Veterans remember fallen comrades

[Batgirl]

Veterans gathered in Portsmouth yesterday to remember their comrades who died in maritime conflicts – and to ensure those memories are carried on by later generations.

Drumhead ceremonies are traditional military events, centred on a pile of drums which serves as a battlefield altar for the blessing of a unit’s colours.

The ceremony is designed to help bolster the spirit of those who are about to face the enemy, and now also serves to remember those who died in service of their country.

Some 10,000 veterans and their families gathered in the specially-built arena close to the RN War Memorial on Southsea Common, an arena dominated by a scale model of the mast of HMS Victory which served as a “memory mast” during the ceremony.

The drumhead was built in the arena by members of the Royal Marines, watched by the Duke of York and Prince Michael or Kent, and pride of place went to the Queen’s Colour of the Surface Flotilla and the National Standard of the Royal Naval Association.

Almost 160 further standards and flags, of Service associations and ships participating in the International Fleet Review, were also on display.

During the service three torches were carried into the arena, made of copper and oak from HMS Victory, and representing remembrance, service and vision.

The first part of the ceremony was more traditional, featuring a prayer written by Nelson, while the second part brought the generations together, with war correspondent Kate Adie interviewing veterans of wars and children who had spoken to them of their experiences.

A wide range of music was featured, from hymns and the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines to gospel from the Jazzmanix and excerpts from a new musical work on Trafalgar performed by children from Portsmouth Grammar School and Twyford School.

The closing stages of the service featured a salute by HMS Illustrious, which sailed into Portsmouth Harbour, and a flypast including the ‘missing man’ tribute, when a plane falls out of the formation and is not replaced.

Following the ceremony veterans were able to meet and relax in a large marquee at the edge of the arena.

Navy News