The Lieutenancy were in attendance in force at the Devon Remembrance Festival 2023 joining a large congregation at Exeter Cathedral. Guest of honour, The Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Mr David Fursdon, was joined by Rear Admiral Chris Snow DL and Group Captain Gordon Evans DL for the service and the parade of The Standards of the Royal British Legion.
The evening was musically and brilliantly brought together by The Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles led by Captain Lee Clayson. Readings to mark the anniversaries of past conflicts and military history were built into the evening, from the 80th anniversary of the Invasion of Italy, the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, the 60th anniversary of the ending of National Service and the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War.
There was one very special guest, Mr Joseph Randall from Teignmouth. Joseph served as a Corporal in the Royal Air Force constructing advanced landing grounds with 5022 Squadron Airfield Construction Branch at D Day. He was just 20 years old when he hit the beach. In August this year, he reached 100 years of age. He received a standing ovation from the crowd and went on to meet Group Captain Gordon Evans DL. Full of life and character, Joseph quipped that he had never been hugged by a Group Captain before.
