Remembrance Sunday

Aled Jones visits the Imperial War Museum in London to mark Remembrance Sunday and to hear stories of faith, courage and immense gratitude.

He meets 92-year-old Jill Cavanagh, a volunteer on the We Were There programme at the museum, where visitors can meet and talk to people who lived through World War II and stand beside an object from that time. Jill talks to Aled about life in London during the Blitz, evacuation and having to go to bed at night in a Morrison shelter, a metal cage in her home.

Next, Aled speaks with former solder Corporal Tilly Fisher, a faith-filled Fijian who joined the British Army’s logistics department and served in Basra, Iraq, followed by two tours of Afghanistan. She witnessed comrades fall, but it took some time for it to sink in, and she eventually acknowledged that she was suffering from PTSD. Injury meant she was discharged from the army, but with the help of the Royal British Legion and her deep Christian faith, she has been able to manage her condition. She even went on to appear in the Invictus Games.

Then Aled meets Father (Padre) Stephen Sharkey, a military chaplain who served in Afghanistan and conducted services on the front line. Aled sees the mass kit he used, which he has donated to the Imperial War Museum. He tells Aled about his role in guiding and comforting soldiers in the field.

There are hymns that reflect Remembrance, and a new song written and performed by the 2023 Young Chorister of the Year winner, Natalie Fooks, called Under the Poppies.

1. Eternal Father, Strong to Save – Hull Minster
2. For All the Saints Who from Their Labors Rest – St Michael's Church, Southampton
3. Under the Poppies – Natalie Fooks
4. Abide with Me – Coventry Cathedral
5. I Vow to Thee My Country – Jamie Lonsdale
6. Lord, We Come to Ask Your Healing – St Augustine's Church, Penarth