Remembrance Sunday: Portsmouth falls silent to honour fallen personnel as Guildhall packed with well-wishers

Deep sadness and reflection fell over Portsmouth as hundreds of people attended the city’s Remembrance Sunday service.

Between 2,000 to 3,000 people packed Guildhall Square on the morning of November 8 to honour those who died serving our country. Loud applause rang round the square as personnel and veterans from across the services marched and formed up in front of the steps.

Nick Checketts, a 66-year-old Army veteran, was a standard bearer for the service and said the large crowds meant so much to him. The Clanfield resident told The News: “I’m very proud to be involved and Remembrance should always be on our minds.

“We should always remember the people who didn’t come home. The Royal British Legion keeps that going and hopefully forever more. Remembrance Sunday is about getting together with friends and comrades, and honouring those who served before us.

“It’s such a good day. Portsmouth is always a good turnout, and it always blows me away to see how many people turn up to support us. It’s fantastic. Long may it reign.”

“We will remember them”

Commemorations began in Southsea at Portsmouth Naval Memorial, with personnel marching to Guildhall Square. Once they arrived, reflective verses from the "For the Fallen" poem by Laurence Binyon were read to the spectators. Everyone repeated “we will remember them”.

Buglers from the Royal Marines Band Service (RMBS) sounded The Last Post. The two minutes’ silence was immaculately adhered to, with musicians then playing Reveille.

The Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane, Dean of Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral, and Canon James McAuley, Dean of St John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, began the readings and prayers. Representatives from the Jewish, Sikh and Islamic faiths also spoke at the service.

Visitors read prayers aloud before the recital of In Flanders Field. The National Anthem was sung before the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorials. Tears were shed as they were placed at The First World War Cenotaph. Spectators clapped in time with the music as veterans and personnel departed.

“They sacrificed a lot”

Roger Wrigley, a former Royal Navy Leading Chef who served for over 15 years, was a wreath layer. The Age UK Portsmouth volunteer, 67, of North End, said: “It’s such an honour.

“Last year’s service was packed and it’s packed again. Portsmouth always turns out to represent us and remember those in the past. They’re remembering the sacrifices of those who served.

“I’m so proud of my service. It developed me as a person. I volunteer a lot now, and it follows on then. During this period with what’s going on in the world in the present, and what people did in the past, you realise that they sacrificed a hell of a lot.”

Retired Royal Navy Petty Officer Rex Norman, 72, of Hilsea, served for 24 years. Remembrance Sunday was a chance to reflect on his father Cyril Norman, an Army Sergeant who served in the Second World War. He fought in Sherman tanks in North Africa and Italy.

“It’s really good when they cheer the veterans marching,” he said. “The attendance is always great and it gives you a buzz. My dad was wounded in Italy and flown back with a bit of shrapnel in his arm. He was in a coma. It’s the only time he ever flew in his life.

“The silence will bring back a lot of memories of my friends who were in the Falklands and Gulf Wars. It’s a shame Portsmouth didn’t win the city of culture bid, as they really look after the forces here.”

“Thankful everyday for what they do”

Linda Goodwin, of Chichester, was beaming with pride as her RAF daughter-in-law was part of the parade. Her son serves in the Royal Marines.

“We’re so thankful everyday for what they do,” she said. “Today is a chance to remember the history, and to think about what the future may look like. It’s a very special day.”

Ms Goodwin said she’ll feel deep sadness when the two-minutes’ silence is observed. “We can only imagine what the veterans and current serving military go through,” she added. “All of that will go through my mind, hoping and praying that everyone stays safe, knowing that many won’t if there are future conflicts.

“Remembrance is also about pride and thanks, and it’s a big thanks to them for what they do. This is my first Portsmouth service, and it’s a pleasure to be here.”

Rob Kenny, 71, was an Army Sergeant and served for 30 years. Second-in-command of the Portsmouth North Police Cadets, he prepared them for the parade. “I’ve been making sure their drills are up to scratch, how I was taught in the Army,” he said.

“It’s a national point of remembrance. I think back to people I knew who either died in the service or later on as a veteran. I remember those times and things that have happened in the past.

“I hope to instil in the young cadets the feeling that we’re all here together to do something special. It’s hitting home for them.”

Kandy Lucas, project manager for Age UK Portsmouth, launched Join Forces Portsmouth to help veterans adjust to civilian life and help them with loneliness and isolation. “Remembrance is our time to reflect and be thankful for what they gave up, meaning we have the lives we know today,” she said.

Wellbeing co-ordinator Lisa Chapman added: “It’s important for young children to know why Remembrance is so important and why we wear a poppy. It’s time to reflect and be grateful for what they gave us.”

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Tony Cooper, President of the Portsmouth and Southsea Synagogue, said the turnout was marvellous and he expected nothing less. “I’ve been speaking on behalf of the Jewish community for nearly 25 years, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said.

“The camaraderie here is quite something. All faiths were represented, and it was superb as it always is. We all need to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a free society, where we can all get together regardless of our personal beliefs and where we come from. It’s a great unification ceremony.”

Royal British Legion (RBL) volunteers have been out in force to raise money in support of serving personnel and veterans. Last year, nearly £400,000 was raised across the Portsmouth area.

Mr Checketts believes they’ll surpass that number. He said: “It blows me away how generous people are, even when money is tight for so many. It’s very humbling.”