The Royal Military Academy is one of several military academies in the UK and is the British Army’s initial officer training centre. The Academy’s stated aim is to be the National Centre of Excellence for leadership. All British Army officers, including late-entry officers who were previously warrant officers and men and women from overseas, are trained at the Academy. It is the equivalent of Britannia Naval College Dartmouth, Royal Air Force College Cranwell and the Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines, Lympstone in Devon.
The present Academy was founded in 1947 with the merger of two institutions, Royal Military Academy, Woolwich and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. From its earliest beginnings in 1720 at Woolwich it slowly evolved into the one site. The buildings that the trainee officers moved into in 1812 were designed by James Wyatt.
On arrival we will have a coffee break. We will then go on a guided tour of the Prestige Rooms of the Old College where there is a huge display of historic military archives, uniforms, paintings, photographs and other artefacts. This extensive tour also includes visits to The Royal Memorial and Roman Catholic Chapels. After lunch, which is included in the cost, we will have a tour of the grounds. Life in the Military Academy will continue as usual during our visit and we will be treated to a fascinating insight into an establishment which most of us have probably never visited.
PLEASE NOTE: Security is obviously very strict at Sandhurst and we shall need your full name and address when you pay your cheque, for onward submission with our booking form. Also your personal photo ID (driving licence, bus pass or passport) MUST be carried on the day. Dress code is ‘smart casual’.
We leave for home at around 4.00pm
Leaders: Sue Willis (07973 507338) and Sheila Knight (07811 085917)
Please use these numbers only in an emergency on the day of the trip.
Cost: £43.50