Senior Military representatives from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force joined Civic leaders and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, on Plymouth Hoe on Remembrance Sunday to remember all those who lost their lives in both World Wars and in all conflicts.
Leading the Military contingent was Commodore Peter Coulson ADC, Devonport Navy Base Commander and Royal Marines Brigadier Richard Cantrill OBE MC, Commander 3 Cdo Bde. From the Army was Brigadier Simon Young DL, representing The Rifles and Major Chris Butterworth, from 165 Port & Maritime Regt RLC, along with Air Vice Marshall Garry Tunnicliffe CVO, from the RAF and Captain Sam Shattock, representing the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Terri Beer and the Lord Mayor’s Consort, Mr Colin Beer were joined at the service on Plymouth Hoe by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Rear Admiral Chris Snow CBE, Deputy Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor’s Consort, Council Leader, Leader of the Opposition and Council Chief Executive.
Also, on the parade were representatives from the Royal Netherlands Navy and German Navy currently training with Fleet Operational Sea Training in Devonport, who laid wreaths with others at the Royal Naval Memorial.
The Band of the Royal Marines from HMS Raleigh were in attendance throughout and the Guns from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, fired to initiate and end the two-minute silence from The Royal Citadel.
The Service was conducted by The Rt Reverend Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter along with The Reverend Tim Wilkinson QHC from the Royal Navy.
The Lord Mayor said: “Remembrance Sunday is one of the most important dates in Plymouth’s civic calendar, bringing us all together to commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who have given their lives for our country.
“This year is particularly poignant as it marks a number of significant anniversaries, including the centenary of the Royal British Legion, who provide such valuable support for serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
“It also marks the 80th anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz and 75 years since the Polish Navy marched alongside the British Navy through the streets of Plymouth, celebrating not only the end of the war but also mutual respect, heroism and military co-operation.”
