Remembering Key Military Events in 2026

1. Switzerland and the 160th Anniversary of the Red Cross - 2026

   2026 marks 160 years since the first Geneva Convention came into force. While Switzerland remained neutral during both World Wars, Geneva occupies a unique place in Allied military history. The first Geneva Convention entered into force in 1864, establishing principles that became the foundation of the modern laws of armed conflict. British and Allied armed forces continue to operate under these principles today. For officers serving with NATO, UN or coalition forces, Geneva's legacy remains highly relevant. The city also became the headquarters of the international humanitarian movement and the guardian of the Geneva Conventions. This provides a particularly appropriate Swiss connection for British and Allied personnel serving in Switzerland or with international organisations.

2. 170th Anniversary of the Victoria Cross - 29 January 2026

   The Victoria Cross, instituted by Queen Victoria on 29 January 1856 following the Crimean War, it remains Britain's highest award for gallantry recognising the very highest standards of courage “in the presence of the enemy”. More than 1,350 Victoria Crosses have been awarded, regardless of rank, but only a handful of recipients are still living. The 170th anniversary provides an ideal opportunity to celebrate extraordinary courage and selfless service. It symbolises exceptional bravery, self-sacrifice and devotion to duty. We honour every recipient whose actions continue to inspire generations of servicemen and women.

3. 110th Anniversary of the Easter Rising – 24 to 29 April 2026

   Although this is primarily an Irish historical event, the Easter Rising remains an important chapter in modern British and Irish history. Around 16,000 British troops were deployed to Dublin to suppress the rebellion, marking the beginning of a sequence of events that ultimately led to Irish independence. The anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of military service, political conflict and reconciliation. We remember all those affected by the conflict and reflect on the importance of understanding shared history, the professionalism of those who served and the value of reconciliation between former adversaries.

4. 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Jutland - 31 May to 1 June 2026

   The Battle of Jutland was the largest naval battle of the First World War and the only major clash between the British Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet. Although tactically inconclusive, it ensured continued Royal Navy dominance of the North Sea and ultimately maintained the blockade that constrained Germany's war effort. The anniversary is being specifically commemorated in 2026, including international remembrance events involving former adversaries.

5. 82nd Anniversary of D-Day - 6 June 2026

   Although not a major milestone anniversary, D-Day remains one of the most important annual Allied commemorations of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France; otherwise known as “Operation Overlord”. American troops landed at Omaha and Utah, the British landed on Gold and Sword, while the Canadians landed on Juno. Over 24 hours, approximately 156,000 Allied troops successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches. Even to this day, in 2026, there is not an exact figure of how many lost their lives specifically on D-Day. It’s estimated up to 5,000 Allied and up to 9,000 German troops died on D-Day. Over the course of the whole of the Battle of Normandy, estimates are that over 425,000 Allied and German troops lost their lives; plus 15,000 French civilian casualties, due to many homes being located in the firing line during the campaign.

6. Reserve Forces Day – 24 June 2026

   Reserve Forces Day is an opportunity for the nation to celebrate those whom Winston Churchill called “Twice the Citizens”. Reservists form a vital part of the UK Armed Forces, with around 29,000 reservists serving across the Maritime Reserve, Army Reserve and RAF Reserve forces, including approximately 23,680 trained Army Reservists. These people make significant personal sacrifices, giving up evenings, weekends, annual leave and family time to train, maintain readiness and answer the call to serve on operations when required.

7. Armed Forces Day – 27 June 2026

   Special events are taking place across the UK from 22-28 June, with military displays, parades, and entertainment in more than 100 locations, including Aldershot (National Armed Forces celebration in 2026) and the National Memorial Arboretum.

8. 110th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme - 1 July 2026

   The Battle of the Somme remains one of the defining moments in British military history. The first day alone saw almost 60,000 British casualties, making it the bloodiest day in British Army history. The 2026 anniversary marks 110 years since the battle began, with commemorations expected at the Thiepval Memorial in France and across the United Kingdom. The Somme also highlights the contribution of Commonwealth and Allied troops who fought alongside British forces.

9. 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Delville Wood - 14 July to 3 September 2026

   Often described as South Africa's equivalent of the Somme, the Battle of Delville Wood saw British, South African and Commonwealth troops fight side by side with extraordinary determination. Of the approximately 3,150 South African soldiers who entered the wood, fewer than 800 emerged unscathed after six days of continuous fighting. It remains one of the defining examples of Allied cooperation during the First World War. Their resilience under impossible conditions forged bonds between Allied nations that endure to this day. We remember their courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to one another.

10. 510th Anniversary of the Battle of Marignano – 13 to 14 September 2026

    This is arguably Switzerland's most significant military anniversary in 2026. 510 years ago, the Battle of Marignano changed the course of Swiss history. The battle was fought near Milan against France and Venice. The defeat of the Old Swiss Confederacy marked the beginning of a strategic shift away from territorial expansion towards armed neutrality that has shaped Switzerland for centuries. Although the policy of perpetual neutrality was formally recognised at the Congress of Vienna in 1816, Marignano is widely regarded as the symbolic turning point. Today's Swiss Armed Forces continue to uphold that tradition through a strong citizen army dedicated to defending the nation.

11. Armistice Day in Vevey - 11 November 2026

His Excellence the British Ambassador to Switzerland will lead the commemoration of war dead at the Commonwealth War Cemetery on 11 November 2026 from 10:45hrs. The cemetery can be found next to St Martin's Church in Vevey overlooking lake Geneva.

The RBL’s role in society today
These 2026 anniversaries span gallantry, naval power, coalition warfare, military ethics and the evolving relationship between Britain and its Allies. RBL’s Remembrance for All philosophy and promotes its role as champion of Remembrance, to ensure the service and sacrifices of Armed Forces personnel from Britain and the Commonwealth are always remembered.