Supporting Bromley’s Armed Forces community
New ways of providing assistance and support to veterans and other members of the armed forces community are currently being explored in Bromley. This follows the council's renewed commitment from the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.
This page is a growing information hub, outlining support and opportunities that are available across the borough for members of the armed forces community, including former members of the armed forces and their families, bringing together the important work of many charities and community organisations. This also includes advice and support about housing, employment, finance, health and education. Plus details of meetings and events for members the armed forces community, as all found in the contents.
The council’s Armed Forces Champion is Cllr Mike Botting who as part his Mayoral year is looking to raise awareness and funds for charities working to support the armed forces community in Bromley.
Nationally recognised Armed Forces commitment
Bromley has now achieved the Bronze Award from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, being one of only 12 local authorities to achieve this in recognition of the council's commitment to Bromley's armed forces community. Last year Bromley re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant to reaffirm the commitment to supporting the armed forces veterans and community across the borough.
Bromley’s military footprint
There are no military units in the London Borough of Bromley, but there is a large veteran population. There are 43 married quarters both within the borough and just across the border with a high number of service children in local schools.
There are multiple reserve units in surrounding boroughs leading to local recruiting from Bromley and adding to the Armed Forces footprint.
Bromley Stories told by Peter Lemon
Peter shares his ‘stories from Bromley’ in a conversation with the Mayor of Bromley, reflecting on his time in World War 2, including extraordinary near-death experiences.
Cadet units
101, 102, 103 and 104 Detachments Army Cadet Force – Penge, currently at Grove Park, Orpington and Hayes. 10 Company covers both Bexley and Bromley boroughs.
228 Squadron Air Training Corps Bromley
Corps of Drums - Orpington
Orpington, Bromley and Beckenham & Penge Sea Cadet Corps
ACF on strength: 140
Census information
6,673 veterans in Bromley (2.5 percent of total population, highest in London).
49 service pupils.
543 armed forces pension claimants (including nine serving and 64 war widow(er)s).
17 service family accommodation properties.
Most frequent enquiries
Health / employment and training.
Source
Veteran numbers provided through the ONS 2021 Veterans’ Census: