'Impressive' Armed Forces Day shows 'Pompey at its best' as Royal Navy veterans hail large crowds
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
Cloudy weather conditions didn’t stop hundreds of people attending and showing their support for the military
Thankful veterans praised this year’s Armed Forces Day as the city of Portsmouth united to honour the military.
Hundreds of people gathered in Southsea Common on June 20 for what was promised to be the ‘biggest ever’ Armed Forces Day celebration.
Colourful parades took place, with the centre-piece being military personnel, veterans, and civilians, all forming together for the historic Portsmouth100 photograph.
Adam Peters is former Royal Navy Commander who served in the force for 30 years. The 73-year-old, of Southsea, told The News: “It’s an enjoyable day out and lovely to see so many people. The weather hasn’t quite played the game, but we’ll forgive it.
“It’s important we recognise everything us veterans did, as well as supporting the country and peoples around the world. It’s something we’ve always done with Great Britain. Not just British interest, but national interest. The cause of right.”
“Impressive”
Residents gathered in their numbers to see the parade. Headed up by the military band and piping drums, personnel from across the forces, cadets, and veterans groups, marched in formation. This included field gun teams hauling their equipment across the grass.
Cheers and rounds of applause filled the common as people showed their appreciation for the sacrifices the veterans have made, and those serving personnel continue to make.
Civilians and military figures of all ranks gathered as one for the Portsmouth100 Airbus satellite picture, honouring the centenary of city status. Stalls from charitable and welfare support organisations filled the common, packed with visitors.
Despite cloudy weather blocking the satellite picture, and causing the Battle of Britain Memorial Spitfire flypast and Royal Navy parachute jump to be cancelled, visitors were in high spirits. On the way to Armed Forces Day, many shuck hands with veterans and thanked them for serving their country.
This happened to Tony May, 68, on the way to Southsea. The Doncaster-born sailor joined the Royal Navy at 16 and retired as a Petty Officer 24 years later. He attends Armed Forces Day every year.
“We’re losing people every year,” he added. “Some can’t make it anymore. We come here to remember them as much as enjoy ourselves. You meet your old ship mates and friends throughout the years.”
After previously being disappointed with past commemorations, the Portsmouth resident is happy to see it given more care, attention, and funding. Mr May said: “Unfortunately, five or six years ago it was really poor. There were few stalls and not enough organisation.
“In the last three years, it has gotten bigger. The people of Portsmouth have taken to it. Even on the bus, people are shaking your hand and giving you a round of applause. It makes you grow six foot tall and puff your chest out. You’re proud that they’re proud. It gives you a nice feeling inside. I totally loved my service. I’d say to the young’uns today, join the forces. It’s a good life.”
“Emotional”
Stewart Neville-Rutherford, of Cosham, served in the Royal Navy for 23 years and retired as a Petty Officer. He was impressed by the turnout and show of support from the public.
“We’ve got very few veterans now from the Second World War,” he added. “It’s good we can keep the youngsters informed on what it’s all about, and teach them about how many people were involved, the horrors of war, and to remember the people who liberated us.
“It would be a whole different country otherwise. People are thanking us for our service more than they have before. They’re more appreciative of it now and aware about it. There’s certainly a lot more going on today.
“It’s good we have all the organisations who help veterans with their welfare here. A lot were in the Falklands War and now need more support. They need to be aware of the services available to them, we mustn't lose that. The parade was impressive. Nice to have the band and piping drums, very emotional.”
Mr Neville Rutherford said supporting veterans must continue into the future. “When we pulled out of Afghanistan, some soldiers felt their service was a waste of time due to the way it finished,” he added. “They had a lot of mental problems because of that. It’s good we have more support for them.”
Bret Logan was among the people to thank the former personnel, chatting to Mr May and Mr Neville-Rutherford on the way to Armed Forces Day. The 10-year-old Army cadet, of Drayton, joined the organisation due to be passionate about the forces. He said he was very excited for the event ahead.
“It was quite good to chat to them on the bus. They inspire me. I’m gonna go round the stalls and meet more veterans.”
“Pompey at its best”
Tony Long, 64, of Hilsea, was encouraged to see the turnout after poor attendances in the past. He served in the British Army’s Corps of Royal Engineers, during the Falklands War and other operations, retiring as a Lance Corporal following a 12-year career.
“It’s well worth coming down for,” he said. “As long as I can walk, I’ll keep coming. We spend a lot of time looking forward to these days. It’s nice to see more money being spent. If it wasn’t for the Royal Navy, Portsmouth wouldn’t exist.
“This place was made by it, and I’m a Royal Engineer, it must tell you something that I’m praising the navy. a lot of my friends are older and have passed away. You have to make the most of it. These days are important to us. The country needs to remember the Falklands, Gulf, and Iraq. War doesn’t stop, and we have to remember everybody.”
Mr Long said more people are thanking him and his friends for their military careers, and not just on Remembrance Day. “As more of us are wearing a poppy more often, people notice,” he added. “We’re all volunteers. There’s no conscript and we choose to sign up. I’m grateful for being recognised by the public.”
The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Abdul Kadir, thanked residents for how they responded to Armed Forces Day. “It’s Pompey at its best,” he said. “You can’t put dates on veterans, you should remember them and their service everyday.
“When they sign up, they’re not signing up for one or two days. If something happens tomorrow, they’ll be there. We should remember the commitment and responsibility they take to safeguard us and help us sleep at night. The world is in a difficult place at the moment. Many have paid the ultimate price in the past. We should do more to be involved and support their families.”
Other amenities at the event included food stalls, funfair rides, and a climbing wall. The day was organised by Portsmouth City Council and sponsored by BAE Systems.
The company's engineering director for maritime and land defence solutions, Martin Douglass, is a former Royal Navy Commander who served for 27 years. He said: “It’s really good to see the turnout. I was here last year and it’s larger. Sponsoring the services and events like this is fantastic. We employ a lot of people in the city and in Cowes.
“Being a part of supporting the aircraft carriers, Type 45s, the upcoming Type 26s, and the people around them, is really important. To me as an ex-service individual, it’s great to see industry supporting the community in multiple ways, not just employing the local population.”