Remembrance Sunday 2025 – St Paul’s Cathedral & City of London Parade - Sunday 9th November 2025

Remembrance Sunday in London is always a day of deep pride and reflection, and this year’s gathering was no exception. Our branch of the Royal Marines Association – City of London Branch turned out in strength for the commemorations centred around St Paul’s Cathedral and Mansion House.

The day kicked off with a few of us meeting for breakfast at Coats, a short walk from the cathedral, before heading to the local coffee shop opposite St Paul’s. It was a great way to start the day — some scran, a few wets, and good chat with fellow Marines, sharing expectations for the parade and reminiscing about the Festival of Remembrance the night before.

We began the official proceedings under the great dome of St Paul’s, surrounded by veterans, serving military personnel and standard bearers from across the country. It was a beautiful, sunny morning — very mild for this time of year — and the shafts of sunlight pouring through the east windows lit the area where we sat. The service inside St Paul’s was excellent, with particular highlights including the cathedral choir and an impeccable performance of the Last Post by the bugler. It was a setting and a service befitting the occasion, and a real honour to take part.

After the service, we stepped off and marched down to the London Troops War Memorial on the cathedral steps for the wreath‑laying ceremony. The streets were lined with members of the public, offering strong support and creating a real sense of occasion as we marched. As we passed Mansion House, we gave a sharp eyes-left to salute the newly appointed 697th Lord Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley – just three days into post. It was a great privilege to be clapped by both the public and the dignitaries as we carried out the salute — a powerful and humbling moment.

We then entered Mansion House for the reception. Inside, we were warmly hosted with a cracking curry and free wets – a tradition many of us look forward to, and one that didn’t disappoint. We had the chance to mingle with Dame Susan Langley and other dignitaries, veterans and serving forces. As ever, the camaraderie across generations of service was on full display.

A particular point of pride for our branch was having the National Standard of the Royal Marines Association carried on parade by our own Lou Sartorel. Flanking him were Peter Brown MBE and Tony Luckens BEM, who were both Bren Gunners at Aden in 1962, making it well protected, both carrying out their roles with precision and bearing that reflected the highest traditions of the Corps. Lou had already had a busy weekend, having represented us at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall the night before, and he executed his duties at St Paul’s with the same impeccable professionalism. Leading the National Standards into the cathedral, the trio set the tone for the day. We were proud to see one of our own at the centre of it, supported by two stalwarts of the Corps family.

It was also great to see Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) London on parade, with an impeccably turned-out troop of Royal Marines. There's something about seeing blues worn properly that really stands out — and the RMR lads did the Corps proud once again.

We had a strong turnout from the branch, with many green lids on display. It was fantastic to catch up with familiar faces and welcome a few new ones. Every year, this event reminds me of the strength of the RMA network and the continued importance of showing up for each other, for the Corps, and for the generations who served before us.

To all our branch members who attended — thank you. Your presence matters. Whether you stood on parade, supported from the crowd, or raised a glass elsewhere in remembrance, you’re part of what makes our community what it is.

Tom Frearson

Membership Secretary

RMA CoL

13th November 2025

For upcoming events, including branch meetings on the second Thursday of each month, please check out our events page on our website.