HMS Enterprise
An affiliation between the Company and HMS Enterprise, a Multi Role Survey Vessel, has existed since she was commissioned in 2003. She is equipped to explore even the remotest corners of the globe and to operate in support of naval operations anywhere in the world. Using state of the art hydrographic and oceanographic instruments, her highly trained crew of specialists have the ability to garner and process information on all aspects of the environment from the seabed to the upper atmosphere. The Cutlers’ Prize is awarded annually to a nominated member of the Ship’s company, who the Commander Officer considers has contributed the most throughout the year.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment
The Company’s most recent affiliation is with The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment which was confirmed in April 2016. The Regiment have a proud tradition of over three centuries service as a bodyguard to the Sovereign, and made up of the British Army’s two most senior regiments, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment sits at the very heart of the cultural and military heritage of Britain. The Regiment’s rich history stretches back to 1660 from descendants of King Charles II’s Life Guards and the Earl of Oxford’s ‘Blues’. Since then it has forged a tradition, ethos and reputation for excellence and professionalism, whether on State Ceremonial duties, or on military operations. They are also the largest users of ceremonial swords in the British Army.
4th Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
Fourth Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment was formed in September 2017. It is an Army Reserve Unit with Companies based in Cosham, Edgware, Farnham, Crawley, Its Headquarters is based in Redhill, Reigate. It’s affiliation with The Worshipful Company of Cutlers commenced in 2017 on formation as a result of B company’s historic association as part of the London Regiment.
256 (City of London) Field Hospital (Volunteers)
The Company adopted this Unit in 1995 and is currently affiliated to ‘C’ Detachment based at the TA Centre, Kingston upon Thames. The Unit comprises some 306 personnel from a wide variety of professions and occupations – the majority of officers and soldiers are healthcare professionals that work for the NHS within Greater London. A member of the Detachment is awarded annually the Company’s Silver Poignard for outstanding achievement.
RAF Tactical Medical Wing
TMW is the operational hub for the RAF Medical Service (RAFMS). Its role is to train, equip and support the deployment of RAFMS personnel for Defence Operations worldwide. Over the next three days, personnel will have the opportunity to visit TMW, to see the high-quality medical capability they deliver on behalf of the RAF and UK Defence.
291 (Westminster & Chelsea) Squadron, Air Training Corps
In 2007, in an effort to support London youth, the Company entered into an affiliation with 291 (Westminster and Chelsea) Squadron of the Air Training Corps, a cadet unit based at the London Scottish headquarters in Victoria. Members of the Squadron are awarded the Company’s silver poignard for outstanding achievement.
Corps of Drums Society
The Society was founded in 1977 by a group of Territorial Army drummers who were concerned that the standard of drumming in both the Regular and Territorial Armies was in decline. In time the Society proposed that a competition be held annually to identify the most outstanding NCO in the drums platoons of the English and Welsh line regiments and the Foot Guards, and this was eventually instituted by the Director of Infantry in 1997. The Company agreed to award a prize of a drummer’s sword, which is traditionally presented to the winner of the competition by the Lord Mayor on the day of the Lord Mayor’s Show.
Zunft zur Schmiden, Zurich
The Zunft zur Schmiden (Guild of Smiths) is one of the ancient guilds of Zurich and obtained its first Charter in 1336. Whilst it was principally formed to protect the interests of blacksmiths, it also embraced a variety of related trades including cutlers, pewterers, bell founders, and barber-surgeons. The Company’s association with the Zunft began in 1984 when Alderman Sir Alan Traill, a Past Master of the Company, took office as Lord Mayor and invited the Guilds from Zurich to participate in the Lord Mayor’s Show. Since then a close friendship has developed between the Company and the Zunft, and hospitality is exchanged on a regular basis. One of the highlights of every Master’s year is to attend the Sechseläuten Festival in Zurich when all the guilds celebrate the ending of winter and the beginning of spring.
British Art Medal Society
The Company’s interest in Livery medals and prize medals of other Companies has led to the development of an association with the British Art Medal Society which seeks to promote and encourage interest in medallic art, including the production of contemporary work. The Society organizes an annual Student Medal Project which the Company supports by awarding a prize for the best example of innovation in medal making techniques.
British Fencing
Until recently the Company’s involvement with fencing had been largely confined to supporting disabled competitors. However, in 2006 the Company began to engage with the sport at national and local levels. An annual prize is awarded to the British Cadet foil champion, and equipment vouchers are given to nominated London clubs. In addition the Company’s bronze medal is awarded annually to someone nominated by British Fencing as having made a major contribution to the sport.
