Heroes who gave their lives during Second World War honoured

The Royal Naval Patrol Service’s annual reunion service and parade will be held at their wartime headquarters in Lowestoft on Saturday, October 7.

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

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 headquarters, HMS Europa, was in the Sparrow’s Nest Gardens with other bases around the town.

The Royal Naval Patrol Service Association's 47th annual service of remembrance 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 and 600 ships lost.

Leo Whisstock, national secretary of the RNPS Association, said: "Our annual service and parade is on Saturday, October 7 with the service and wreath laying starting at 11am in Belle Vue Park at our memorial and afterwards reforms in Sparrows Nest Gardens - the site ofthe Second World War Naval Base HMS Europa - for the salute and address from our President, Commander Garry Titmus RN and the Mayor of Lowestoft and the the 'Sunset' ceremony."

The service and parade honours the men who manned the minesweepers and escort vessels and saw service in all waters of the world as they carried out duties to keep vital supply lines open.

Mr Whisstock said: "After the parade is dismissed the museum will be open for people to see the work we have done during the year.

"We would like to see as many members of the public as possible to support us and the Second World War veterans that will be there.

"Members of ex-service associations are very welcome to come along as well as their standard bearers."