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Virtual Armistice Day service held at Chatham Historic Dockyard

A special virtual stream of this year's Armistice Day service was held to commemorate fallen serviceman and women.

The scaled back event took place at Chatham Historic Dockyard's with music, speeches and a two minute silence from 11am to mark the occasion.

A special Armistice Day service was streamed online this year
A special Armistice Day service was streamed online this year

It was an Armistice Day service like no other before it with the ongoing restrictions of the pandemic meaning the public were advised to stay at home and watch a Facebook live stream.

Members of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust and a small selection of guests were invited to pay tribute and honour fallen serviceman and women.

The service took place beside the National Destroyer memorial which commemorates the 142 lost British destroyers in World War II resulting in the deaths of more than 11,000 crew members.

It also records the sacrifices of other dominion and allied destroyers and their crews who were also lost between 1939 and 1945.

This year there was a large poppy display as part of the ceremony featuring over 400 felt, crochet, knitted and knotted poppies.

This year there was a large poppy display as part of the ceremony featuring over 400 felt, crochet, knitted and knotted poppies.
This year there was a large poppy display as part of the ceremony featuring over 400 felt, crochet, knitted and knotted poppies.

All had been hand made by the Dockyard's team and volunteers plus students from Bradfield’s Academy in Churchill Avenue.

Stephen Billington, of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said: "Due to the current situation across the country it has not been possible to host our usual service but we are pleased to be able to offer a virtual visit to the Dockyard.

"As we commemorate those who served and those who were lost on the monument we will remember all serviceman personnel and civilians who lost their lives in the service of their country.

"For those who were injured, for those who still bear the scars in body and mind, for those who still mourn the loss of loved ones.

"We will also remember all who serve their country today in the armed forces and for all those that have died or been injured in all conflicts since the end of the second world war in 1945.

"Let us remember in silence before god all those who have died in the service of their country."

The full service can be seen in full here.

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