Plymouth submariners on duty in London

Trainee submariners, based in Plymouth, were among 400 serving personnel and veterans who took part in the annual Submariners’ Remembrance Service and parade in London this weekend.

The group of six trainees attended the service on Sunday (6 November)  held at Middle Temple Gardens on the Embankment, together with their instructors.

The service was conducted by Royal Navy Chaplain the Reverend Ralph Barber, who is currently based at HMS Raleigh, and is traditionally held on the Sunday before the national Remembrance Day Parade.

Trainee Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering (Submariner)) (ETME) Kieran Powell laid the wreath on behalf of the Royal Naval Submarine School, commemorating the lives of all submariners who’d lost their lives in war and peacetime.

During their weekend in London, the trainees visited the Crypt and tomb of Admiral Horatio Nelson, where they gave a presentation on the life of the Royal Navy’s greatest hero and heard an account of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Lieutenant Commander Giles Evans, the Submarine School Executive Officer, and Class Leader Able Rate (AB) Bradley Lyon laid wreaths to remember Nelson and those who fell with him in battle.

The trainees also attended a Service of Remembrance in the Cloisters at Westminster Abbey where they learnt about the history of the poppy fields of Remembrance.  ETME Alexander Watts delivered a reading before ETME Jake Gallagher laid at wreath at the Tri-Service Memorial.

Based in HMS Drake, the trainees are currently undergoing their submarine qualification.  AB Lyon said:  “Going to London has opened my eyes to the ethos of the Submarine service and made me realise that I’m joining an elite band of brothers.”

Additionally on Saturday, the trainees visited Downing Street, the Imperial War Museum and welcomed a team of cyclists from HMS Talent to London on completion of their charity ride from Plymouth.

The visit was funded thanks to a donation from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

Chief Petty Officer ‘Paddy’ Conway said:  “Being involved in the Submarine Memorial weekend seemed to enhance our students’ development overnight.”