Royal Armoured Corps Memorial

One essential way in which the Memorial Trust meets these original objectives has been to compile a comprehensive Roll of Honour, recording the details of all 12,619 officers and soldiers who have died whilst serving in the Royal Armoured Corps, since its formation in 1939 right through to the present day.

Although many of the Corps’ original units no longer exist, the benevolence goals enshrined within the Trust’s original objectives are still as relevant today as they were when the Fund was first created.

The RAC Memorial Trust continues to support retired and serving soldiers, their spouses and families, and the spouses and families of those who have died in service, when in need.

The Trust is able to pledge a sum up to the amount offered by the individual regiment or, if that regiment no longer exists, the Trust may take on full responsibility for supporting the individual.  Further support is regularly made available from the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Royal British Legion (RBL), or other military and civilian charities, co-ordinated by the individual’s case worker.

Requests are many and varied. Sadly not all demands can always be met and we are unable to assist in resolving debt issues. However, for instance, the Trust has proudly supported the purchase of mobility aids, the replacement of household items,  the provision of special educational needs as well as individual health care treatments not fully covered by the NHS.

In order to ensure we can, where appropriate, provide support quickly, please do NOT contact the Trust directly in the first instance, as this will only slow the immediate response.

If you are a:

• Serving soldier or the dependant of a serving soldier please contact your Unit Welfare Officer, Personnel Recovery Officer, Resettlement Officer, or the Army Welfare Service.
• Veteran, or the dependant of a veteran, or a widow or widower please contact your local SSAFA office or your Royal British Legion office or, if you are in Scotland, Poppy Scotland.  You can find your nearest branch by clicking on the links above.
• Caseworker please use the guidance and contact numbers provided on your Casework Management System.

Please note that in order for the Trust to provide support, each request needs to be accompanied by a written confidential report. Either SSAFA or RBL provides the Trust with this essential background information to the case. Therefore, it is important to contact SSAFA or RBL in the first instance, in order to speed up the Trust’s ability to provide appropriate assistance.

In this vital work the Trust continues to honour the clearly defined aims of the original Fund, as stated by its first patrons:

“The ultimate intention is that no officer or man who at any time serves in the Royal Armoured Corps, or his dependants, shall go without help if in need.”

The RAC Memorial Trust is also able to honour the intentions of its original founders by encouraging and supporting individuals, or groups of soldiers, serving in the Corps to undertake activities which will make a positive contribution to their military efficiency.

Our Purpose and What We Will Fund

The Trust wants to make a difference, so that current RAC serving members are better trained and properly prepared for operations, by promoting activities or experiences that enhance the military efficiency of the RAC.

Examples are:

1. Improving technical, academic, and professional knowledge.
2. Improving mental and physical fitness through the provision of sporting facilities, equipment and competitions that improve the health, wellbeing, and cohesion of the RAC. Please note, legally we are barred from funding anyone who earns their living by playing sport professionally.
3. The provision of supplementary experiences that widen the mind such as adventure expeditions that develop knowledge, confidence and leadership skills.
4. Promoting and strengthening the bonds between the RAC and allied units.
5. Research and the publication of military history specific to the RAC.

Who Can Apply

Only current serving members of the RAC may apply.  The Trust cannot fund persons who are not serving members of the RAC unless the project or activity could not take place without their involvement.  (e.g. Consultants, specialist leaders, trainers, mentors, referees, umpires etc).

Note that applicants are expected to provide match funding of 25% of the total gross cost from other sources, but 100% grants may be awarded.

Our funds are limited and the total sum available for military efficiency grants will vary from year to year due to the demand for benevolent grants, which will always take priority.

The Trustees’ decision is final.

How to  Apply

In the first instance, contact the Benevolence Coordinator of the RAC Memorial Trust at [email protected]

You will then be asked to complete an application form, in which you will be required to outline the nature of your project, state clearly how this will impact positively on members of the Corps and provide a clear breakdown of funding required.