In a moving tribute to service and sacrifice, an 87-year-old naval veteran from Chichester was recently honoured during a special afternoon of remembrance organised by the Wittering branch of The Royal British Legion. Derek Parsons, a resident at Lakeview Grange Care Home on Whyke Road, was joined by his son, Simon, who also served in the Royal Navy, for an event that brought together veterans from across the armed forces.
A Distinguished Naval Career
Derek Parsons embarked on his remarkable 30-year naval career in 1955, following proudly in his father's footsteps. Beginning his service at the age of 18 aboard HMS Bulwark, an aircraft carrier responsible for transporting troops, vehicles and equipment, Derek rose steadily through the ranks to achieve the prestigious position of Commander. His career took him across the globe as a Purser, with postings including the West Indies, Hong Kong and Bahrain.
"If you worked hard and did your job properly you would get promoted," Derek reflected. "Being in the Navy gave me a sense of belonging. It was great fun and they looked after you."
Family Connections and Shared Service
Remarkably, Derek served aboard HMS Intrepid at the same time as his son, Simon, who completed an 18-year career with the Royal Navy. This unique family connection added special significance to their participation in the remembrance event, where father and son were invited by Craig Rathbone, Chairman of the Wittering Royal British Legion.
An Afternoon of Remembrance and Reflection
The gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for veterans from both the Royal Navy and Army to reflect on their service and raise a glass in honour of comrades lost during conflict. During the visit, Derek and Simon were invited to pin poppies on the Legion's Poppy Wall, which stands proudly in the main reception area as a permanent tribute to service and sacrifice.
"Being at the Royal British Legion in East Wittering and spending time with other veterans to talk about our days in the British Forces was really enjoyable," Derek said. "Sharing stories is what keeps the memories alive."
Connecting with Fellow Veterans
The afternoon enabled Derek and Simon to meet and exchange memories with fellow veterans including:
- Stewart Maclean, Chief Radio Electrician
- David Coleman, Controller Electrical Mechanic
- Former British Army Sergeants Matt Cole and Craig Rathbone
Artistic Passion Beyond Service
Alongside his distinguished naval career, Derek has maintained a lifelong passion for watercolour painting. He has shared some of his artwork with staff and residents at Lakeview Grange, impressing them with his considerable talent. Many of his paintings were created entirely from memory, inspired by landscapes he encountered during his travels across the UK and beyond.
"Painting was always a wonderful way for me to relax and be creative," Derek explained. "When I lived at home with my wife, I turned my garden shed into an art room. I could happily sit there for hours, completely lost in painting."
Heartwarming Reactions
Jackie Cridlin, Home Admissions Advisor at Lakeview Grange, expressed her appreciation for the event: "We cannot thank our local Royal British Legion enough for their wonderful welcome and support. For me, it was a privilege to listen to stories from the past that I may not hear again. Seeing Simon sitting next to his father, clearly so proud, was incredibly heart-warming."
Shaun Matthews, Lakeview Grange's General Manager, added: "It's been an honour to hear Derek share his passion for painting with our team. His artwork has become a real talking point, especially around the dinner table."
The remembrance afternoon not only honoured Derek Parsons' substantial contributions but also highlighted the importance of preserving personal histories and maintaining connections within the veteran community. Such gatherings serve as vital opportunities for reflection, camaraderie and ensuring that the stories of service continue to inspire future generations.
