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At the outbreak of World War One the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association, based at Queen Anne’s Gate was the only charity set up to care for the families of servicemen.

Just days after the start of the war the government called upon the charity to help ensure families were not left to struggle by the departure of men heading to the front.

Within a few weeks the charity had grown from 7,000 volunteers to more than 50,000.

After the first 15 months of the war more than £5 million had been raised by the National Relief Fund.

1918, after the formation of the RAF, the association became the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association and today is known simply as SSAFA.

The charity continues to offer support to the families of military personnel.

Location: Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H
Image: SSAFA Fundraising event, courtesy of SSAFA