SSAFA 140th Anniversary Poem

With thanks to Cpl CR Benjamin, RAF Brize Norton, for kindly writing this poem for SSAFA.


In this year 2025 we say thank you to a friend that is
forever by our side,

Someone we can turn to when there are no solutions to our problems,
no matter what we’ve tried.

But who is this friend that is there whenever we’re in need,

Stay with me and I will tell you for I’m sure you will agree.

1885 was the year that your story began,

The selfless creation of one forward thinking man.

For a charitable organisation that has supported
so many over the last 140 years,

An ear that listens, a shoulder to cry on, a warm embrace,
someone to help remove your fears.

Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association is your full
title which many do not know,

And as the years continue your necessity of support
will continue to grow.

For many you are a guardian angel that is never far away,

So, from all that you have supported, are supporting or in the future support,
we would like to congratulate and wish 
a Happy 140th Birthday!


Dedicated to the memory of
Colonel Sir James Gildea GBE, KCVO, CB, KStJ