Visit Ely, The City of Ely Council and the RBL Ely Branch are thrilled to announce the date for our upcoming Ely's Armed Forces Day 2025!
Taking place June 21st, 2025, this annual event will once again celebrate not only the historical contributions of the Armed Forces but also those currently serving and looking towards the future.
In the year where the 80th Anniversary of both VE and VJ Day, this event has an added significance. With plans that include a Vintage Style refreshment area, military vehicles, a parade, live music from both the Blue Sky Band and Cambridge Brass Band, a closing ceremony and more
The biggest highlight of the day is there's a chance to not only listen to a talk from Tony Rushmer, bestselling author of SAS Duty before Glory but also a Q&A with the son of, and nephew of SAS Originals Bob and Reg Seekings; Major (ret'd) Kerry Seekings.
There will also be a chance to view personal artefacts including Reg's SAS beret and tie.
A TALK ON SAS GREAT, REG SEEKINGS
Tony Rushmer will deliver a talk on SAS ‘Original’ Reg Seekings, one of the most highly decorated Special Forces soldiers of the Second World War. A farm labourer’s son from the East of England, he began the global conflict at the bottom of the ladder and climbed the ranks to become a squadron sergeant major in the Special Air Service.
Reg made his name in the unit after becoming one of its very first recruits in the summer of 1941 in North Africa. He soon became involved in a series of daring behind-the-lines operations, including L Detachment’s very first successful assault (at Tamet airfield). His fierce ambition, inner strength and courage continued to serve him well as he fought in Sicily and Italy alongside his brother Bob, who also became a qualified SAS operative.
As well as his renowned gallantry and single-minded commitment to missions, Reg displayed many other qualities during his time with the SAS. He also relied on Lady Luk, surviving a bullet to the base of his skull during Operation Houndsworth in France in 1944.
The following year Seekings was in Belsen as part of an SAS jeep patrol on the day that the infamous concentration camp was liberated. The experience came at the end of a war in which he saw more action than most and became an SAS great – a reputation that endures to this day.
About the Author
Tony Rushmer has been a journalist for almost 30 years, covering a wide range of top-class sport for print and broadcast media. His first book was the critically-acclaimed The Triumph of Henry Cecil, which was one of three finalists for the 2019 Dr Tony Ryan Award. He runs his own PR and communications business and lives in Ely, a couple of miles from where Reg Seekings was born.
Tony's books will be available to purchase on the day.
Blue Sky Big Band will start the day with some Glen Miller classics.
"Blue Sky Big Band specialises in performing traditional Big Band swing music, popular jazz and even some rock & roll. We consist of over twenty passionate, amateur musicians featuring four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section.
Armed Forces Day begins with a parade from Ely’s War Memorial, through the High Street towards Palace Green, where the event will be opened officially by the Mayor of Ely.
The City of Cambridge Brass will take us through to the sunset ceremony (pic above).
Anna Bennett, Event organiser said “The event is totally free to attend and will be a fun family experience. It’s also a chance to pay homage to the past present and future of our Armed Forces, something we should be very proud of”
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