25 Sailors from HMS Collingwood took the lead at the Biennial Royal Naval Association Parade at the Cenotaph, London.
The sailors from Victory Squadron, HMS Collingwood accompanied by 20 from HMS Sultan journeyed up to London to represent the Royal Navy at the high profile event.
In attendance were over 500 shipmates and 58 Standard-bearers made up from associations across Europe. The parade saw the sailors march down Whitehall to the Cenotaph where an eyes right was given shortly after a service from the Chaplain of the Fleet Scott J Brown QHC.
The Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral David Steel CBE was the Reviewing Officer for the event as well as the guest of honour. In conjunction, 11 Arctic Star medals were presented to veterans of the Arctic convoy.
Associations and individuals related to the Naval Service are invited every two years to join their Shipmates in exercising their right to parade their Standards and lay wreaths at the Cenotaph in London.
Leading Hand, Matthew Sommerville who was in the party representing HMS Collingwood commented,
“I’ve done many parades before, but this was quite an honour. I’m proud of myself and proud to have represented the Royal Navy especially at a high profile event like this.”
[mappress] Press Release, September 20, 2013; Image: Royal Navy