UK British Celebrities who served in the Armed Forces

It's not just Joe or Jane Bloggs that serves in the UK Military - take a look at the celebs who have done their bit for their country.

Royal Family Members

Members of the Royal Family have traditionally served in the Armed Forces, especially those in line, as it would help them make decisions should the country go to war.

The Queen became the first royal female to be a full-time active member of the Armed Services in 1945 when she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service when she was still Princess Elizabeth.

Prince Andrew is the last Royal Family member to see active service when he was involved in the Falklands campaign in 1982, flying SeaKing helicopters on anti-submarine and transport duties.

The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles both served in the Royal Navy, with Price Charles also training to be a pilot in the RAF. Prince William is currently training as an RAF pilot and both Prince William and Prince Harry graduated as Army Officers from Sandhurst. However, the role of the Royals in the active service is still undecided after Prince Harry was prevented from going to Iraq by Military Commanders due to the risk to himself and those around him.

Dame Kelly Holmes

Kelly Holmes, famous for winning gold medals in the 800m and 1500m in the 2004 Olympic Games served and trained in the Army for nine years. She joined as a lorry driver in the Women’s Royal Army Corps, but that corps disbanded so she transferred to the Adjutant General’s Corps as a physical trainer where she reached the rank of sergeant. She was the female Army judo champion and used to compete in the men’s races for the Army athletics as there was no competition from the other women.

James Blunt

James Blunt was a Captain in the Life Guards after graduating from his army-sponsored place at Bristol University. He was part of the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo in 1999 and as an Armoured Reconnaissance Officer was tasked with working ahead of the front line and it is claimed he was the first British Officer to enter the capital of Kosovo. He wrote the song ‘No Bravery’ while serving in Kosovo and in one interview he pointed out that he had been shot at more times than 50 Cent!

Sir Sean Connery

It may not be such a surprise that most people’s favourite James Bond served in the Royal Navy after enlisting at the age of 16. However, Sir Sean left the Navy after three years after chronic stomach ulcer problems. Perhaps it was this experience that helped him portray Bond’s character who was a Commander in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (in the books) or a Commander in the Royal Navy (films).

Lord Ashdown

As a politician Paddy Ashdown gained much respect from all quarters with his tough, organised approach. He served in the Royal Marines between 1959 and 1972 and saw active service as a Commando Officer in Borneo and the Persian Gulf. He also joined the SBS and commanded a Special Boat Section in the Far East. He joined the Foreign Office after leaving the Marines and subsequently moved into politics becoming the leader of the Leader of the Liberal Democrats in 1988. He stood down as leader in 1999 and went on to become the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina where his work in helping to end the conflict received praise from all sides.

Andy McNab

Andy McNab is a pseudonym for the ex-SAS soldier turned novelist and security advisor. Coming to fame through his book detailing the events of the failed SAS mission Bravo Two Zero during the Gulf War he has since gone on to write a number of novels and appear on TV shows while still keeping his identity secret.

Bear Grylls

Bear Grylls is best known for his TV programmes showing him being dropped into an inhospitable area and then using all his survival skills to survive. He is also a mountaineer, promotional speaker and author, but he also served for three years in 21 SAS, the reserve regiment of the SAS.

Spike Milligan

Spike Milligan was one of the most important influences on British comedy of the last century and while he was famous for the Goon Show, he wrote a number of hilarious books covering his war memoirs from his time serving with a heavy regiment of the Royal Artillery in Tunisia and Italy. It was at this time that he meet up with fellow Goons Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe. He also managed to have the last laugh by having ‘I told you I was ill’ written in Gaelic on his tombstone.

Peter Sellers

Another legend of British comedy Peter Sellers served in the RAF during World War II serving in India and Burma, and also in Germany and France after the war. Acclaimed for his ability to portray and mimic different characters he was claimed to have practised this by donning a fake moustache and bluffing his way into the Officers Club.

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