Wednesday, August 26 marks a historic moment for Dartmouth, as the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority, Dartmouth Town Council and Dartmouth Community Chest come together to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, a national pledge ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Each pledge will be co-signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by Captain Simon Cox OBE ADC, Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC).

Signing on behalf of the four organisations are: Lieutenant Colonel Edward Botterill, Chair of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta; Cllr Graham Webb, Mayor of Dartmouth, Dartmouth Town Council; Paul Britton, Harbourmaster & CEO of Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority; and Dawn Shepherd, Trustee of Dartmouth Community Chest Charity.

“As both a Veteran and Reservist, signing the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta Committee is formal recognition of the decades that the serving Armed Forces, Veterans and their families, the Royal Navy in particular, and the Regatta have been inextricably linked.

Living in such a busy military town, with such entwined living history that we practice the sentiment that the AFC enshrines on a daily basis”

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Botterill, Chair of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta said: “We are proud to stand alongside our local partners and businesses.

“The Regatta brings Dartmouth together; these Armed Forces Covenants are a powerful demonstration of commitments that endure long beyond this week”

Captain Simon Cox, Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College said: “As a son and brother to those that served in the armed forces, signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a proud and meaningful commitment from me, to those who serve, those who have served, and their families.

“It reflects our determination to ensure that the Armed Forces community is treated with fairness and respect, faces no disadvantage because of its service, and receives appropriate consideration in recognition of the sacrifices its members have made.”

Cllr Graham Webb – Mayor of Dartmouth, Dartmouth Town Council said: “Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority is proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and reaffirm our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families.

“As an organisation with strong maritime connections and a long-standing relationship with the Royal Navy and Britannia Royal Naval College, we recognise the valuable contribution the Armed Forces make to our community and to the nation, and acknowledge the sacrifices made.

“We are honoured to formally support the principles of fairness and respect that the Covenant represents”

Paul Britton, Harbourmaster & CEO, Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority said: “Our veterans are integral to our community, and we are always humbled, find it an honour and privilege to see veterans continue to provide a safe and fair community.

“The military covenant is the perfect way to represent this relationship; it ensures not only is every veteran respected, but their families, often forgotten, are too.”

Dawn Shepherd – Trustee, Dartmouth Community Chest Charity said: “The signing reflects Dartmouth's long-standing ties to the Armed Forces.

The town is home to Britannia Royal Naval College and regularly hosts Royal Navy, Army and RAF units through Dartmouth Regatta's Military Village.”