Rebel Command was a concept first formed back in 2003 by the late Graham Campbell. At the time the United Kingdom Garrison (UKG) had been enormously successful and was growing rapidly whilst still keeping to the same high standards that had been part of the UKG since its inception.

The decision was taken early on to bring the Rebel Costumes under the wing of the UKG so the same high standards that had controlled the growth of the Imperial side could be similarly applied. As every Imperial costume had to go through a rigorous clearance procedure to make sure the costume was of the highest quality and accurate, so would all Rebel costumes go through a similar process. From the begining, characters and costumes from both the original and prequel trilogy would be welcome and have continued to form the ranks of Rebel Command.

Creating a new section did not happen overnight and it was not until August 2004 that the Rebel Section (as it was known back then) would have its first outing at an official event. The feedback was fantastic and the section has grown considerably from those humble beginnings back then. We have gone on to become an integral component at many events such as those supported by Make-a-Wish, MediCinema and Children in Need. With members showing off their Jedi Duelling skills to teaching young children how to be Jedi to Fleet Troopers escorting Princess Leia. Indeed, at some of these events, we have become as popular as Darth Vader, whilst at the same time being part of the fund raising efforts for the aforementioned charities. Rebel Command is also understandably proud of it's fund raising efforts whilst maintaining itself as a strictly not-for-profit organisation on exactly the same lines as the 501st part of the UKG.

Maintaining two separate groups under a unified banner has mean’t that Event Co-ordination, costume submission, etc. are all tasks that can be taken more efficiently by one body with less chance of confusion prevailing with people having to check multiple different forums. The 501st and the Rebel Command are two groups acting as one but at the same time both groups have held onto their respective identities but the feeling of co-operation and ‘family’ has been greatly reinforced by running them in this way.

We have stood shoulder to shoulder with our Imperial brethren and have been, and will continue to be, very proud to do so.

Thank you,

James Bloodworth

Rebel Command
General Costuming Liaison

MediCinema Patron and invaluable supporter Jerome Blake (Star Wars, Fifth Element) introduced the charity to the UKG in 2005 and we are now one of the lucky beneficiaries of the UK Garrison’s great work.

MediCinema brings the magic of cinema to patients in hospital and we are so very grateful for the time, generosity and dedication the UKG have shown the charity.

Our thanks go to every UKG member that has raised funds for us, transformed fundraising events into a spectacular experience for our supporters and given patients at MediCinema a night to remember - with special individual thanks to John Harris, Adrian Baseley, Steve Buckley and Pete Honeywill (the face of the new MediCinema Brochure and Website).

The incredible support we receive from this professional organisation is invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Christine Hill MBE
Chief Executive
MediCinema

I first encountered members of the UK Garrison at the American Adventure theme park where they expressed an interest in supporting the work of Make-A-Wish Foundation UK. As a result of our conversations we organised an Intergalactic Fundraising Day at Oakham Castle in Rutland last May and this would not have been possible without the tremendous help and support of the Garrison.

Over 15 members of the Garrison came to our rural community and provided hours of endless entertainment including a Ghostbusters treasure hunt for the children and "Have a Fight with a Jedi Knight". It was a very warm day, but in spite of this the members never flagged, and worked all day helping to raise the precious funds we so desperately need to grant the wishes of children and young people aged between 3 and 17 living with life- threatening illnesses. Many of our "wish children" and their families attended the day, some of them travelling long distances in order to have their photographs taken with their favourite characters

In addition to this, one of our children who had wished for a Star Wars arcade game was surprised to find two Storm Troopers waiting for him when he arrived home! This again would not have been possible without members giving up their time to help us.

This year, we are organising another day on Sunday 11 June, and I am very grateful to those members who are coming to support the charity once again. We could not continue to grant wishes without people like them and I am truly grateful for their continued support.

Amanda Maskell
Regional Manager
Eastern Region
Make A Wish Foundation UK

The National Space Centre has worked on many events with the UK Garrison over the past year. The UK Garrison are the event, the whole team work so hard to make everything special. The organisation and commitment are stunning. I have nothing but respect for every member of the UK Garrison who put themselves out to raise money for charity and definitely go above and beyond to support our events. I look forward to working with them for years to come.

Malika Andress
Communications Manager
National Space Centre

You were kind enough to come to the WHS conference and support the release of the Star Wars Episode 3 for this event. The day was a huge success and you undoubtedly stole the show, with CEO Kate Swann having her picture taken with Darth and Stormtroopers. The guys who attended that day were an absolute pleasure to work with and spent hours having photos taken in all kinds of positions and walking the stand to massive attention having travelled at their own expense and given their time for free.

The costumes looked like there were straight form the set!!

Thanks again for all your support

Best wishes and hope to see you soon

Chris Shiels
20th Century Fox