Waterloo Dinner
The Army and Navy Club recently upheld its proud tradition of commemorating the Battle of Waterloo with an elegant dinner in the Pall Mall Room. This year’s event was graced by General The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL as Guest of Honour and Speaker, offering members an extraordinary opportunity to hear from one of Britain’s most distinguished military leaders.
The evening began with a convivial drinks reception in The Drawing Room, setting the tone for a three-course dinner in the grand surroundings of the Pall Mall Room. General Richards delivered a powerful and engaging address, reflecting on his remarkable career, which included leading operations in East Timor, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan. His strategic brilliance was exemplified in Sierra Leone, where his creative interpretation of orders in 2000 ensured the defeat of RUF rebels and averted bloodshed in Freetown. He also shared insights from his tenure as NATO commander in Afghanistan and as Chief of the Defence Staff, where he served as the UK’s senior military advisor and a key figure in national security strategy.
Members were inspired by his reflections on leadership, courage, and the pivotal moments of his career, including receiving the operational knighthood, a Mention in Despatches, and the Churchillian Award for leadership. His address left attendees with a deep appreciation for the enduring values of service and strategy. It was a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Battle of Waterloo and an unforgettable evening for all who attended.
