To mark the centenary, Princess Anne made a special speech

Despite lockdown, volunteers – such as Swingtime Sweethearts singer Annie Riley – have helped troops celebrate the 75th anniversary of victory in Europe and Japan and let them know: For your service to our country…

As part of her address she said: ‘Despite these extraordinary times, in which we have all been in lockdown, I have been impressed by the way the Not Forgotten has found new and innovative ways to help those who are feeling the effects of the enforced isolation and loneliness.

Having been their patron for 20 years already, I am not surprised to see how well they have risen to this challenge.

It was an American opera singer, Marta Cunningham, who, in 1919, was horrified to find hundreds of men still languishing in hospital wards, suffering from wounds sustained in the Great War. In its first year, 1920, the charity entertained some 10,000 individuals, bringing them happiness, hope and dignity.

Their first patron, my great Aunt Mary, the then-Princess Royal, was so moved she began the tradition of the annual Buckingham Palace garden party for veterans.

I am immensely proud the charity has remained true to these original ideals – and while it still delivers tea parties and concerts, it does so much more. It creates an environment where service personnel feel secure and relaxed. Where laughter and camaraderie come to the fore. Morale grows and confidence is rekindled.

These are the building blocks on which all recovery is based. The Not Forgotten has something for everyone. Although the ranks of that great generation of World War II veterans is diminishing, the number of other veterans who need support remains high.

The charity epitomises the very best of the armed forces and those who serve our nation. But what makes this charity stand out is the way they do it.

Without bluster, always in partnership and with a humility that comes from a deep understanding of what is required.

“As long as there are sufferers so long will the Not Forgotten be needed”. Marta Cunningham’s words ring as true today as they did in 1920.

In its 100th year, the Not Forgotten continues to be an essential part of the charity landscape. I congratulate them for all they have achieved in restoring the dignity and independence of those who have worn their nation’s uniform and now suffer.

To the many veterans who need a helping hand, I would also like to say the Not Forgotten is ready to support you. Your service remains highly valued and you are certainly not forgotten.’ Princess Anne

This year, The Not Forgotten had planned to hold their centenary at Buckingham Palace. Sadly, Covid-19 has put that dream on hold, but it has not stopped the charity entertaining the troops.

Twice a week, TV presenter Richard Arnold hosted Best Seat in the House

(a radio show), beamed directly into front rooms. Meanwhile, singers such as Annie Riley, 45, one half of the amazing Swingtime Sweethearts (who made an album with Dame Vera Lynn), toured the UK, giving concerts in all manner of places, from care homes to country mansions.

‘ We’re just spreading a bit of joy and happiness,’ explains the effervescent and ever-modest Annie. ‘Entertainment has never been needed as much as it is now. Five months is a long time if you are a World War II veteran and we owe these people our lives and our freedom!’

Here, we look back at just some of the events performed for the men and women we all owe such a debt of gratitude to…

ROCK AND ROADIE… Shot in the head in Afghanistan in 2011, Martin Wilson, 46, learnt how to walk and talk again. ‘I didn’t know what to except, but we’re taking a party around the country.’ Singer Annie is entertaining troops across the country SWINGTIME SWEETHEARTS When they sing The White Cliffs of Dover, Annie, left, and Learna Castle are the modernday Forces Sweethearts.

RATIONS ARE SERVED… To keep all 120 vets and families safe at a concert to celebrate Victory in Japan Day last Sunday, at Danny House retirement home in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, tea was served in ration boxes – one slice each, ladies and gents…

GOING DUTCH Tom Schaffer, 94, who received the Dutch Liberation Medal for his part in the Battle of the Bulge, also volunteered to fight in Japan. He had hoped to go back to the Netherlands to celebrate VE day. Instead, he was taken by London cabbie Austin Levins to join comrades in West Sussex. RED, WHITE AND BLUE Listening from their cars as the skies opened, the men that helped to build Britain. ‘We should never forget them,’ says Annie. We should not… Danny House, Hurstpierpoint, hosted tea for veterans

OUR BEST HERO… Royal Navy vet Cyril Banks, (pictured laughing with Annie) signed up at just 18 in 1943. On D-Day, he witnessed things on the Gold Beach of France that ‘will live in my mind forever’, but went on to fight for King and country in the war against Japan. Like many of his generation, Cyril is a reluctant hero, yet his deeds meant that he was awarded the Légion d’Honneur by the French and, just two years ago, a best magazine Hero Award for his bravery as a mine sweeper. When they met again at the JV Day celebrations, Annie said: ‘Nothing, even the weather stops our Cyril having a good time – and Dame Vera’s songs raised all the vets spirits to the skies.’

WE’LL MEET AGAIN… Dame Vera’s daughter, Virginia Lewis Jones, attended the VJ celebrations with three generations of her family, including her daughter, Tesni Jones, left, and granddaughter, Lucy. Since her mother’s death in June, Virginia has continued to show her support, even donating a signed photograph that was given to 96-year-old Pat Pern, a former Wren, who had been in the Far East on VJ Day. It goes without saying, it was an emotional moment!