Colleagues and patients across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (HIOWH) came together this week to mark Remembrance in different ways – from quiet reflection to local community services.
At Lymington Hospital, staff, patients and visitors held a service paying tribute to all those who lost their lives in conflict. The family of George Edward Tanner, a 19-year-old RAF air gunner who died in 1941 during a mission off the coast of Norway, attended to commemorate George’s life and sacrifice. George’s younger brother John Tanner, now aged in his 90s and a former HIOWH service user, laid a wreath in his brother’s memory.
A personal letter from 42 Squadron RAF, signed by the commanding officer, was presented to the family in recognition of George’s service.
Rev Gary May, Lymington Hospital Chaplain, said: “It is always an honour to preside at such occasions, and has been my pleasure to meet John Tanner as part of my hospital ministry. John inspired me to pay tribute to his brother, George Tanner, someone he clearly loved very much and missed him over his life. We must never forget the ultimate sacrifice given by those who laid down their lives for us.”
Across the Trust, remembrance was marked in several ways:
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Staff observed a two minute silence at 11am on Tuesday.
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A short message from the Trust Chair was shared on Remembrance Sunday.
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Colleagues took part by sharing personal reflections using ‘I Remember Because’ cards.
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Local services were held at Gosport War Memorial Hospital, Parklands, Lymington and other Trust sites.
Andrew Spencer, Armed Forces Lead at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare, said: “Remembrance is a deeply personal time for many of us, especially those with connections to the Armed Forces. It’s heartening to see our Trust come together in such meaningful ways to honour the sacrifices made by service personnel, past and present. The story of George Tanner and his family’s involvement reminds us of the enduring legacy of courage and service that lives on in our communities.”