Royal Navy sailors in Portsmouth prepare for televised Remembrance Sunday event at Cenotaph in London

By Richard Lemmer
Published 4th Nov 2020, 16:06 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
SAILORS and marines are getting ready at HMS Excellent to represent the Royal Navy at this weekend’s Remembrance Day event at the Cenotaph in London.

It comes as Covid-19 restrictions have cut the number of participants to just a quarter of the usual strength.

A detachment of 30 personnel from the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy have been practising their steps at the base on Whale Island since October 19.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Warrant Officer Eddie Wearing, state ceremonial training officer for the Royal Navy, said due to reduced numbers at the televised event, there is ‘nowhere to hide’ for those on display – but he added his detachment is ‘very much ready’ for the big day.

Royal Marines and Royal Navy personnel preparing for Remembrance Sunday at HMS Excellent on Whale Island, Portsmouth on November 4, 2020. Picture: Habibur RahmanRoyal Marines and Royal Navy personnel preparing for Remembrance Sunday at HMS Excellent on Whale Island, Portsmouth on November 4, 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Royal Marines and Royal Navy personnel preparing for Remembrance Sunday at HMS Excellent on Whale Island, Portsmouth on November 4, 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman

He said: ‘This is my fifth year in this role.

‘I would like to say I am accustomed to it, but every year it does change – but clearly there’s a different dynamic this year.

‘It’s important for the nation.

‘Her Majesty’s forces are now expected to put on a pristine and dignified event on behalf of all of those who cannot attend.

‘It’s our duty to honour the fallen.’

The event will see members of the armed forces march in formation as usual, and a small representation of veterans socially distanced.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Read More
Gosport pub The Jolly Roger fined £1,000 for breaching Covid-restrictions with p...

For Able Seaman Triss Smythe, the event will be his first visit to the Cenotaph in uniform – and it will be an emotional day as he represents a long heritage of service and remembers fallen friends.

The 21-year-old said: ‘This is the first I will be at the Cenotaph in uniform – I’ve always wanted to do it, but I’ve been away because of service commitments.

‘I’m very proud to be part of it.’

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth pubs cheer government u-turn on takeaway alcohol sales ban

Regarding those he will remember on the day, he added: ‘There’s a few people. Too many to name. I know a couple of people who I joined up with who are no longer with us.

‘Obviously, it’s difficult when you’ve known someone, and they are so young and there life ends out of nowhere – I’ll never forget them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘The only reason we are here… is because of the sacrifices of those who have gone before us.

‘This is the one day of the year we get to stop and stay thank you.’