Women Officer Network members honour the fallen at remembrance events in London

Over the weekend of 9 and 10 November, several members of Carnival Corporation’s Women Officers Network participated in commemorative events to honour those lost during the First and Second World Wars, and in service. Their duties involved representing the Merchant Navy at key remembrance ceremonies across London.

Among the 10 Merchant Navy officers selected to represent the service at the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday, 9 November, were Princess Cruises Cadet Elspeth Smith and Carnival UK Cadet Seren Nix. They were joined by Carnival UK Captains, Captain Martyn Sharples and Captain Aseem Hashmi. 

All the officers from the Festival of Remembrance were asked to attend the Remembrance Service at Trinity House the following day, where wreaths are laid at the WW1 and WW2 Merchant Navy Memorials in the Sunken Gardens on Tower Hill, in respect of fallen Merchant and Fishing vessel seafarers.

Seren shared her experience, saying: “I’ve been fortunate enough to stand alongside such a talented group of individuals. This moment will stay with me forever. To be in the iconic Royal Albert Hall, knowing the event would be witnessed by millions, including our Royal Family, was both humbling and inspiring. It filled me with pride and gratitude to pay tribute during such a significant occasion. A huge thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event possible. The rehearsals were intense, but the sense of unity and respect for our shared history made it all worthwhile. I’m immensely proud to represent the Merchant Navy and all those who have served with honour.”

Elspeth recalls the experience she had during the event and the preparations leading up to it: ‘Having met on Thursday night, we quickly bonded despite coming from different ranks and companies, forging a strong team united in purpose. We shared our emotions and anticipation for the event.

On Friday morning, we travelled to Wellington Barracks, where we were trained by the Sergeants. I must give credit to them for their leadership; they made us feel at ease and prepared us for the honour of the event ahead. Later that afternoon, we journeyed to the Royal Albert Hall in London, where we had the opportunity to hear the emotional life stories of veterans. Their accounts deepened my understanding of what I was representing as part of the Merchant Navy, as well as the ongoing battles that many continue to fight today.

During rehearsals, while marching down the stairs, the magnitude of the event became even more apparent. It was clear how deeply meaningful this occasion was—not only as a tribute to those who had sacrificed their lives, but as a reminder of the sacrifices still being made.

In the early hours of Saturday, rehearsals continued, underscoring the immense amount of time and effort required for such a major event. As the day progressed, we prepared for our first live performance in front of thousands—a nerve-wracking but thrilling experience. The performance itself was exceptional, touching the hearts of many, including mine.

After a break, we returned for the second show. Emotions ran high, as this would be our final performance in the presence of The King and the Royal Family. It was a moment of great pride and reflection, and once again, we delivered an exceptional performance, driven by our dedication and commitment. This experience will stay with me forever, a lasting memory of a job well done.

After the event, we were honoured to be invited to attend the memorial service at Trinity House on Sunday, where we paid our respects to the fallen Merchant Navy seafarers.

Looking back, this has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. I am deeply grateful to City of Glasgow College for nominating me to represent them and to take part in such an emotional and extraordinary event. It was an experience that will forever be etched in my memory, as I paid my respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This will remain a highlight of my career, a moment of profound honour that I will never forget.’”

National Service of Remembrance, Cenotaph, Whitehall

Elsewhere in London, Deputy Captain Martel Fursdon (Cunard, serving aboard Queen Victoria) and Captain Louise Sara (Carnival Corporation, Director of Maritime Standards) were part of a team of six Merchant Navy officers. 

They participated in drill practice on Saturday afternoon, followed by a briefing and an early 06:30 arrival at Whitehall for additional drill exercises. After four hours of preparation, they joined the parade at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, representing the Merchant Navy Association as part of the Civilian Services contingent.

Martel commented; “I could have never imagined a more poignant scene – the moment that Whitehall fell silent at 11:00 on Sunday morning. Of course I’d seen it on the television before, but to be stood here, in the middle of it all was something else. Everyone was there united in the act of remembrance and proudly representing the organisation they served or a lost loved one. We were told the day beforehand that this day would be a career highlight, and that is completely correct!”

Louise reflected on the experience: “It was deeply moving to observe the two-minute silence and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served our country and the Commonwealth. Standing alongside other services in the Civilian Services Contingent was humbling. It reminded me of how many different services work to protect and serve our country, alongside the Armed Forces.”

These events serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role the Merchant Navy has played throughout history—often working in the shadows, yet always at the forefront of our collective efforts during times of both conflict and peace.