The Honourable Artillery Company was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1537 by King Henry VIII and is the second oldest military organisation in the world (behind the Vatican’s Pontifical Swiss Guard). Today it is a Registered Charity whose purpose is to attend to the "better defence of the realm". This purpose is primarily achieved by the support of the HAC Regiment and a detachment of Special Constabulary to the City of London Police.
Regiments, battalions and batteries of the Company have fought with distinction in both World Wars and its current Regiment, which forms part of the Territorial Army, is the oldest surviving regiment in the British Army, and the second most senior in the Territorial Army. Members of the Regiment and Specials are drawn, for the most part, from young men and women working in and around the City and Greater London. Those leaving the active units may become Veteran Members and remain within the fraternity of the Company, which they then serve in a variety of ways.
Read more about Honourable Artillery Company: History, Soldier Ranks, Dress, Battle Honours, Colours, Squadron Affiliations, City of London Police Special Constabulary, "The Company", Notable Members of The HAC, Affiliations
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