Portsmouth veteran marks Armistice Day with service on his doorstep
REMEMBERING the sacrifices of armed forces personnel is something we do every year.
But following the outbreak of coronavirus, and the introduction of a second lockdown, Remembrance Sunday services were put on hold this year, with some going virtual and others being cancelled completely.
Fortunately, this hasn’t stopped people from marking Remembrance in their own ways, either in private or in view of their neighbours.
In Stamshaw Road, Stamshaw, at 11am, a two-minute silence was held in honour of Armistice Day – which marked the end of the First World War.
Organised by Clive Sutton from the Royal Naval Association, the commemoration saw other residents take to the streets to take part.
Clive, who spent eight years in the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute (NAAFI), said: ‘Today was very different to parading around Guildhall Square, or marching through the streets of London.
‘But that same feeling, that my family, friends and comrades before me are all by my side, that remained the same.
‘I did commemorate D-Day and VE Day earlier this year, but I think Remembrance is the most important date of all. It would have been a travesty to have done nothing at all.’
With the help of piper Bill Tasker, and fellow veteran Andy Long, Clive was able to put on a brief but poignant memorial to the fallen.
Clive’s time in the service saw him take part in the Falklands War, when the islands were liberated from Argentine invaders.
Meanwhile Andy spent more than 33 years in the army, reaching the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major (WO1) before his retirement in 1998.
The Last Post was played from indoors as the two-minute silence began, followed by the Reveille.
Clive, a former Leading Hand, said: ‘To do something for Remembrance genuinely means everything to me.
‘We were very fortunate to have Bill come along and play the bagpipes, and it was great to speak with Andy about some of his memories.
‘It’s our freedom that these men fought for, and no matter what the situation is we have to commemorate that.’
During the commemoration, cars slowed as they came past, with some passengers saluting the three men as they went by.
Clive said it was ‘heartwarming’ to see such an overwhelming response to his idea, and was pleased to see so many of his neighbours turn out for the event.