His Majesty The King visited the units of the 7th Air Defence Group (7AD Gp) Royal Artillery (RA) at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island, yesterday Thursday 26 February.
The King was greeted with a 21-gun salute fired by three L118 light guns, marking his first official engagement to the site since assuming the title of Captain General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery on 11 August 2023.
Made up of three Regiments, 7AD Gp is part of the 3rd (United Kingdom) Division, providing protection for ground forces against aircraft, attack helicopters, drones and guided weapons.
Unit showing its capabilities - CREDIT: Crown Copyright 2026.
The King is the Ceremonial Head of the Royal Artillery and holds the title of Captain General, a role was first taken by King George VI in 1947 and subsequently by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from 1952.
King visiting barracks - CREDIT: Crown Copyright 2026.
During the visit, His Majesty watched an air defence demonstration showcasing the roles, operational capabilities, and contributions to defence by 7AD Gp, which is the Army's only formation responsible for all ground-based air defence assets. He was introduced to service personnel operating equipment including the Lightweight Multiple Launcher, a tripod with three missiles mounted on it and operated by dismounted soldiers.
His Majesty also opened the new Junior Ranks' Restaurant and met members of the barracks community, including serving personnel, families, civil servants, and school children before speaking with deployed soldiers via a live link.
King opening 'Junior Ranks' Restaurant - CREDIT: Crown Copyright 2026.
Colonel Stuart Hay, Commander of 7 AD Gp said: “To be able to host His Majesty The King, The Captain General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery on Thorney Island, home of 7th Air Defence Group, the most consistently operationally committed formation in the Field Army, is a wonderful celebration that not only allows us to reflect on the operational excellence of our service people, but also on the very unique and special community that we have here on Thorney Island.”
King meeting with members of the barracks community - CREDIT: Crown Copyright 2026.
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