Veterans Outreach Support VOS is incredibly proud to announce our VOS President, General Lord David Richards of Herstmonceux, GCB CBE DSO DL has been honoured by His Majesty the King, who has graciously given the orders to appoint him to the honorary rank of Field Marshal in the British Army, with effect, from Saturday 14th June 2025!
VOS chair, John Scivier said:
“The whole VOS team is delighted at the news of our President’s promotion to honorary Field Marshal. As a local charity with both regional and national reach, we are fortunate to have such a respected, experienced and committed President, who has the Armed Forces and veteran community running through his blood.”
This appointment recognises his most distinguished service and continued support to the United Kingdom, realms and territories.
The son of an Army officer, Lord Richards was born in Egypt in 1952 and joined the Royal Artillery as a Second Lieutenant in 1971. He completed the all-arms commando course early in his career and served in Singapore, Northern Ireland, Germany, East Timor, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. He held several command appointments including Chief of the General Staff (GCS) and then Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS).
Field Marshal is the highest attainable rank in the British Army, equivalent to an Admiral of the Fleet in the Royal Navy or a Marshal of the Royal Air Force in the Royal Air Force.
On behalf of everyone at VOS, we extend our sincere congratulations on this well-deserved and prestigious promotion!
