Cemetery to honour thosewho have fallen in battle

Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery in Clayhall Road is holding the service on Sunday, April 9 at 3pm, honouring those who sacrificed their lives to keep Britain safe from tyranny in two world wars and other conflicts since.

The cemetery contains 772 graves from the First World War, two of which are unidentified and 611 Second World War graves – 36 of them are also for unidentified personnel.

The service will be led by Canon John Draper; members of the Gosport Royal British legion, Cadet Forces, Submariners Association Members and members of local naval establishments will lay wreathes on the Cross of Sacrifice.

The Lord Mayor will also be present, to represent the people of Gosport.

Hampshire County Council has designated the cemetery an SSI because of the botanical diversity found on the site.

The chapel and memorials have been given Grade Two Heritage listing, except the HMS Eurydice Monument ,which is listed Grade Two.

Funeral director Kyela Trivett said: ‘In total the remains of more than 4,000 men, women and even a few children lie here, the youngest being just four months old.

‘Here in these peaceful surroundings you will find the last resting place of more than 1,500 British, Commonwealth and allied sailors, marines, merchantmen and women who died in the service of this country.

‘The cemetery also has a small plot which holds the remains of 28 sailors of the Ottoman/Turkish State.

‘The cemetery is open every day of the year and the public is very welcome to visit this beautiful oasis of peace.’

For more information about the commemoration service, people can call (023) 9276 5385.

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