On 8th July 2025 the Worshipful Company of Turners signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a landmark event at MOD Main Building, Whitehall. This was a step towards the Livery Company cementing its long relationship with the Armed Forces and in particular, REME. Back in February 1943, the Livery Court granted honorary freedom to Major General Eric Rowcroft, the first Director of the newly formed Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Since then, REME has remained the principal service affiliate, alongside close ties with the Royal Navy marine and air engineering schools, HMS Sultan, and the RAF No.4 School of Technical Training at MOD Lyneham.
The covenant was signed by The Livery Master, Col Andrew Ewens TD (late REME) and by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff and Master General REME, Lt Gen David Eastman MBE. It was also countersigned by the Commanding Officer HMS Sultan, Captain Mark Hamilton, the Deputy Corps Colonel REME, Col Lex Agathangelou (also a liveryman with the Turners) and the Commanding Officer No4 School of Technical Training, RAF Wing Commander Michelle Parker, demonstrating the tri service approach to supporting the Armed Forces.
What is an Armed Forces Covenant?
“The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.”
Signing this important covenant can expect the Turners Company to continue its long-standing relationship, championing Armed Forces in the Company as well as engineering leadership and Craft excellence. We have committed to holding an annual event to bring together our Company Armed Forces community to enable them to connect with each other, whilst celebrating their service. We will also continue to make several awards each year to recognise technical or craft excellence in all three services.
