National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Event

13/08/2026

Who saw the eclipse yesterday?

07/08/2026

Never forget

Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard
Aged 20
Royal Air Force
KIA 7th August 2007

Leading Aircraftman Beard, aged 20, was taking part in a routine foot patrol in the Al Waki district north of the British Base at Basra Air Station. The aim of the patrol was to deter indirect fire attacks on the base and reassure the local population.

Leading Aircraftman Beard sustained a gunshot wound when the patrol came under attack as it moved through Al Waki Market. He was evacuated by helicopter to the field hospital but sadly did not survive.

Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard was from Rainworth, near Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. He leaves behind his loving family and fiancee.

In a statement, the Officer Commanding No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, Squadron Leader Jason Sutton, said:

Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard had just turned 20 and had been with the Squadron since September, when he graduated from basic training with flying colours; an extremely proud day for his whole family but particularly for his sisters Victoria and Rachael to whom he was especially close. Better known to the Squadron as ‘Beardy’, he was outwardly a quiet man but this concealed a wicked sense of humour which would emerge at the most unexpected moments, usually when morale on his Flight needed a lift.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM !

01/08/2026

Very sad news

We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Nirmal "Nims" Purja MBE.

A former Gurkha and Special Boat Service veteran, Nims inspired millions around the world through his extraordinary achievements, courage and determination. His legacy extends far beyond mountaineering, reflecting a lifetime of service, resilience and unwavering commitment.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former comrades at this incredibly difficult time.

Fair winds and following seas.

22/07/2026

Never forget

"Dear Dad… see you in September."

Those were the last words Senior Aircraftman Peter McFerran ever wrote to his father.

Peter had mailed the birthday card before returning to duty in Iraq, never knowing it would arrive two days after he had been killed.

His father, Robert, thought it was just another birthday card from a friend.

Then he recognized his son's handwriting.

Inside was the RAF Regiment motto, "Per Ardua" — Through Adversity.

And beneath it, one heartbreaking sentence:

"Dear Dad, see you in September. Love, Peter."

But September never came.

Born in Flintshire, Wales, Peter McFerran had always dreamed of serving in the Royal Air Force. Strong, disciplined, and passionate about fitness, he trained relentlessly before joining the RAF at the age of 21, eventually becoming a heavy machine gun operator with 1 Squadron RAF Regiment.

Friends knew him as a dedicated serviceman.

His family knew him simply as a loving son.

Before deploying to Iraq for his second tour, Peter had already made plans for when he came home.

He had managed to buy tickets for himself and his father to watch Wales play Japan in the Rugby World Cup.

Watching rugby together had always been their tradition.

His father still remembers Peter calling from Iraq, excited about the match they would attend.

They never got that chance.

On 28 June 2007, while taking a short break from duty at a British base in Basra, Peter and two fellow RAF Regiment airmen were killed when insurgents launched a devastating mortar attack.

He was only 24 years old.

His father later said opening that birthday card was one of the hardest moments of his life.

Not because of what it said...

But because it carried the hope of a son who truly believed he was coming home.

Some letters arrive too late.

Some promises are never broken—they're simply stolen by war.

Rest easy, Senior Aircraftman Peter McFerran. Your duty ended in Iraq, but your memory lives on in every heart that still speaks your name. 🇬🇧

22/07/2026

Did you know? Veteran owned business Mackem Daft produces military beach towels? Are you ready for your hols? See the full range at https://mackemdaft.com/collections/military-towels

21/07/2026

What’s your thoughts on Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary?

17/07/2026

Congratulations Tracy 👏👏👏

17/07/2026

Read the NAFESE Community Directory via the link below 👇

https://www.nafese2023.com/general-clean

17/07/2026

Did you know? We produce an array of specialist publications for the forces community? Check the range out at https://issuu.com/eyesfrontmagazine