By Democrat reporter
MILITARY AND CIVILIAN staff at HMNB Clyde paused for a moment to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during their annual Remembrance Service.
It was standing room only in St Mungo’s Church at Faslane, with over 150 people from all over the Naval Base there to join in the service which was led by the Clyde Chaplaincy Team.
The Reverend Mark Dalton welcomed everyone and read the opening prayer before the Roll of Honour was read by the Base Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer 1, Lee Morgan.
In addition, those attending joined in singing the Naval Hymn and bugle player Charlie Breach, formerly of 43 Commando, played the Last Post to mark the traditional two minutes’ silence. Following this the Military Wives Choir sang ‘The Poppy Red’ while Naval Base staff laid wreaths.
Wreaths were laid by Naval Base Commander, Commodore Sharon Malkin ADC; Commander Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Paul Dunn OBE; 43 Commando, Colonel Adam Whitmarsh; Ministry of Defence Police, Chief Inspector Des Kennedy; Babcock, Mr Lynton Simmonds; Lockheed Martin UK, Mr Norman Stewart; and HMS Neptune, Able Seaman 1 Writer Suete King.
In addition, on Remembrance Sunday, Naval Base Commander, Commodore Sharon Malkin gathered with local residents and dignitaries at Hermitage Park, Helensburgh to join the nation in the act of remembrance.
The Reverend George Hunter, Chaplain to the Forces (Volunteer), led the service with the Guard of Honour provided by the Helensburgh Sea Cadets. The Neptune Volunteer Band were also in attendance to provide musical accompaniment.
On the stroke of eleven, all fell silent while the Last Post played, and those attending took the opportunity to remember those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country.
Following the two minutes silence for reflection, wreaths were laid by veterans and community groups with Commodore Sharon Malkin laying a wreath on behalf of the Royal Navy this year.
Commodore Malkin said: “It is an honour to stand alongside our local community and remember those who have come before us. We are here today in gratitude and solidarity to honour past sacrifices and those who continue to protect our freedoms and secure our future.”
Royal Navy personnel from HMNB Clyde also attended Remembrance events in Glasgow and Inverness, as well as multiple services the length and breadth of the country.
- Naval Base staff laying wreaths in St Mungo’s Church at HMNB Clyde.
- The Bugler plays the Last Post to mark the start of two-minutes silence.
- The HMNB Clyde Chaplaincy Team
- HM Naval Base Commander, Commodore Sharon Malkin, lays a wreath at the Helensburgh Service.
- Commodore Sharon Malkin stands with Helensburgh Sea Cadets and members of the local community.
- The many wreaths laid in the Garden of Remembrance at Hermitage Park.