Armistice Day: Remembering those who served, and the sacrifices they made
This Armistice Day, we pause to remember those who lost their lives in service and recognise the sacrifices made by all those who have served in the Armed Forces.
This Armistice Day, we pause to remember those who lost their lives in service and recognise the sacrifices made by all those who have served in the Armed Forces.
At Housing Plus Group (HPG), we are proud to support members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service families and cadet force adult volunteers. Earlier this year, our commitment was recognised with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, which acknowledges organisations that actively support defence personnel and their families.
For Jonathan Smith, Gas Maintenance Manager, working at HPG is a world away from life in the British Army. However, many of the qualities developed during his military career continue to shape how he leads and supports others today.
Jonathan served in the British Army for 13 years, with a career that took him across the world, including two deployments to Afghanistan and training assignments in Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Estonia and Canada.
Looking back on his time in the Forces, Jonathan says his service provided him with valuable transferable skills and a set of core values that continue to guide him today.
“My career started as a carpenter when I was 16, but I always wanted to be a frontline soldier. I joined the Army when I was 22, and it was an incredible milestone for me.
“I was based in Germany for six years before being deployed to Afghanistan, which was incredibly challenging.
“We would carry out patrols each day, checking on local communities and helping to keep the area secure. The experience gave me a whole new perspective on life.
“I later went on to train soldiers in countries including Ukraine, Estonia, Saudi Arabia and Canada, and that experience definitely shaped the type of leader I am today.
“Although I left the Army four years ago, I still live by its core values of courage, discipline, respect, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment. They guide me in my role today and in everyday life.”
In his current role, Jonathan manages the day-to-day running of Housing Plus Group's gas maintenance service. He is also a member of the organisation's Armed Forces steering group, helping to support colleagues from military backgrounds as they transition into civilian careers.
Jonathan believes it is important to take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have served, and the lasting impact their experiences have on them and their families.
“It's hugely important that we continue to remember the lives lost and the sacrifices made.
“The experiences, friendships and memories from my time in service will always stay with me. Remembrance gives us all an opportunity to stop, reflect and show gratitude to those who have served, and those who continue to do so.”
This Armistice Day, we join communities across the country in remembering those who have served and sacrificed for others. We are also proud to recognise the contribution that veterans and members of the Armed Forces community continue to make every day.
11th November 2026