Sultan Allied Forces join D-Day Commemorations

Service personnel from HMS Sultan joined with D-Day veterans recently for a special Remembrance Ceremony at the Canada Stone Memorial, Stokes Bay, Gosport.

A special Ceremonial Guard led the parade, which also included a platoon of Marine Engineers from the Royal Canadian Navy currently under training at HMS Sultan, as well as veterans and cadets from HMS Sultan Volunteer Cadet Corps.

Gosport played a significant role towards D-Day, dispatching weapons, troops and machinery from its shores.

The Canada Stone Memorial was unveiled on the 50th anniversary of D Day, by the Prime Minister of Canada, in recognition of all the Canadian Servicemen who had embarked for Normandy alongside global allies.

Wreaths were laid at the Memorial Stone by several VIPs including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq., The Minister of Armed Forces, Rt Hon Mark Lancaster MP, Gosport’s local MP and Minister of State for Health and Social Care, Caroline Dinenage, The Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Kathy Jones and the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan Captain John Voyce.

After the final blessing, both the Canadian and the British National Anthem were played.

Captain Voyce said: “It is a huge privilege to represent our Armed Forces as we recognise our veterans and remember those who sacrificed everything for our freedom.

Success in Normandy would not have been achieved without the bravery of the Allied forces and merchant navy, and those partnerships remain just as important today.

The courage and commitment which these veterans have shown provides a legacy which will continue to inspire us and future generations to come.”