The Spalding Royal Naval Association (RNA) organised and hosted a poignant service to mark the 82nd Commemoration of the D-Day landings on Saturday, 6th June 2026. The event took place at Ayscoughfee Gardens, drawing a strong showing of support from veterans, service personnel, and the local community.
Due to intermittent showers, the service was moved from its traditional location in the Peace Gardens at the Second World War memorial to the shelter of the pavilion stand beneath the historic First World War Lutyens Memorial. Despite the wet weather, the turnout from the Spalding RNA was excellent. They were joined and supported by members of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment and the Royal Anglian Regiment, with three standard bearers present for the duration of the ceremony.
The service was led by Father Rob Parker-McGee, Vicar of St Mary and St Nicolas Church in Spalding. In his opening address, Father Rob paid tribute to the Royal Navy personnel who lost their lives in a recent helicopter crash: Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson (42), Lieutenant Lilly-Mae Fisher (31), who was Britain’s only female Royal Navy Commando, and Petty Officer Owen Green (24).
The guest of honour for this year’s commemoration was 103-year-old Shipmate Charles Giles, who celebrates his 104th birthday next month. During his distinguished naval career, Shipmate Giles served on HMS Bleasdale and was part of the historic Normandy beach landings 82 years ago. He was also present in Japan when the Japanese military surrendered at the conclusion of the Second World War.
The order of service included several readings and moments of reflection. RNA Chairman, Shipmate Tony Yoxall, read Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem, “Crossing the Bar”. Following this, a military trumpeter provided by the regimental staff played the “Still”, signalling the start of a two-minute silence during which all three standards were dipped as a mark of respect to the fallen. The silence concluded with the sounding of the “Carry On”.
Father Rob then read the poem “Do Not Stand At My Grave”, after which Shipmate Giles lay the Spalding RNA wreath. Martin Croft (ex-Royal Engineers, Lance Corporal) read Psalm 107 verses 23-30, which was followed by Father Rob reading “A Prayer for all Who Go to Sea”.
The congregation joined together to recite the Royal Naval Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer, followed by a prayer of commitment and Nelson’s prayer. After Father Rob delivered the final blessing, those in attendance sang the National Anthem before the parade was dismissed.
Shipmate Rodney Grocock
Vice-Chairman
Spalding Royal Naval Association
Email: rodney@rodneygrocock.co.uk