Remembrance Sunday: "Sense of loss weighs heavy" on Portsmouth as city unites to honour the fallen
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Sacrifices of the fallen who served our country weigh heavy on the shoulders of Portsmouth residents - as the city unified to remember them at the annual parade.
Large crowds gathered in Guildhall Square this morning (November 9) to honour those who lost their lives in bitter conflicts. People wore their poppies with pride as wreaths were laid at the First World War cenotaph, with poignant hymns ringing around the city.
RAF Sergeant Martin Lucktaylor, born and raised in Portsmouth, took part in the marching parade alongside his father, Royal Navy Petty Officer Steve Lucktaylor. “We’ve all got people who we have served with in conflicts,” the 42-year-old told The News. “It’s about remembering those who are fighting in conflicts at the moment, but also people who are no longer with us.
“Remembrance is about being thoughtful of colleagues and friends who are serving. I’ll also be thinking of my step father-in-law, as he recently found out his dad died on HMS Rainbow in October 1940. I was inspired by my dad’s service, so I decided to join the RAF. It’s a pleasure to march with him.”
Steve Lucktaylor, 70, originally from Bradford in West Yorkshire, achieved the rank of Petty Officer after serving in the Royal Navy and with the Naval Cadets. He was amazed at how quickly people packed into Guildhall Square for the service.
“It’s very emotional,” he added. “The Portsmouth service is a regular thing for me, but I didn’t attend for a long time. Sometimes, a lot of ex-forces don’t think they deserve to be in a parade. You’re not doing it for yourself though. I’ve got five generations of family who have served.”
Trying to keep his emotions in check, he said: “I think the sense of loss weighs heavy on some veterans. A lot of them might have PTSD and don’t like to be the centre of attention, and prefer to blend into the background. But you’ll see them and they'll always come and say hello, shake your hand.
“He could have gone into the Navy, but I’m very proud of Martin for carrying on the tradition. It was his choice to join up, and he’s doing well, so I’m happy.”
Following an earlier service at the Naval War Memorial in Southsea, Royal Navy, Army, and RAF personnel marched into the square to rounds of applause. Several veterans followed them, joined by cadets and scouts. Musicians from the Royal Marines Band Service performed as the formations took their positions.
The Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane, Dean of the Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral, lead the service. An excerpt of remembrance poem For The Fallen was read aloud, with Buglers sounding The Last Post. The two minutes’ silence was impeccably adhered to, followed by The Reveille. The Lord’s Prayer - alongside other prayers and hymns - were performed before The National Anthem.
Veterans and dignitaries proceeded to march to The Cenotaph to lay the ceremonial wreaths. A march past was then followed, with crowds waving and cheering as the parade drew to a close.
Standard-bearer Clive Sutton, who served in The Falklands War aboard HMS Arrow in 1982, said he always volunteers for such commemorations. The 76-year-old said: “I’m proud to take part and love carrying the standard. People see the standard and it makes them smile, clap, and cheer.
“It was emotional to hear those readings, but the point which brings it all back is the naval hymn. That reminds me of going to the Falklands and seeing HMS Sheffield before she got hit. It brings it all back. I do this for them, and my late mother and father.”
David Spurrier, 67, of Cosham, took the place of his father, Able Seaman James Spurrier - Korean War veteran - at the service. “It’s such a huge privilege and a big honour to represent my father,” the former naval cadet said. “I’m really pleased that I can show my dad what you can do if you represent your country.
“I’m so proud of his service. He always watches the memorial services and looks out for any Korean War veterans. I never thought I’d participate in a parade like this. My dad had an invite and would have loved to come, but unfortunately couldn’t make it due to an injury. Remembrance means everything, as I think about what everyone has done for their country. Without a doubt, it unites us all.”
Robert Rogers, a former Royal Navy Clearance Diver who was also a Captain in the Merchant Navy, served in Northern Ireland for three tours. The 75-year-old, of North End, said: “I attend every Remembrance Sunday service.
“I’ve got lots of friends who served alongside me who aren’t here. I think it’s special for everybody that we all remember what happened, and hope it never happens again. We come here, stand here with them and think of them, say prayers, and hopefully, they can see us.”
Rob Kenny, deputy unit leader for the police cadets, 70, of Fareham, said: “Being a former serviceman, I have seen people who have suffered greatly in the armed forces. I remember people who are no longer with us. The police often get bad press, so seeing young cadets being helpful here today should hopefully change their attitudes.”
Spectator Colin Mauger, 82, of Stamshaw, attends the service on an annual basis. “It brings the whole city together,” he added. “I’ve lost my family, so I’d like to remember those that have passed. People still believe in the poppy, it unifies us.”
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan was among those to lay a wreath at The Cenotaph. “In Portsmouth, the heart and home of the Royal Navy, we are rightly so proud of our armed forces personnel, veterans, and the families who support them, for the contribution they make to our country,” he added. “Theirs is the ultimate public service. As always, there was an excellent turnout for all those paying their respects.”