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Royal Navy warship chaplain to attend national Remembrance Service
9 November 2017
A Royal Navy chaplain serving on board the South West warship HMS Albion will attend this year’s Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall.
Father Charles Bruzon, who comes from Gibraltar, has been invited to represent the Naval Chaplaincy Service by the Chaplain of the Fleet.
Father Charles, currently chaplain of the Plymouth-based amphibious assault ship HMS Albion, will attend with British Army and RAF colleagues during the religious element of the evening.
He said, “I have been watching the festival on television year as far as I can recall, so to be there representing the Naval Chaplaincy on such a moving night when we honour the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice is an absolute honour and privilege.”
Father Charles joined the Royal Navy in 2010 and has served both ashore and afloat. Operational deployments in front line units have included; HMS Albion’s sister ship HMS Bulwark, the Type 45 destroyers HMS Daring and Duncan, Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke and Type 42 destroyers HMS Edinburgh and Liverpool.
to be there representing the Naval Chaplaincy on such a moving night when we honour the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice is an absolute honour and privilege
HMS Albion’s commanding officer, Captain Tim Neild, said, "I am truly delighted for Father Charles. This opportunity is very special and we look forward to his return on board to lead my sailors and Royal Marines in our own Service of Remembrance at sea.’’
HMS Albion is undergoing intensive training to become the UK’s high readiness amphibious assault vessel and the Fleet Flagship.
The Royal British Legion hosts the annual Festival of Remembrance to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in conflicts.
The event, presented by the BBC's Huw Edwards, takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 11 November 2017, the day before Remembrance Sunday.
Emeli Sande, Tom Odell, Melanie C, Alfie Boe and Lesley Garrett will perform alongside The Queen’s Colour Squadron and The Band of HM Royal Marines in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and members of the Royal Family.
As the poppy petals fall, the Festival will remember all victims of war and those that made the ultimate sacrifice from both World Wars to present day conflicts.
The act of Remembrance can be enjoyed on BBC Radio 2 at 8pm or BBC One at 9pm.