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

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.

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.

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.’

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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.

‘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.’

The service will go ahead without participants wearing masks – but AB Smythe believes he would have taken the requirement in his stride.

He said: ‘It would be interesting, is the only thing I could say.’

Across Portsmouth and the surrounding towns, The News is calling on residents to honour the nation’s veterans with our Stand Out for Heroes campaign, with people taking to their front steps, gardens, and balconies to observe the two-minute silence this Sunday and again on Armistice Day on the 11th.

Portsmouth City Council is asking people not to visit the cenotaph in Guildhall Square. A virtual service with recorded messages from religious and political representatives from across the city will be broadcast on the council’s website and Facebook at 9am.

Virtual events will be held by councils across Fareham, Havant, and Gosport.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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