The Needlemakers Company has long had associations with the Army however have been affiliated 3rd Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment since its creation.

The Needlemakers Sword is presented annually to the best young officer and the Salerno Trophy, donated by Past Master Alan Foster in 1994, is presented to the best Non Commissioned Officer.

In 2020, an affiliation was established with the newly commissioned HMS Trent, a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel.

HMS Trent

The Needlemakers enjoy affiliations with all three of the main branches of the armed services. We are proud of our support of the 3rd Battalion, Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, a dynamic Army Reserve infantry battalion with a historic footprint across Kent and East Sussex.

Master Needlemaker Nick Macrae during a private tour of the 3PWRR training base in Ashford. Escorted by LCpl Stroud.