The King and Queen will lead the nation in a two-minute silence to remember those who died in conflict as the Royal Family and senior politicians lay wreaths at the Cenotaph
The King is poised to lead the nation in a poignant two-minute silence to honour those who lost their lives in conflict.
Charles will be at the heart of the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London on Sunday, accompanied by other Royal family members and top politicians who will lay wreaths in tribute to the fallen.
Around 10,000 military veterans are set to participate in the Royal British Legion’s march-past, with approximately 20 Second World War veterans attending, marking 80 years since the end of the conflict.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: “This Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour all those who have served our country. We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the world wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today.
“Eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we remember a generation who stood against tyranny and shaped our future. Their legacy is peace and our duty is to protect it.
“Such sacrifice deserves more than silence, which is why this Government remains committed to supporting veterans, their families and those who serve. Today, we remember, and we renew our promise to uphold the values they fought for.”
Among those preparing to march is 101 year old Donald Poole, a technician from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps who dealt with defective explosives or enemy ammunition.
Originally hailing from Bromley, Kent, he was serving in India in 1945 when Japan’s surrender was announced, sparking spontaneous celebrations. He said: “It is a great honour to be able to pay tribute to the poor souls who have died in all conflicts and I know how lucky I am to still be here thanks to all those who have fought and served, past and present.
“I also want to pay tribute to the civilian services who suffered during the Second World War, particularly the fire service, who saved so many lives during the Blitz – many of whom lost their own.”
Sid Machin, another of the six 101 year olds registered to march, is amongst the final surviving “Chindit” soldiers from the Second World War’s Burma campaign.
As a teenager of around 19, Mr Machin touched down behind enemy lines in a glider during the night in the jungle, as part of a special forces unit in Burma (now Myanmar ), which caused chaos for Japanese supply lines and infrastructure.
Mr Machin, from Dorset, said: “I am proud to be marching at the Cenotaph today with the Chindit Society to mark the end of an emotional year remembering my own and my comrades service in the Far East.
“It was tough but we just had to get on with it and watch out for each other. I will be thinking of everyone I served with and especially those that didn’t make it home.”
Eileen Marshall, 98, is amongst just three female Second World War veterans expected to march at the Cenotaph this year. Ms Marshall, from Ilkley in West Yorkshire, departed home in 1944 aged 17 to join the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). After her initial training, she was posted to HMS Ganges, where she was tasked with maintaining the officers’ quarters.
She shared: “Serving in the WRNS was one of the happiest times of my life, but also one of the saddest, especially when sailors were lost at sea, including my cousin.
“On Remembrance Sunday, I will be marching with the HMS Ganges Association to honour all those who gave their lives, including my husband Ray, who served with the Highland Regiment and passed away in 1994. I will proudly wear his medals as I remember him and all the fallen.”
The poignant two-minute silence will commence at 11am on Sunday, followed by the march at 11.25am. Thousands are anticipated to throng Whitehall in tribute.
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton stated: “From the Cenotaph in London to memorials in towns and villages across the United Kingdom, and wherever our armed forces serve around the world, we pause to remember their courage, their sacrifice and their enduring legacy.
