Page 403 - They Also Served

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has been described as a world-renowned centre of excellence. Located just north of Camberley, in Surrey, British Army officers have trained there since 1812. Initially the junior partner to the Academy in Woolwich, where artillery and engineer officers were trained, it gradually became the premier establishment and eventually the sole officer training school. Throughout its history, tens of thousands of Britons and well over 5,000 internationals have worn the Sandhurst cap badge with its distinctive motto, ‘Serve to Lead’. Today, the Academy is part of the fabric of the nation – the home of the British Army officer.
Most Sandhurst alumni, including the author, embarked on diverse military careers, subsequently retiring or pursuing various occupations across a wide spectrum. While some climbed to the very top of the military tree, a select few gained recognition beyond. This book features 200 such exceptional individuals, from King Hussein of Jordan and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to Nigerian president Murtala Mohammed, land speed record holder Henry Segrave, Oscar winning actor David Niven and television presenter Dick Strawbridge. With more recent alumni William, Prince of Wales, astronaut Tim Peake and polar explorer Preet Chandi the 200 have one thing in common – They Also Served.