HMS Gloucester shipmates reunite to commemorate 35th Gulf War anniversary

10 March 2026

The two-day reunion event, sponsored by the Nottinghamshire branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, saw more than 30 former shipmates come together to mark the significant anniversary.  
 
With many attendees having not seen each other for 35 years, it was a weekend of festivities and making fond memories for the 30-strong HMS Gloucester former crew.  
 
Joined by their families, members of the Royal Navy’s Type 42 Association and representatives of the SSAFA Nottinghamshire branch, the guests came together to commemorate their collective service during the Gulf War.  
 
After an informal reunion, hosted by Royal Navy Reserve unit HMS Sherwood on the Friday night, the shipmates donned their finest attire for a black-tie dinner on the Saturday evening – 35 years to the day the conflict came to an end.  
 
HMS Gloucester played a major role during the conflict, including the historic engagement in which she became the first warship in history to shoot down an enemy Silkworm missile in combat.  
 
Former shipmate, Daniel Machin said “Without the assistance from SSAFA, many of our veterans would not have been able to attend. Many are ageing, some have disabilities and others are on fixed incomes, all of which provided barriers to attending. SSAFA Nottinghamshire helped to reduce those costs and allowed as many to attend as possible.  
 
“It was the first time many of us had seen one another for 35 years – the evening a great success and it was amazing to have so many of us back together again. We even had the opportunity to read the names of the 28 shipmates that have ‘crossed the bar’ since, including our Captain, Rear Admiral Philip Wilcox RN, CB, DSC, DL.” 
  
James Charlesworth, Branch Secretary for SSAFA Nottinghamshire added “Our branch is honoured to have been able to play a small role in bringing together the HMS Gloucester shipmates to remember and reminisce over this milestone reunion weekend.  
 
“It also gave us an opportunity to thank all of those who attended for their service and demonstrate how SSAFA ensures no-one in the Armed Forces community needs to battle alone. There are so many ways we can offer support to our veterans – and this event is just one example of that.”