Service of Remembrance

This morning Sue and I attended the Service of Remembrance at St George’s Church, Woolwich.

We last visited the church back in September when we attended the Commonwealth and Gurkha Garden Party, and there were even more people there this time.

The service was led by Revd Dr Adam Scott OBE, TD, the Honorary Chaplain to the National Reserve HQ, Royal Artillery and amongst those who attended were the local MP (Matthew Pennycook), the Deputy Mayor (Jit Ranabhat), the Chair of the Woolwich Garrison Church Trust (Tim Barnes KC), a former Mayor (Denise Hyland), several Borough Councillors, representatives of the 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, the Royal Artillery, the Metropolitan Police, the Scouts, the Army Cadets, and the local Gurkha community. A large number of wreaths were laid …

… and tributes were paid to Gunner Alfred Smith VC and Lance Corporal Jake Alderton RE, both of whom have their names inscribed on the memorial at the side of the Church. Gunner Smith – who is buried in a Plumstead – won his Victoria Cross when he saved the life of his superior officer – Lieutenant Guthrie – at the Battle of Abu Klea, and Lance Corporal Alderton was killed on active service in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. They were selected as representatives of all those whose names are recorded on the memorial.

It was a very moving occasion and although we both returned feeling cold and wet, we also felt spiritually uplifted by the service.