Christmas messages flood in for military personnel at home and abroad

Christmas messages for Armed Forces personnel at home and abroad have flooded in from across the military on social media.

Multiple branches of the RAF, Navy and Army wished personnel a merry Christmas.

The RAF wished all a "very Merry Christmas…  wherever you are in the world" on Twitter.

• MavGeeks Track Santa: The key role the RAF plays in spotting Father Christmas
• Shadow Defence Secretary offers 'deep thanks' to all military personnel in Christmas message
• Thank you on behalf of a grateful nation, RAF chief says in Christmas message to personnel

"Spare a thought for those serving overseas on Operations 24/7, 365, leaving their families at home," the post said.

Elsewhere, Air Commodore Nicki Thomas, Air Component Commander, 83rd Air Expeditionary Group, RAF Middle East, wished a happy Christmas "to all personnel deployed in the Middle East".

"Whilst some personnel are enjoying some well-deserved downtime today, others are still working tirelessly supporting Operation Shader," she said in a post on Twitter.

From the Army, the Royal Signals wished "everyone in the corps family" a happy Christmas on Twitter.

"Whether you are home or abroad, whether serving or retired, whether just starting out in the cadets or your watch was over long ago, we wish you a very Merry Christmas," the post said.

HMS Lancaster, currently deployed in the Gulf and Indian Ocean as part of Operation Kipion, wished all "followers, affiliates, friends and families a very Merry Christmas" in a post on Twitter.

Aside from members of the Armed Forces, Tobias Ellwood, Chair of the Defence Select Committee, wished "everyone in Bournemouth and beyond a very Merry Christmas" with a message from Bournemouth beach.

"And a special thought and thank you for those on duty, working today, who can't be with their loved ones," he said on Twitter.

Combat Stress, a UK-based charity for veterans' mental health, said "Merry Christmas to the military community and all our supporters" in a post on Twitter. 

"We understand this time of year may be difficult for some. If you're a veteran, and you're struggling, please visit https://combatstress.org.uk/blog/top-tips-christmas-2022 or call our helpline on 0800 138 1619," the post said.