Portsmouth called to arms to back parade marking the 100th anniversary of The Battle of Jutland

More than 100 sailors will march through Southsea – led by the Royal Marines Band Collingwood – to Southsea Common war memorial where a 45-minute ceremony and service will take place on Tuesday, May 31.

About 50 veterans from the Royal British Legion and Royal Naval Association will join the parade.

The city’s residents are being called to line the route from Palmerston Road, along Avenue De Caen and the Esplanade.

The parade starts outside Knight & Lee in Palmerston Road at 1.30pm.

Event organiser, Commander Andy Green said: ‘The Battle of Jutland was the most significant naval engagement of the First World War, with more than 100,000 sailors and 250 ships involved.

‘Some 6,000 Royal Navy sailors – including 1,869 from Portsmouth – were lost, along with 2,500 German sailors.

‘We are hoping that the people of Portsmouth turn out in their numbers to line the route or attend the service and ceremony.’

Cdr Green said relatives of sailors who fought or who were lost in the battle were especially welcome to attend.

Relatives can join the commemoration by contacting Cdr Green at [email protected].

The memorial service, which starts at 2pm, will include a drumhead ceremony where drums are piled in a pyramid to create an altar.

During this, four schoolchildren involved in the First World War schools’ project Never Such Innocence will give readings about the conflict.

‘There have been many commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of World War One battles, but this is the one key date that allows a singular focus on the navy,’ said Cdr Green.