‘We keep their memories alive’: Service held for one-year anniversary of Royal Navy’s ‘memory tree’
“Together, we keep their memories alive.”
Bereaved families of armed forces veterans have commemorated their loved ones at a memorial tree in Portsmouth.
One year ago, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) unveiled a memory tree at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Today, a service was held around the tree as everyone paid their respects to the fallen.
Built with the help of BAE Systems, the memory tree has leaves that individually honour service personnel from the Royal Navy. One of those named on the tree is Chief Petty Officer David Allman, who died in June 24 while on deployment in Bahrain.
His partner, Alison Allman, said: “David worked in the navy for 22 years, in marine engineering. He absolutely loved it.
“It was fantastic that something could be given back to the Royal Navy community like this. He helped so many people within the navy, training and supporting them.
“It was very humbling to see the tree - it’s actually situated right down the street for where his office used to be. It’s nice to have that support from other families as well, getting to know them and learning about their similar experiences.”
Commemorating their son, Kyran Carney, were parents Justin and Amanda. The pair travelled from Cornwall for the service, after he died during his submarine training in October 2022.
Justin said: “We still get stopped now by people we don’t even know, who tell us that Kyran helped their sons and daughters - he would give up his own time to help other people.
“This is one of the hardest times of the year - his birthday was in August so we go from that, to the anniversary of his passing, to Remembrance Day. We want to thank the RNRMC, and the Royal Navy in general, for the massive support they have given us from within hours of losing Kyran in the accident.”
Amanda added: “It’s a priviledge to be invited.”
Hundreds of families joined them around the memory tree, while Sir Jonathan Bond, former First Sea Lord, led the commemorative service.
He said: “This is the most wonderful way to honour our loved ones. The memory tree is far more than a display of names - every name carries a story, represents a life lived, a family loved and service given.
“Each leaf is unique, just as every person remembered here is unique. Nobody is ever truly forgotten, while their memory continues to be cherished.
“I hope that today brings not only reflection but also comfort, that you are among people who understand the importance of remembrance. Together, we keep their memories alive.”
A wreath was laid by the RNRMC under the tree, and families were invited to place a candle around the edges of the memorial.
Speaking after the service, the RNRMC’s head of marketing operations, Shannon Cooper, said: “It’s amazing to see the tree in place. It’s a really emotional day, but so nice to have a place that families can come to in a naval setting. They are still part of the naval family, even when they have lost someone.
“Some people have lost loved ones quite recently, and it’s so important to remind them that the charity is there for them, and they remain part of the naval community.”