"Immense sense of pride" for Portsmouth Royal Navy sailors preparing for Remembrance Sunday parade in London
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
Proud sailors representing family members who served their country are gearing up for the Remembrance Sunday parade in London.
Personnel have spent countless hours marching ahead of the Cenotaph commemoration on November 9. Much of the training is taking place at HMS Excellent on Whale Island in Portsmouth.
For Sub-Lieutenant James McDermott, 28, of Chichester, he is marching in honour of his long-standing military family - reflecting on the service of several loved ones. His grandad Harold Willis was a Coder and served on HMS Arethusa during The Battle of the Atlantic. His father, WO1 Corps Bandmaster Michael “Mac” McDermott, was the Corps Bandmaster in the Royal Marines Band Service (RMBS), while his uncle Philip McDermott was a submariner.
Sub Lt McDermott said junior and senior personnel have all worked tirelessly ahead of the commemoration. He told The News: “From where we started a few weeks ago to where we are now, has been quite an exponential curve. They’ve all done very well. It’ll all come together on Sunday. When the guys and girls feel a sense of occasion, there will be a strong sense of pride. On the day, we’ll be representing the best, so that’s what we’ll do.
“To actually have this opportunity is quite rare, and to seize it early on is really lucky. Some have been waiting years to do this. I have a very big naval background, so I had to jump at the chance. Remembrance for me is the opportunity to reflect and think about all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to be where we are today. It gives me an immense sense of pride that we can be there representing the Royal Navy for the nation on Sunday.”
Emotions running high
The training session was a memorable moment for Able Seaman Samuel Tait. The 22-year-old was pulled aside to see his grandad, Royal Navy veteran Anthony Moth, watched the drills from the side-lines. “It was such a shock”, AB Tait said, “I was so focused on marching that I didn’t spot him until I marched past.
“It was quite heart-warming to be pulled out of the ranks to see him. I’ve never experienced something like that. It was really nice to see. For rehearsals, this year has been flawless all the way through training. The selection process to narrow it down to this pool of sailors is brutal. I think it’ll be very good.”
Mr Moth, who served as an Able Seaman, added: “It was really emotional for me and brings back so many memories. With the skill and positioning of them, you can see all the hard work they’ve put in. The veterans are all so proud of what they can do, and what they’ve achieved so far.”
A total of 110 personnel have been chosen from across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, QARNNS, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and musicians in the Royal Marines Band Service - being drawn up from different squadrons ahead of prestigious service. Lieutenant Commander Mark Middleton, based in Alverstoke, has served as a regular and a reserve for over 29 years.
“It’s always good to see them out of the parade,” he added. “It’s a stark reminder of the commitment that people have given to the armed forces over the years. It’s a fitting memorial for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and have allowed us to have the lives we enjoy today. Almost all my cousins, brothers, and uncles have served at some stage.
“There is a real sense of duty when you are covering events such as this. You always want it to be as professional as you can, and represent your service to the best of your abilities. There’s a huge selection process to make the cut. They’ll do absolutely brilliantly. We’ve seen them practicing for hours and hours to get to standard.”
Able Seaman Charlotte Huxley will be marching in her first remembrance parade as a serving sailor. She has an unbroken line of military service through her father’s side, with her mums father also serving in the Royal Navy.
“Training has been intense to make sure we’re ready and moving as a squadron, looking smart and representing the Royal Navy in the right way,” she added. “Emotions are starting to get higher as people are beginning to reflect on Sunday, thinking of those who came before us and representing the best service.
“Every time I step off and do something like this, I’m always thinking of those who came before me, whether it’s my family or the veterans I’ve spoken to. My dad and his dad are still alive, and they’re really proud. I’d like to think I can do them and the service proud.
“Remembrance is about remembering those who came before, but it’s more than that. It’s about showing our gratitude as a nation, service, and individuals. We wouldn’t be standing here in this uniform or otherwise if it wasn’t for them.”