WWTW honoured to be chosen as a charity partner for Operation Herrick anniversary timepiece project

Connect Through Service (CTS) has announced the launch of The 457 Project, a unique commemorative initiative that honours each of the 457 British service personnel lost during the campaign in Afghanistan, while raising vital funds for Walking With The Wounded and Scotty’s – The Military Bereavement Charity.

Created ahead of the 25th anniversary of the start of Operation HERRICK in 2027, the project will feature 457 individually numbered timepieces crafted by Belfast watchmaker Nomadic Watches.

Each timepiece is dedicated to one of the 457 British personnel lost during the campaign and is accompanied by a dedicated commemorative artwork by military artist Kev Wills MBE. The concept creates a direct, personal link between each timepiece, its artwork, and the memory of one of the fallen.

Those who register for a timepiece take on the personal stewardship of that story, quietly carrying the memory of the individual represented by their watch and artwork forward day by day.

The timepieces are priced at £1,457, with a direct £457 donation from every sale split equally between the project’s two charity partners. If all 457 timepieces are allocated, the initiative will raise over £200,000 to support wounded veterans and military families. Connect Through Service will receive no profit from the sale of the timepieces.

Jason Gillard, Co-Founder and Director of Connect Through Service, served in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 10 and HERRICK 13/14, and developed the concept to create a lasting legacy for the 25th anniversary.

He said: “For those of us who served in Afghanistan, 457 is much more than a number in a history book. Behind that number are 457 individuals—their families, their friends, their colleagues, and the people who served alongside them.”

“When we started developing The 457 Project, it was vital that this was not simply another commemorative watch. We wanted every timepiece to carry real meaning and create a direct connection to one of those who never came home.”

“That is where Kev Wills’ artwork forms such a central part of the project. Each watch will be accompanied by a painting representing the individual it honours. There will be one watch and one artwork for each of the 457, ensuring that every life given in service is individually represented and honoured.

“The person who takes custody of one of these timepieces will be carrying far more than a number on their wrist. They will be entrusted with the story of one of the fallen and, we hope, will quietly carry and share that legacy for generations to come.

“We also wanted The 457 Project to offer practical, tangible support to our wider Armed Forces community. That is why £457 from every timepiece flows directly to Scotty’s and Walking With The Wounded. CTS receives no profit. This initiative has always been about remembrance, legacy, and standing with those who served and those left behind.”

Walking With The Wounded shares a foundational link with the campaign, having been established in direct response to the conflict in Afghanistan.

Joel Oxberry, Deputy CEO of Walking With The Wounded, said: “Walking With The Wounded is honoured to be a charity partner of The 457 Project, marking the 25th anniversary of the start of Operation Herrick. WWTW was founded as a direct response to the conflict in Afghanistan, and we continue to stand alongside those who served and their families as they navigate the challenges of life after service.”

“The 457 collection is a timeless tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We are deeply grateful to Nomadic Watches and Connect Through Service for choosing to support our work and helping us deliver essential care where it is needed most.”