Kingsholm is the current home to the Army v RAF match, chosen 20 years after it had previously hosted it’s first Inter Service match. With its artificial pitch the rugby is fast and furious but it is also the off field atmosphere that has been a key reason why year on year this fixture becomes more and more popular.
In 2025, 6806 enjoyed the warm spring weather at the unique Kingsholm vibe. 2026 promises to be bigger and better.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to read some of Gloucester Rugby’s links to the Armed Forces
Did you know?
Veterans’ Wellbeing Program: The Gloucester Rugby Foundation runs a well being program for armed forces veterans, offering weekly sessions with low-impact activities like walking rugby, group reminiscence, and lifestyle advice to boost health, confidence, and social connections.
Armed Forces Covenant and Community Support: Gloucester Rugby supports the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, participates in the Tickets for Troops initiative, and has worn poppy-themed shirts for Forces Day, reinforcing its commitment to military personnel and veterans.
Kit Tanner – Albert Medal
Kit Tanner was a padre in the RNVR who before the war had been an England International. Kit also played for Gloucester and represented Gloucestershire. He made his break through in the annual Mobbs Memorial match, providing a link to Franklin Gardens, the current home for the Navy v RAF match. Kit Tanner is the only non capped player to have been enrolled in the History of Navy Rugby’s Heart of Oak Hall of Fame.
They played, they fought!
The following 10 players, as documented by Gloucester Rugby Heritage, were awarded military honours, and also represented Gloucester Rugby.
- Charles Winston A’Bear (1916–1985)
- Military Honour: Military Medal (M.M.)
- Details: Served during World War II. The Military Medal was awarded for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire.
- Albert E. Barnes
- Military Honour: Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.), 1918
- Details: Recognized for distinguished conduct during World War I. The D.C.M. was a high honour for non-commissioned officers, indicating significant bravery.
- Cornelius Asgill Shaw Carleton (1884–1964)
- Military Honours: Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.), Mentioned in Despatches (4 times)
- Details: Served in the military, likely during World War I, earning the D.S.O. for distinguished service and multiple mentions for notable actions. He had a long association with Gloucester Rugby.
- Gilbert Collett
- Military Honours: Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.), 1918, Mentioned in Despatches (3 times)
- Details: Awarded for meritorious service during World War I. Collett’s military and rugby contributions reflect the era’s overlap of athletic and military duty.
- Charles Cook (1887–1959)
- Military Honour: Military Medal (M.M.), 1917
- Details: Earned the M.M. for bravery during World War I.
- William Egerton
- Military Honour: Mentioned in Despatches (MiD), 1918
- Details: Recognized for commendable service during World War I.
- Nigel Gidney
- Military Honour: Mentioned in Despatches (MiD), 1941, 1942
- Details: Served during World War II, earning recognition for notable actions.
- Peter Cotton Hordern (1907–1988)
- Military Honour: Air Force Cross (A.F.C.)
- Details: Likely served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, earning the A.F.C. for exemplary service in air operations.
- Henry “Harry” William Lane (1884–1918)
- Military Honour: Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.)
- Details: Awarded the D.C.M. for bravery during World War I. Tragically, Lane died in 1918, in service, marking him as a fallen hero of both Gloucester Rugby and the military.
- Alexander Henry Tudor Lewis
- Military Honours: Military Cross (M.C.) and Bar
- Details: Earned the M.C. and an additional Bar for repeated acts of gallantry, likely during World War I.
