2025 Earl Mountbatten Memorial Service

This is the annual memorial service for Earl Mountbatten organised by the Romsey Mountbatten Branch of the Royal British Legion.

The event's significance is such that Standard Bearers from all across the county converge on Romsey Abbey to take part in the service.  I had the honour and privilege to attend and parade on behalf of the Sutton Scotney & District Branch.

Also attending the service was a reporter from the Hampshire Chronicle.  His article includes some great photos of the event:

Romsey remembers Earl Mountbatten annual memorial service

From a standard bearer's perspective, it was a very mild day making it a little uncomfortable wearing a wool suit and beret, and long leather gauntlets for a couple hours.  There was also some complexity to the choreography of the service.  Fortunately we had 2 parade marshals to keep us on track, and I was positioned so that I simply had to follow the man in front.  However, we all had to do a straight dip down the isle, rather than out at 45 degrees which is normal.  Training is one thing, but the reality of services and parades is always different.

Benn Hitchen

Sutton Scotney & District Branch Standard Bearer