Estimated crowd of 150 attend memorial service for diver who discovered the Mary Rose

It was estimated that 150 people attended the memorial of Edward John Towse, known as John, at St Mary’s Church in Portchester.

John, who died from pneumonia last month aged 82, was instrumental in the discovering of the wreckage of the legendary battleship during a dive in May, 1965.

John’s nephew, David Wells, said: ‘When we got in the church I could not believe it.

‘John would have been very proud, he’s probably very sorry that he missed it!’

David gave a eulogy to ‘natural raconteur’ John, during which he said: ‘He has left an amazing legacy with the Mary Rose, but he has also left a huge gap in our hearts.’

John famously co-discovered the Mary Rose wreckage as a keen member of Southsea’s Sub-Aqua club.

Alison Mayor, current secretary of the sub-aqua club, says that the memorial was ‘very respectful and moving’.

She said: ‘It was fabulous to see so many people not only from the diving community but also from the local community in Portchester.’