Military Affiliations

Like many Livery Companies, the Saddlers’ Company has formed affiliations with units of all three armed forces. Some of these affiliations are the result of historical connections, beginning with the London Trained Bands of the 17th Century to which the Livery Companies contributed men and money.

ARMY

The Saddlers’ Company today is affiliated with the two mounted units of the Regular Army based in London: The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery at Woolwich Barracks, and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Hyde Park Barracks. Close liaison is maintained with the Master Saddler of each unit and their workshops, as well as with the officers and other ranks of both units. In addition, the Company is affiliated to the Household Cavalry Regiment, an operational reconnaissance regiment, which is based in Windsor.

Another affiliation, which can be traced back through the Company’s historical military connections, is with 106 (Yeomanry) Field Regiment Royal Artillery. This Regiment incorporates 265 Battery, in turn reflecting yet another historical connection.

ROYAL AIR FORCE

The Company is affiliated with No. 41 Test & Evaluation Squadron RAF, which is charged with delivering Test and Evaluation of the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 as part of the RAF’s Air & Space Warfare Centre and in support of the front line. It is based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

ROYAL NAVY

The Company’s naval affiliation is with HMS Duncan (pictured above), the sixth and last of the powerful new Type 45 Destroyers.  She was launched in October 2010 and was formally commissioned in September 2013.

CADETS

The Company supports three London-based cadet forces: Middlesex and North West London ACF, London Area Sea Cadet Corps and London Wing Air Training Corps.  In addition it maintains a happy connection with the Royal Hospital Chelsea.