EVERY year there is some sort of gathering for the families to say thank you for their selfless sacrifice supporting those who serve with the military, working ridiculous hours and spending much time away in the name of Queen and country.

These family days take lots of different guises, depending on the location and size of the military venue.

RAF Odiham is the home of the British Chinook, a station that has around 1,500 serving personnel working within its wire.

The RAF Odiham families day is a spectacular day out akin to a mini air show.

At Royal Marines Hamworthy, Poole, a smaller more boutique base, it was a grand day out with a helicopter, some massive guns and dog displays, the highlight being a boat ride at top speeds around Poole Harbour.

The HQ12 Brigade and 228 Signal Squadron fun day at Bulford fell on the same day as Armed Forces Day.

Now I may sometimes feel a little snipsy at being incarcerated by military life.

However, I do believe in supporting any events for families when the military make the effort.

It’s fantastic for the kids to connect with daddy’s job. For me it was a fitting way to spend Armed Forces Day.

The guys on the ground managed to magic together some interesting stalls cobbled together in a way that only the British can.

There was fake grenade throwing, an observation area thing, two Land Rovers, some loud tunes, a barbecue and beer tent, SSAFA cake stall and some circus folk juggling and bouncing.

The highlight was the ‘It’s a Knockout’ relay race between HQ12 Brigade and 228 Signal Squadron.

The Grenade (ten-year-old son) and the Menace (five-year-old daughter) delighted in throwing jelly at the passing racers.

The sun shone and a great family fun day was had by all.

Thank you so much to all those involved.

  • Writer and journalist Clare Macnaughton’s latest book is available on Amazon worldwide. A Modern Military Mother – Tales from the Domestic Frontline is an honest account of decade of being married to an RAF officer serving in the British military.

Follow Clare on Twitter: @amodmilitarymum. Blog: amodernmilitarymother.com.