On a lovely crisp Saturday morning on 17th April at 1100hrs, the community of Camposol and its surrounding area came together for an act of remembrance for HRH, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. Masks were worn throughout and social distancing maintained during current COVID-19 regulations. The service was held in the Memorial Garden on Camposol A with the kind permission of the Los Palacios Gardening and Community group.
It was the concept of former WREN Petty Officer Linda Taylor, who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service from 1972-1978 and former Leading WREN Billie E Graham-Thomas of Camposol, Mazarrón who served in the WRENs/Royal Navy from 1987-1998.
In attendance were the local Mazarrón District Mayor Gaspar Miras Lorente, Mrs Silvana Buxton Councillor of Camposol and International Relations and other Town Council Delegates. The Mayor addressed the gathering and it was translated by Mrs Buxton
“On behalf of the Spanish people in our region we would like to offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you all here, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family and the British people on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
During his lifetime he maintained a close relationship with the Spanish Royal family King Juan and Sofia and like Her Majesty the Queen, were all great, great, grandchildren of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, the grandmother of Europe.
Prince Philip was a veteran of World War 2 and was mentioned in dispatches for his bravery for saving many of those on-board HMS Valiant.
For 64 years he was Commandant of the Royal Marines some of whom will be his coffin bearers, chosen due to the strong bond Prince Philip had with them and all the British Armed Forces. He will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to public service and to Queen Elizabeth II, his charitable work and his mischievous sense of humour.
Calm Sea’s and Fair Winds Sir.”
The Reading was done by former Wren Petty Officer Linda Taylor.
A Hero’s Welcome by Robert Longley.
Time to come home dear brother
Your tour of duty through.
You’ve given as much as anyone
Could be expected to do.
Just a few more steps further
The smoke will start to clear.
Others here will guide you
You have no need to fear.
You have not failed your brothers,
You clearly have it all
And through your selfless actions
Others will hear the call,
So take your place of Honour
Amongst those who have gone before
And now you will be remembered
For now and ever more.
The musical arrangement was by former Royal Air Force Sgt Carl Thomas:
- Send Him Home by the Royal Marines Band.
- How Great Thou Art by Carry Underwood.
- Over The Hills and Far Away by Alfie Boe
- Abide With Me by The Royal Marines Band
- Amazing Grace by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
This was followed by the hymns I Vow to Thee my Country and Jerusalem.
Representatives of several veteran and civilian charities as well as others were present and the service was presided over by Rev. Val Caffyn the local Camposol Padre. The Royal British Legion Murcia Branch Standard was also present.
Many thanks to Camposol C Greenfingers Gardening Group for the use of their generator.