by Bill Heaney
The Submariners Association was joined by Royal Navy submariners and submariner trainees to participate in the annual remembrance parade in London, remembering all submariners who remain on Eternal Patrol.
Submariners, many from HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane and Coulport, veteran and serving, gathered at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, November 1 for the Dedication of the Submariners Remembrance Garden in the North Field.
Nominated personnel laid wreaths at the Special Forces Memorial in the West Cloisters of Westminster. Individuals were then escorted inside the Abbey for a war time brief on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The annual remembrance service and parade were held on Sunday, November 2 in Middle Temple Gardens. At around 12:20, a General Salute was performed followed by a 2-minute silence.
Wreaths were laid at the Drumhead whilst volunteers read out the names of Royal Navy Submariners recent and long-standing who had embarked on their Eternal Patrols.
A Final Salute to absent friends was performed and the wreaths were taken to be placed at the Submarine Memorial.
Among those present and leading the parades was Director Submarines and Rear Admiral Submarines, Rear Admiral Andrew Perks MBE.
He said: “Beneath the waves and across generations, submariners have carried out their duty with courage, professionalism, and quiet resolve.
“This weekend, our serving and veteran communities come together to honour those members of the Submarine Service on eternal patrol and to ensure their spirit continues to guide us today.”
Commander Submarine Flotilla and Deputy Rear Admiral Submarines, Commodore (Cdre) Ben Haskins CBE was also in attendance, with this year marking his first Submariner Remembrance in his new role as Commander of the Submarine Flotilla.
On this occasion and the importance of this event, Commodore Haskins said: “The Submariners Association’s Annual Memorial Service is always a poignant reminder of the sacrifices of those submariners who have gone before us.
“This event serves as a critical link between those serving today and our outstanding community of veterans, as well as the families who support both so brilliantly.
“It is testament to the unique bonds of camaraderie within the Silent Service and it was an honour this year to join more than 300 veterans and serving members of the Submarine Flotilla from Faslane, The Royal Port of Barrow, and Devonport who came together in London to pay their respects to those ‘on eternal patrol’.”
Cdre Haskins is based at HM Naval Base Clyde, Home of the Submarine Service. Currently home to the Royal Navy’s five, soon to be six, Astute-Class submarines, and the four Vanguard-Class submarines, the site is currently under regeneration in preparation for the arrival of the new Dreadnought Class submarines in the early 2030s.
Held the week before national remembrance, the Submariner Remembrance is a significant event to all those in or associated with the “Silent Service” community.