Friday, 6th June 2025 marked the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings, a defining moment in our nation’s history and a day that will forever be remembered for the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who took part.. The Spalding Branch of the Royal Naval Association, under the Chairmanship of Shipmate Richard Brown, was honoured to be actively involved in this year’s commemorations to remember the fallen and to reflect on the immense scale and impact of the operation.
The day began at 9.30am, as shipmates mustered at the South Holland District Council offices in Priory Road, Spalding, for a flag raising ceremony. It was a simple but dignified start to a day of remembrance, and one that set the tone for the rest of the proceedings.
Later that morning, shipmates gathered once again – this time at the peaceful surroundings of Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens for the main D-Day Commemoration Service. Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side, but thanks to the kindness and quick thinking of Julia Knight, Manager of Ayscoughfee Hall, the service was moved indoors to one of the museum’s large rooms. The Spalding RNA extends heartfelt thanks to Julia and her team for making this possible – it was a most generous gesture and very much appreciated.
The indoor service was beautifully conducted by our RNA Padre, Barbara Hutchinson, who opened with a welcoming prayer, setting a respectful and contemplative tone. This was followed by the solemn reading of “Crossing the Bar“ by Alfred, Lord Tennyson – a poignant naval tradition that moved all who were present.
Shipmate Anthony Briggs added a particularly touching naval element by piping the ‘Still’ on his bosun’s call, after which a two-minute silence was observed, bringing a profound hush of reflection. He then piped the ‘Carry On’, a moment that stirred emotions across the room.
Three wreaths were laid in memory of those lost during the landings. Shipmate Rodney Grocock read aloud a moving summary of the vast scale of the D-Day operation, highlighting that the invasion fleet was drawn from eight different navies, and recounting the heavy losses endured that day. These words brought a sense of the immensity of the occasion and reminded us all of the sacrifices made by so many.
The service continued with prayers, including the Royal Naval Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer, uniting shipmates and guests in shared remembrance. The final prayer – Nelson’s Prayer – was a fitting close to the formal act of worship. The Padre, Barbara, then gave a blessing, and the room rang out with the voices of shipmates and guests alike singing the first verse of our National Anthem, God Save The King.
The entire day was deeply moving, a fitting tribute to those who gave everything on that fateful day in 1944.
On behalf of the Spalding Royal Naval Association, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make this day so special – from those who helped plan and prepare, to those who braved the weather, and to everyone who stood with us in remembrance.
We will remember them.
Rodney Grocock,
Communications & Recruitment Officer
Royal Naval Association
Spalding Branch