Yesterday, the Duke of Cambridge attended the Submariners’ Remembrance Service and Parade ahead of the centenary of the Armistice, which ended World War One on 11 November 1918 at 11 am Paris time (often dubbed “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”).
Submarines played a substantial role throughout the First World War, and close to one-third of the Submarine Service’s personnel were killed during the war.
His Royal Highness was joined by hundreds of current and former submariners in central London for the service and parade. The Duke, who is the Commodore-in-Chief of the Submarine Service, also laid a wreath to commemorate the men and women who have lost their lives fighting for their country.
Whilst the Duke of Cambridge laid the wreath, submariners from various generations read out a roll call of submarines lost.
The ceremony was led by Chaplain to the Submariners Association the Reverend Paul Jupp who told those assembled that they should never forget the sacrifices submariners have made in service to their country.
“History and remembrance are merged by the coming together of us old shipmates and those who are actually doing the job now – a job that we were so proud to be part of in days gone by,” the Reverend remarked.
He continued, “A few of us will remember the submarines that were lost and a few of us will remember people who served on them.
“May all of us make a real effort to learn the story of their service and to carry them on into the future.”
After the ceremony, the Duke moved on to Middle Temple Hall where he spoke to submariners.
The Submariners’ Remembrance Service and Parade occurs annually a week before Remembrance Sunday.
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