RMs at ASD 7

It is the first time since the Pilgrims introduced a seasonal Armed Services Day seven seasons ago, to pay tribute to the military men and women of the Westcountry, that the prestigious Royal Navy musicians have performed at Home Park.

Their presence at the Sky-televised match against fellow naval base Portsmouth on Saturday, November 15 will help ensure that ASD7 is the biggest and best yet.

Fans of both teams will come together for an eye-catching pre-match tribute to those who have lost their lives in service of the country, an especially poignant mark of respect on the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the first world war.

Supporters of the two Sky Bet League 2 sides will also unite at half-time, when the Argyle Fans’ Trust in collaboration with Royal British Legion, whose poppy emblem adorns the back of the Argyle shirts in every game this season, stages a penalty shoot-out between young fans representing the Pilgrims and Pompey.

Immediately before the game, following the arrival of the two sides behind RBL standard-bearers, Royal Navy chaplain Ralph Barber and his Argyle counterpart Arthur Goode will address the crowd. The match-ball will then be presented to the officials by Plymothian HMS Raleigh recruit Konnor Harrower, who will be escorted by Argyle legend Tommy Tynan and his son Thomas, a serving submariner.

Top-brass representatives of all of the armed services will attend the game as guests of the club, along with local dignitaries and serving men and women.

 

In recent years, the Royal Marine Band, Plymouth, has had a busy schedule, performing as part of the Armed Forces Review in Windsor, as well as being featured as part of the Queens Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. A number of the Band were involved with security arrangements for the 2012 London Olympics, while those not on Op Olympics travelled to the Caribbean to perform as part of the Trinidad and Tobago Tattoo.

In autumn 2013, the band travelled to New Zealand and Australia in support of the International Fleet Review, while this year has seen them take part in many of national celebrations commemorating the 350th Anniversary of the Royal Marines. These have included performing with the Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines at the Mountbatten Festival of Music in the Royal Albert Hall; Beating Retreat on Horseguards Parade in London; and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 

In addition to its musical and ceremonial role, the Royal Marines Band Service has a long tradition of providing military support to UK Defence.

In 2001-2002, the Plymouth Band undertook a six-month deployment to Kosovo as part of Medical Squadron, Commando Logistic Regiment. This was followed by a four-month deployment to the Middle East. During 2002-2003, members of the band provided primary and secondary role support to military operations in Iraq. In 2008-2009, members of this band deployed to Afghanistan as part of the UK Medical Group and, more recently, were deployed there with 3 Commando Brigade.