A memorable weekend of camaraderie and reflection was made possible for veterans of the AnyFace Association thanks in part to a Remembrance & Comradeship grant from Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Greenwich Hospital. 

The reunion, organised by 849 Naval Air Squadron in collaboration with the AnyFace Association, welcomed veterans from across the country, many of whom travelled long distances and required hotel accommodation. With most attendees based outside the Portsmouth region, the RNRMC grant proved vital in easing the financial burden for many of the guests. 

The Anyface Association, established in 2020, provides a means of association for those serving and those who have served in squadrons dedicated to the Royal Navy's Airborne Early Warning capability since 1952. 

Veterans enjoyed a varied programme of events, including a visit to the Spinnaker Tower, an insightful tour of the D-Day Room at Southwick House, and a visit aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. The highlight of the event was a formal Mess Dinner, where old friendships were rekindled and new memories were made. 

Traditionally held every five years, the reunion was brought forward in response to veterans’ requests for more frequent opportunities to reconnect. For many older attendees, some of whom now live alone, events like this provide an invaluable sense of community and belonging. 

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. One veteran shared, “All three of us were sharing a table 48 years later!”  

Another remarked, “It certainly made for an interesting and stimulating couple of days and that's in addition to the primary purpose and pleasure of renewing acquaintance with old colleagues.”