Navy Wings Ambassadors’ Ball 2025 – Victory Remembered, Eighty Years On
On Thursday 6 November, the magnificent surroundings of Raffles London at The OWO provided a fitting setting for the Navy Wings Ambassadors’ Ball 2025, a Victory Celebration marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Over 230 guests joined together in a spirit of remembrance and celebration, honouring those whose courage, innovation and sacrifice secured peace eighty years ago.
Following a lively Champagne Reception in The Lawrence, guests took their seats in the grand Whitehall Ballroom, where they were warmly welcomed by Commodore Jock Alexander OBE, Chief Executive of Navy Wings.
The evening began in dramatic fashion as the Corps of Drums of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood entered the Ballroom and made their way between the tables to the stage as they performed stirring Mess Beatings. The powerful rhythm of the drums filled the room and set the perfect tone for a night of reflection, pride and celebration.
Guests then enjoyed a superb dinner where the food, service and atmosphere were exceptional, a testament to the world-class hospitality of Raffles London at The OWO.
The evening’s Guest Speaker, acclaimed historian Dr Helen Fry, brought history vividly to life with an inspiring address on the remarkable heritage of the Old War Office building and the often overlooked contribution of female intelligence officers during the war. Her words captured the spirit of the evening, honouring those who came before while recognising their enduring legacy.
Later in the evening, Admiral Sir Keith Blount KCB OBE delivered moving closing remarks, reflecting on the timeless values of courage, dedication and service that continue to define the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm today.
The live auction, expertly led by auctioneer for the night, Tim Stansbury, proved to be a real highlight and featuring an extraordinary selection of prizes generously donated by Navy Wings Ambassadors and Corporate Partners which included a Purdey Shooting Experience, three days aboard a luxury Sunseeker yacht in the Mediterranean, stunning villas in Barbados and Thailand for ten days, a luxury Azamara cruise for up to fifteen days anywhere in the world and a VIP Day with the Wildcat Maritime Force.
Together with the silent auction and pledge moment, guests raised an incredible £120,000 to support Navy Wings’ mission to keep historic naval aircraft flying, preserving the spirit of naval aviation and inspiring future generations.
As the formalities concluded, the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, led by award-winning bandleader Pete Long, filled the ballroom with the timeless sounds of swing. Guests danced late into the night beneath the chandeliers of The OWO, celebrating victory, valour and remembrance — eighty years on from the end of the Second World War.
Navy Wings extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, to our dedicated Charity Ambassadors for their invaluable support, and to the many individuals and companies who donated prizes. Your generosity ensures that the legacy of naval aviation continues to soar; honouring the past, inspiring the future, and keeping history alive in flight.
