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TA and RAF mark key anniversaries TA and RAF mark key anniversaries
(40 minutes later)
Britain's Territorial Army (TA) is marking 100 years of service, while the RAF celebrates its 90th anniversary.Britain's Territorial Army (TA) is marking 100 years of service, while the RAF celebrates its 90th anniversary.
For the TA, a press conference will be held at the Tower of London as celebratory cannons are fired in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast.For the TA, a press conference will be held at the Tower of London as celebratory cannons are fired in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast.
The RAF events will include a fly-past of Red Arrows and Typhoons in London, and a banquet at the RAF Museum.The RAF events will include a fly-past of Red Arrows and Typhoons in London, and a banquet at the RAF Museum.
Meanwhile the government is launching a strategic review of the modern role of the reserve forces.Meanwhile the government is launching a strategic review of the modern role of the reserve forces.
'Personal sacrifices''Personal sacrifices'
It is a century since the first units of the Territorial Force - which became the TA - were "stood up" as a home defence force.It is a century since the first units of the Territorial Force - which became the TA - were "stood up" as a home defence force.
Defence Secretary Des Browne and the British Army Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, will attend the Tower of London event.Defence Secretary Des Browne and the British Army Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, will attend the Tower of London event.
The simultaneous Feu de Joie (cannon firing) will signal the start of several months of events.The simultaneous Feu de Joie (cannon firing) will signal the start of several months of events.
Nearly 15,000 reservists have served alongside the regular army in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003, with eight killed in action and others injured.Nearly 15,000 reservists have served alongside the regular army in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003, with eight killed in action and others injured.
TA soldier Pte Luke Cole was awarded the Military CrossTA soldier Pte Luke Cole was awarded the Military Cross
This year, 1,500 TA soldiers will be sent on operations, accounting for 8% of the total number of Army troops deployed.This year, 1,500 TA soldiers will be sent on operations, accounting for 8% of the total number of Army troops deployed.
Last month Private Luke Cole, 22, a TA soldier from Wolverhampton, was awarded the Military Cross for his heroism in Afghanistan.Last month Private Luke Cole, 22, a TA soldier from Wolverhampton, was awarded the Military Cross for his heroism in Afghanistan.
Attached to the Mercian Regiment, he gave first aid to wounded colleagues while continuing to return fire against the Taliban, having been shot twice himself.Attached to the Mercian Regiment, he gave first aid to wounded colleagues while continuing to return fire against the Taliban, having been shot twice himself.
Sir Richard said: "The Territorial Army has been a fundamental part of the British Army since its formation as the Territorial Force in 1908.Sir Richard said: "The Territorial Army has been a fundamental part of the British Army since its formation as the Territorial Force in 1908.
"During the past six years in particular, members of the Territorial Army have made considerable personal sacrifices and have provided indispensable support to current operations."During the past six years in particular, members of the Territorial Army have made considerable personal sacrifices and have provided indispensable support to current operations.
"This participation has been at a level seldom seen throughout its distinguished past.""This participation has been at a level seldom seen throughout its distinguished past."
Last month the prime minister announced there would be a review of the country's reserve forces, as part of its wider National Security Strategy.
Gordon Brown said the government would examine how they could play a greater role in the stabilisation and reconstruction of post-conflict zones.
Other events to mark the anniversary include parades across the country and a garden party at Buckingham Palace in July.Other events to mark the anniversary include parades across the country and a garden party at Buckingham Palace in July.
Sunset ceremonySunset ceremony
Members of the Red Arrows will fly in formation with four Typhoon aircraft along the River Thames to mark the RAF's birthday.Members of the Red Arrows will fly in formation with four Typhoon aircraft along the River Thames to mark the RAF's birthday.
The fly-past will start south of London City Airport, passing the O2, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge and Tate Modern art gallery, and finishing at the London Eye.The fly-past will start south of London City Airport, passing the O2, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge and Tate Modern art gallery, and finishing at the London Eye.
Later, the RAF Museum will host a banquet in London for the Duke of Edinburgh and Air Force chiefs. A fly-past of nine Eurofighters and a Spitfire is planned, as well as a marching display by the Queen's Colour Squadron and the Central Band of the RAF.Later, the RAF Museum will host a banquet in London for the Duke of Edinburgh and Air Force chiefs. A fly-past of nine Eurofighters and a Spitfire is planned, as well as a marching display by the Queen's Colour Squadron and the Central Band of the RAF.
An RAF spokeswoman said that "low-key" celebrations would be held in Afghanistan and Iraq, including a sunset ceremony, to mark the date.An RAF spokeswoman said that "low-key" celebrations would be held in Afghanistan and Iraq, including a sunset ceremony, to mark the date.
In addition, a number of books have been written to coincide with the anniversary including RAF Day By Day, Fighting Force and Britain's Aviation Heritage.In addition, a number of books have been written to coincide with the anniversary including RAF Day By Day, Fighting Force and Britain's Aviation Heritage.
The RAF was created when the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) merged.The RAF was created when the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) merged.
The start of the Royal Air Force's celebrations was marked on Monday when a Chinook helicopter delivered badges to 25 veterans.The start of the Royal Air Force's celebrations was marked on Monday when a Chinook helicopter delivered badges to 25 veterans.
Between them the servicemen had flown in all major conflicts since WWII.Between them the servicemen had flown in all major conflicts since WWII.