Terry Wilmot, visiting the island from London, attended the service for the first time this year.
‘My father, Eric Wilmot, was one of the survivors on the HMS Charybdis,’ he said.
‘He is no longer with us, he passed away in 2020 at 99.
‘I was planning on coming for the 80th but had heart surgery, so I have had a few years to wait before coming, but the service was marvellous.’
He said that it was important that the service continued to be well-attended not just to remember those who were there, but also for the future generations.
‘It happened during the Second World War and it was the crushing of regime that tried to take over,’ said Mr Wilmot.
‘It’s important for the future generations not just to remember the people, but also the perils of war.’
The service was led by Father Joe Thompson and wreaths were laid at the cemetery by individuals including the Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon and John Eskdale, a 101-year-old former Royal Marine, who is one of the last surviving crew members of HMS Charybdis.
‘He’s amazing. I had the privilege of speaking to him and he is such a humble gentleman – he’s a very special man,’ said Father Thompson.
‘It’s such a beautiful and moving service, and an honour and a privilege to lead. If we fail to remember, we run the risk of the same thing happening again.’
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