Prince Harry attended a service marking 75 years since the formation of the Army’s Royal Engineer bomb disposal unit today.
Prince Harry leaving a service at St.Paul’s Cathedral in London to mark the 75th anniversary of Bomb Disposal . Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
The service, held at St Paul’s Cathedral, honoured the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) which played a large role during World War II, as well as during the conflicts of Northern Ireland and Afghanistan. Veterans and serving members of the team were also given the chance to share their experiences of the dangerous job,
It honoured Navy, Army and RAF men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in bomb disposal roles and training teams across the world; it also formed part of a series of ‘BD75’ events, marking the continued contribution of bomb disposal in previous and current operations.
Prince Harry was joined by Minister for Reserves Julian Brazier and Minister for Personnel and Veterans Mark Lancaster, who is a bomb disposal officer in his reservist role.
Officially formed in October 1940, the original Royal Engineers bomb disposal unit dealt with tens of thousands of unexploded bombs in the UK and overseas.
Since then, bomb disposal has expanded from the Royal Engineers to function across the British Armed Forces,.
Jools Holland is an Honorary Colonel to 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), and gave a speech during the service.
Following the service, Prince Harry met a selection of families in St Paul’s Cathedral of soldiers killed in action from the EOD community, as well as members who have suffered life-changing injuries in service. (MOD)
He said: “We stand here today on sacred ground to give thanks for the men and women of the three Armed Services who have worked for that noble cause of protecting human life.
“The story of the men and women who have worked in Explosive Ordnance Disposal is the story of teamwork and bravery, and often of great personal cost and the ultimate sacrifice.”
Wearing his Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals alongside his service medal for his tour of Afghanistan, the Prince chatted with veterans, many of whom were injured during their service, inside the Cathedral, as well as families of soldiers killed in action working in bomb disposal.
The Lord Mayor of London Aldderman Alan Yarrow and his wife Jilly with Prince Harry at St Paul’s. (MOD)
Harry was still sporting his beard, which shows no signs of being removed any time soon, though it is thought The Queen has always disliked them.
Sappers Clive Smith, 30, from Walsall in the West Midlands, and Jack Cummings, 27, from Didcot in Oxfordshire, both lost their legs on a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Mr Smith chatted with Harry about the Invictus Games, which will be held next year in Orlando, having taken part last year in the handcycling events.
“He is always very approachable and interested in what you have to say,” Mr Smith said.
Discussing the service, he said: “It was quite emotional. It brings back memories of events you would rather forget but it was a very good service.”
