The Soldiers are a British Army trio formed in 2009, comprising Sergeant Major Gary Chilton of Andover, Hampshire, Staff Sergeant Richie Maddocks of Oldham, Greater Manchester, and Corporal Ryan Idzi of Caerphilly, Wales; all members served full‑time in the army while pursuing music. Their breakthrough came with the single "A Soldier's Christmas Letter" released on 7 December 2009, followed by the debut album Coming Home on 26 October 2009, which reached double platinum status in the United Kingdom; the title track was distributed as a free download through The Sun and proceeds were donated to the Army Benevolent Fund. The group continued with the studio albums Letters Home on 22 October 2010, Message To You on 24 October 2011, and a self‑titled release The Soldiers on 28 October 2012, each issued through labels such as Rhino Records, Warner Bros. Records, and DMG TV, with Letters Home achieving platinum certification. They appeared on BBC television’s Big Sing 2009 and collaborated with artists including Robin Gibb and Charles Aznavour on various singles. The Soldiers’ work has been recognised for its charitable impact and consistent chart presence, with Coming Home attaining a peak position of number one in the UK album charts upon release and subsequent gold certifications for later albums. Their continued commitment to both military service and music has solidified their place as a distinctive act within the pop rock and rock music genres.
