Strong Naval presence at Remembrance Sunday service in Portsmouth

A sizeable Royal Navy contingent from shore establishments across southern Hampshire took part in the annual Service of Remembrance in Portsmouth on Sunday 13th November.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood led a parade of 78 Navy personnel, marching into the city’s Guildhall Square for a service conducted by The Very Reverend David Brindley, Dean of Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral, and Father James McAuley of St John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral.

HMS Collingwood provided a 24-man guard, and there were 18-strong platoons from HMS Sultan and HMS King Alfred. Ten ceremonial staff from HMS Excellent also joined the parade.

A large number of veterans received a rousing welcome as they were led into Guildhall Square by the Portsmouth Citadel Salvation Army Band.

The service concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorials adjacent to the Guildhall. Among the wreath-layers were Rear Admiral Richard Stokes, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Support), Major General Rob Magowan, Commandant General Royal Marines, and Captain Sam Shattock of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

See more pictures from the proceedings below, courtesy of Royal Navy Media Archive photographers: