Cenotaph March Past – Remembrance Sunday

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Every year on Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, up to 10,000 veterans march past the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. It is one of the most significant events in the veterans’ calendar, and the Association aims to be represented each year.

The National Service of Remembrance begins at 11:00 with a two-minute silence, marked by the firing of guns from King’s Troop on Horse Guards Parade. After the wreath-laying ceremony led by His Majesty The King, the veteran march past begins. Columns form on Horse Guards Parade, march through Horse Guards Arch onto Whitehall, pass the Cenotaph (saluting as they pass), turn right onto Great George Street and right again onto Horse Guards Road where the salute is taken by a member of the Royal Family. All columns then reform on Horse Guards Parade, the National Anthem is played, and the parade is dismissed.

Places in the March Past are allocated through recognised associations. To march with the HMS Andromeda Association, you must be:

• A Full Member of the Association (i.e., someone who served aboard HMS Andromeda between 1968 and 1993).
• A UK or Commonwealth veteran as required by the Royal British Legion’s criteria.
• Physically able to stand for approximately 1.5 hours and march approximately one mile, potentially in cold November weather.
• Wheelchair users are welcome – a carer may accompany you, though they count toward the association’s allocation. Where possible, fellow veterans should assist one another.
• Smart civilian clothing should be worn. Full-size medals, decorations, or ribbons may be worn if appropriate, but there is no formal dress code. Dress warmly.

The Royal British Legion organises the March Past and allocates places to recognised associations. The process follows an annual timeline:

• Spring: The RBL opens registration for the following November’s Remembrance Sunday. The Secretary monitors RBL announcements.
• Summer: Members register their interest via the website, Facebook, or by contacting the  Secretary directly. Early registration is essential as places are limited.
• September: The application deadline approaches. Final push for registrations. The Chairman and Secretary submit the Association’s application to the RBL.
• October: The RBL confirms the allocation and issues joining instructions. The Secretary distributes these to participating members.
• Remembrance Sunday (November): Members attend, form up, and march together as HMS Andromeda.
• After the event: Photos and a report are published on the website and Facebook page.

• Arrive early: Detachments form up on Horse Guards Parade from 09:00. Allow plenty of time.
• Travel: Avoid Westminster Underground Station – it will be extremely busy. Use Embankment, Charing Cross, or Green Park instead.
• Security: There is an extensive police security operation. Do not bring large bags or suitcases. Allow extra time for security clearance.
• Dress warmly: You will be standing and then marching outdoors in November. Layers are advisable.
• Public viewing: Family and friends who wish to watch can view from the pavements along Whitehall and Parliament Street. No tickets are needed. Arrive early for a good position. Video screens are positioned along the route.

Not everyone can make it to the Cenotaph, and there are many meaningful ways to mark Remembrance:

• Local services: Attend your local Remembrance Sunday service or parade. Many RNA branches coordinate attendance.
• Fields of Remembrance: The Royal British Legion opens Fields of Remembrance across the UK during October and November, where personal tributes can be planted.
• National Memorial Arboretum: The Falklands Memorial in Staffordshire is a particularly meaningful place for Andromeda veterans. A curved Cotswold stone wall, individual plaques, a piece of Falklands rock, benches for reflection, and a design inspired by San Carlos Cemetery. Free admission, open all year.
• Portsmouth Naval Memorial: On Southsea Common, overlooking the Solent. Commemorates those who have no grave but the sea.
• Pangbourne College: The Falklands Memorial Chapel holds an annual service of remembrance each June.
• Wherever you are: At 11:00 on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, pause and remember. That is enough.

For more information about the Cenotaph March Past, contact the Royal British Legion at cenotaph@britishlegion.org.uk or visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance-sunday. For the National Memorial Arboretum, visit www.thenma.org.uk.