Queen thanks TA on 100th anniversary

Apr 2 2008 Western Mail

THE Queen sent a personal message of thanks to the Territorial Army yesterday on the 100th anniversary of its founding.

The monarch praised the “remarkable record” of TA members in their service to the nation.

She said, “The 100th anniversary of the Territorial Army is reason for great celebration and pride. Throughout the century, volunteers have served this country with selfless duty and courage, through two world wars and many other operations, and they have been supported in this by their families, society and employers.

“I wish to express my gratitude to every member of the Territorial Army, serving and retired.”

Cannon fire in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast rang out simultaneously at 11.30am to mark the celebration.

The Feu de Joie (celebratory cannon-firing) at Cardiff’s Senedd building was watched by First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

Today the TA accounts for 8% of Army deployment and this year some 1,500 TA troops will be sent on operations. Eight TA soldiers have been killed in action since 2003 and many injured. Last month Private Luke Cole, a TA soldier from Wolverhampton, was awarded the Military Cross for his heroism in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown also praised the TA’s “telling contribution to national defence at home and abroad for which we are all immensely grateful”.