entries for this year’s photo competition and we very much look forward to seeing many more before choosing our winners.”
A soldier is seen deep in thought against a sunset background at an annual camp in Ripon, North YokshireCredit: Bav Media
A soldier with his son checking his medals in Ambrosden, Oxfordshire, which as houses British Army personnel stationed at St. George's BarracksCredit: Bav Media
Soldiers neatly lined up in their bearskin hats at Horse Guard's Parade at Trooping the Colour in July 2016Credit: Bav Media
A British Army tank during training at Lulworth, Dorset. The area is used by the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Gunnery School, a training establishment of the British ArmyCredit: Bav Media
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity was formed 76 years ago in 1944 to ensure soldiers returning from the Second World War and campaigns such as D-Day were looked after.
Entries can be taken by professional cameras or smartphones.
This year’s contest closes at midnight on April 30, 2020.
Submissions can be made at www.soldierscharity.org/photocompetition.
Alex McPhail, from Renfrew in Renfrewshire, took a picture of a TA soldier in camouflage, entitled Camouflage Queen. He said: "My cousin Carol Ballantyne is in the TA and she kindly agreed to dress in her camouflage and pose for me. The image was taken on the banks of the river Clyde near Erskine where I got my cousin to crouch in the bushes while I photographed her."Credit: Bav Media
The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, returning to collect their gunsCredit: Bav Media
Trevor Sheehan's photo shows a soldier being welcomed home. He said: "My image shows a soldier being welcomed home by his mum at his regiments Homecoming Parade in Newcastle after many months away on operations."Credit: Bav Media
This image of a sentry on duty has been chosen by the ABF in its selection of best photos over the past five yearsCredit: Bav Media
Two Christchurch ACF Cadets, practising their firefighting skills on a recent trip to their local fire station in Dorset. Both worked as a team to work a hose with the Spray WallCredit: Bav Media
Huge convoy of military vehicles leaves Scotland bound for Wiltshire as part of Exercise Wessex Warrior training
