Minehunter HMS Chiddingfold celebrated Armed Forces Day in Qatar this month with a ship’s tour and sporting endeavour.
Chiddingfold joined up with British Army and Royal Air Force personnel, alongside the Royal Navy Association of Qatar, to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Doha.
The ship’s company of Chiddingfold began a very busy but very memorable weekend by hosting a large contingent of school children from the Al-Wataniya International School.
The children instantly made an impression when they arrived at the ship wearing pirate hats which they had made at school.
They thoroughly enjoyed their tours, especially the opportunity to try out the fire-fighting equipment.
In the afternoon on-board Chiddingfold, Crew 5 hosted the ex-military personnel who had established the RNA Doha. The crew then received reciprocal hospitality at the RNA HQ.
The following day required an early start as it was essential to play the Armed Forces Day football tournament before the heat became too excessive.
Held at the Doha Rugby club, members of the Royal Navy, RAF and British Army joined the people of Qatar, and a large number of British ex-patriots in the competition.
Crew 5 eventually emerged victorious. They lunched with veterans and the British Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Ajay Sharma, who was keen to emphasise the fantastic work that the Armed Forces conduct across the region.
Lt Cdr Steven White, the Commanding Officer of Chiddingfold, said: “These events are a great way of showing how much people care and acknowledge the work which we do out here, and they are certainly appreciated by all members of the ship’s company.
“Last year we participated in an Armed Forces Day sail past at Plymouth Hoe and since then we have had an extremely busy and challenging year, however the support we get from our families, friends, affiliates, ex-service personnel and members of the public makes our job much easier.”
