21st August 2026
Dartmouth Marks Historic Day as Four Organisations Sign Armed Forces Covenant
Dartmouth, Devon: Wednesday 26th August 2026 marks a historic moment for Dartmouth, as the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority, Dartmouth Town Council and Dartmouth Community Chest all come together to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. Each pledge is also co-signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by Captain Simon Cox OBE ADC, Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC). The Covenant is a national pledge ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
The signing will take place at The Bandstand in the Royal Avenue Gardens, Dartmouth, at 19:00 on Wednesday 26th August 2026, with representatives from all four local organisations present, alongside Captain Cox representing the Ministry of Defence and BRNC, will say a few words about the Armed Forces Covenant ahead of the signings, which will take place at a dedicated signing table.
By signing, each organisation formally commits to the Covenant’s two core principles: that no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to other citizens, and that special consideration is appropriate in some circumstances, especially for the injured or bereaved. Each organisation has tailored its own pledge to reflect what it can practically deliver, from harbour access and employment support, to community outreach and civic recognition (see “Key commitments” in Notes to Editors, below). Signing is voluntary and free, and the commitment does not expire once made.
Signing on behalf of the four organisations were:
- Lieutenant Colonel Edward Botterill – Chair, Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta
- Cllr Graham Webb – Mayor of Dartmouth, Dartmouth Town Council
- Paul Britton – Harbourmaster & CEO, Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority
- Dawn Shepherd – Trustee, Dartmouth Community Chest Charity (Charity No. 1181605)
Each pledge was co-signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by Captain Simon Cox OBE ADC, Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College.
“As both a Veteran and Reservist, signing the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta Committee is formal recognition of the decades that the serving Armed Forces, Veterans and their families, the Royal Navy in particular, and the Regatta have been inextricably linked. Living in such a busy Military town, with such entwined living history that we practice the sentiment that the AFC enshrines on a daily basis”
Lieutenant Colonel Edward Botterill, Chair of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta.
“We are proud to stand alongside our local partners and businesses. The Regatta brings Dartmouth together; these Armed Forces Covenants are a powerful demonstration of commitments that endure long beyond this week”
Captain Simon Cox, Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College
As a son and brother to those that served in the armed forces, signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a proud and meaningful commitment from me, to those who serve, those who have served, and their families. It reflects our determination to ensure that the Armed Forces community is treated with fairness and respect, faces no disadvantage because of its service, and receives appropriate consideration in recognition of the sacrifices its members have made. It is particularly fitting that we should make this pledge together at the opening of the Regatta, an occasion with such strong links to our maritime and Armed Forces heritage.
Cllr Graham Webb – Mayor of Dartmouth, Dartmouth Town Council
“Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority is proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and reaffirm our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families.
As an organisation with strong maritime connections and a long-standing relationship with the Royal Navy and Britannia Royal Naval College, we recognise the valuable contribution the Armed Forces make to our community and to the nation, and acknowledge the sacrifices made. We are honoured to formally support the principles of fairness and respect that the Covenant represents.
To sign during the Opening Ceremony of the 181st Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta is a fitting tribute to all the Armed Forces personnel, both locally and globally.”
Paul Britton, Harbourmaster & CEO, Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority
“Our veterans are integral to our community, and we are always humbled, find it an honour and privilege to see veterans continue to provide a safe and fair community. The military covenant is the perfect way to represent this relationship; it ensures not only is every veteran respected, but their families, often forgotten, are too. Community Chest is proud to be part of the Dartmouth organisations who have committed to honouring this pledge today.”
Dawn Shepherd – Trustee, Dartmouth Community Chest Charity
The signing reflects Dartmouth’s long-standing ties to the Armed Forces, home to Britannia Royal Naval College, a deep-water harbour with naval history stretching from the Crusades to the D-Day landings, and a regular host to Royal Navy, Army and RAF units through the Regatta’s Military Village and formalises the town’s commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families.
Signing will be part of the 181st Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, 2026.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
About the Armed Forces Covenant: A promise by the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, are treated fairly. The Covenant is open to businesses of all sizes, charities, local authorities and public sector organisations; there is no fee to sign, and pledges are tailored to each organisation’s own capacity to support the Armed Forces community. More at armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.
Key commitments made by each organisation:
Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta
- Recognise and celebrate the contribution of serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families through Regatta activities and communications.
- Maintain and strengthen its long-standing partnership with Britannia Royal Naval College and other Defence stakeholders.
- Encourage participation, volunteering and inclusion for the Armed Forces community at Regatta events.
Dartmouth Town Council
- Maintain active liaison with Britannia Royal Naval College and support local Reservist, Veteran and Cadet organisations.
- Promote employment opportunities for veterans and encourage Armed Forces-friendly employer practices locally.
- Support Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day and Remembrance activities, and maintain the town’s war memorials.
Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority
- Provide safe berths for military and allied vessels, and support Britannia Royal Naval College cadets’ leisure time on the river.
- Ensure Armed Forces members, veterans and families are never disadvantaged when using harbour facilities or applying for jobs, including offering an interview to Forces applicants where practical.
- Offer swimming and sailing opportunities for young people, helping build a future pipeline into the Armed Forces.
Dartmouth Community Chest
- Run a twice-weekly men’s group and host the DWP Armed Forces Champion in its café every month.
- Work with the incoming Veteran Support Hub on work, activity and wellbeing support for veterans.
- Fundraise for practical veteran wellbeing initiatives, including support dogs for veterans.
About the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta: One of the UK’s oldest and largest maritime festivals, held on the River Dart each August. The Regatta has a long-standing relationship with Britannia Royal Naval College and features a Military Village showcasing the Royal Navy, Army and RAF to visitors of all ages.
About Dartmouth Town Council: The civic authority for the town of Dartmouth, working closely with Britannia Royal Naval College and the wider Armed Forces community, including local veterans, reservists and cadet organisations.
About Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority: The trust port responsible for the stewardship of Dartmouth Harbour a deep-water haven with a naval history spanning from the Crusades to the D-Day landings, and home to Britannia Royal Naval College’s officer training on the water.
About Dartmouth Community Chest: A local charity (Charity No. 1181605) providing practical help, social connection and community-based support, including a twice-weekly men’s group, a monthly DWP Armed Forces Champion drop-in, and a developing partnership with the Veteran Support Hub.
Photo opportunity: Press are welcome to attend for photos during the signings. High-resolution images will also be available on request following the event.
Media contact:
Laura Campbell
Email: media@dartmouthregatta.co.uk Tel: 07880744900