Poignant parade and service in Lowestoft honours heroes

The 48th annual Royal Naval Patrol Service reunion in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The Royal Naval Patrol Service’s (RNPS) annual reunion service and parade was held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft on Saturday.

The 48th annual Royal Naval Patrol Service reunion in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Heroes who gave their lives during the Second World War were honoured at the 48th annual service of remembrance at Belle Vue Park, where a memorial to fallen service members is based.

Mayor of Lowestoft Sonia Barker lays a wreath at the 48th annual Royal Naval Patrol Service reunion in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

During the Second World War, the town was the central depot of the RNPS, whose main role was minesweeping to keep vital supply lines open.

The 48th annual Royal Naval Patrol Service reunion in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

There were about 66,000 men in the patrol service serving in 6,000 ships of which 14,000 were killed, with 600 vessels lost.

Rev Peter Paine, Port Chaplain Mission to Seafarers, at the 48th annual Royal Naval Patrol Service reunion in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The parade and annual service was conducted by Rev Peter Paine, Port Chaplain from the Mission to Seafarers, and included traditional hymns, the Arctic and Naval prayers, and the act of remembrance with a reading of the Exhortation and the laying of patrol service and civic wreaths and private tributes.

Cdr G Titmus RN at the 48th annual Royal Naval Patrol Service reunion in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The service concluded with addresses from the RNPS Association President Cdr G Titmus RN and Lowestoft mayor Sonia Barker.

Cllr Sonia Barker, Lowestoft Town Mayor, at the 48th annual Royal Naval Patrol Service reunion in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

After the service the parade reformed in Sparrows Nest Gardens - the site of the Second World War Naval Base HMS Europa - for the salute, address and the 'Sunset' ceremony.

The 48th annual Royal Naval Patrol Service reunion in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Speaking afterwards Leo Whisstock, secretary of the RNPS Association and National Standard Bearer, said: "This year the weather was very unseasonal which added to the occasion, enabling people to feel more inclined to stay, mingle and chat.

The 48th annual Royal Naval Patrol Service reunion in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The service was attended by ex-service association standards and supporters, Beccles and Lowestoft Sea Cadet Corps, families of patrol servicemen and we were delighted to have two actual Second World War RNPS veterans with us - plus members of the public.

The 48th annual Royal Naval Patrol Service reunion in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Our museum, which has undergone a lot of updating recently, continues to tell the story of the RNPS, an often overlooked part of the Royal Navy during the war."