THE LIEUTENANCY OF KENT ARMS

Kent Links to the Armed Services

Members of a Trained Band, forerunners of the Territorial Army

Members of a Trained Band, forerunners of the Territorial Army

Lieutenancy Links with the Armed Services

Short History

Historically the Lord-Lieutenant was responsible for Local Defence and Law and Order in Kent. From the Trained Bands of Tudor England evolving into the Militia, which in turn became the Territorial Army in 1908. Direct responsibility for the Kent Territorial Units ended in 1921. Today the Lord-Lieutenant is a Deputy President of South East Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (SE RFCA), and President of the County Committee  the bodies, which administers the Reserve Forces and Cadets within Kent.

Lord De L’Isle taking the salute, accompanied to the right by the Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Brian Mortimer; the High Sheriff of Kent, Mrs Georgie Warner; and the Chairman of Kent County Council, Mrs Paulina Stockwell.Commitment to Support the Armed Services

The Lieutenancy strongly supports the Regular and Reserve Forces of the Crown and encourages all Local Authorities to honour the Community Covenant. Thanks to the initiative of Allan Willett CMG CVO, links between Kent and the Local Authorities has been very much strengthened; witness the Freedom and Welcome Home Parades held across Kent.

The Lord Lieutenant with award winners.

The Lord-Lieutenants Annual Awards to Reserve Forces and Cadets

The Lord-Lieutenant holds an Awards Ceremony each autumn at which Certificates of Meritorious Service and other Awards to Local Reserve and Cadet Units are presented.

In 2012 this  included the St John Cadet awards and a new award The Spitfire Award, sponsored by Shepherd Neame, honouring the top two Kent Reservists.