In May 2022 10 UK Armed Forces veterans to make the trip to Gibraltar to take part in a unique heritage project. The team consists of staff, who are also veterans themselves, and veterans who have used Alabare's services. The veterans will split into two teams and join experts from the Gibraltar Heritage Trust to help renovate the renowned Lord Airey's battery on top of the rock.

Our veterans

The veterans who will take part in this project are all on journey's of their own, each having struggled in their civilian lives; some have battled with addictions, some with their mental wellbeing. All are being supported by our Boots on the Ground team at Alabare to regain their health, confidence and ultimately their independence once more.

The veterans have faced extreme challenges since leaving service. In the UK we are working with veterans in North & South Wales and South West England, supporting veterans to engage in outdoor-based activities, which promote positive mental health. We hope to take veterans from across this region to Gibraltar to take part in the heritage project, which will be an incredible opportunity to build confidence and give each a huge sense of achievement.

Those veterans in the team who have faced the crisis of homelessness are living with us in our Homes for Veterans, where each is given a safe place to call home and the support they need to rebuild their lives. Some of our veterans are also taking part in our Veterans Self-Build scheme, working alongside construction teams to help build homes that they will ultimately have the opportunity to live in themselves.

The heritage project

Lord Airey's Battery is an artillery battery located near the southern end of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve in Gibraltar, just north of O'Hara's Battery. It was named after the Governor of Gibraltar, General Sir Richard Airey, and construction was completed in 1891. The first gun mounted on the battery was a 6-inch breech loading gun, which was replaced with a 9.2-inch Mark X BL gun by 1900. The gun at the battery was last fired on 7th April 1976 as part of a training exercise.

In 1997, it was discovered that Lord Airey's Shelter, adjacent to Lord Airey's Battery, was the site chosen for a covert World War II operation that entailed construction of a cave complex in the Rock of Gibraltar, to serve as an observation post. The battery is listed with the Gibraltar Heritage Trust.

To find out more about the military history of the Rock you could watch the BFBS Forces News short film Gibraltar: Forgotten guns and underground secrets https://youtu.be/XIzspm3b36g

The difference this opportunity will make

Pete Jackson MBE is from the Gibraltar Heritage Trust and served with the Royal Artillery for 12 years and the Royal Gibraltar Regiment for 20 years. Pete explains why this project is so valuable to Gibraltar and how glad they are to have the help of our team of veterans.

"I am so happy to be receiving the support of the veterans from Alabare in the ongoing restoration of Lord Airey's Battery. This work is much needed to bring this artillery artefact back to a standard where it can safely receive future visitors. Without this kind of dedicated input we would sadly face the loss of this unique piece of Gibraltar's military history."

Accompanying our veterans on the trip will be Karen Langley, our Boots on the Ground England Project Manager. Karen served 12 years with R.E.M.E as an A Mech (vehicle mechanic with tracked vehicles). The majority of Karen's postings were with Artillery Units and she was mostly stationed in BAOR. Karen served in Northern Ireland and Bosnia on tours.

Karen says;

"This is a fantastic opportunity for veterans to be able to actively get involved in the Heritage Project and come together in restoration, to enable the chance of expanding their own skill set and gaining new skills. This experience will allow a wealth of wellbeing, confidence and comradery."

Also on the trip providing support to our veterans will be Former Colour Sergeant Rob Gibson, who served for 26 years in the Royal Marines. Rob is our Operations Manager for Training and Development and leads our Alabare Academy. Rob says;

"We as an organisation are extremely excited about being involved in the Heritage Project. Not only is this an opportunity for some of the veterans in our projects to help restore part of our history in Gibraltar, but it is also an excellent way for the veterans to give something back, whilst at the same time, building their confidence and restoring their self-belief."

Completing our veterans support team will be Gary Chapman, who served 24 years in the Royal Signals. Gary is our Project Manager for our Veterans Self-Build. Gary says;

"Its very much a team effort, supporting struggling Veterans to help get them back into the community and give them a 'Sense of Purpose'. The veterans that I have supported are very keen to 'give something back' and the chance to go to Gibraltar with its huge military history and work on these heritage projects, as a team utilising their varied and multiple skills is an amazing opportunity.

The cost

It will cost £15,000 for the 10 Veterans to take part in this unique project. The total cost will cover the cost of restoration, travel, accommodation and living expenses throughout their eight day stay.