11th November 2015 Skopje, North Macedonia
On Remembrance Day in Macedonia
This year I was privileged to take part in a Remembrance ceremony in Skopje at the invitation of the British Embassy. Although I am currently serving in EUFOR in Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina, this was my first visit to the Republic of Macedonia and I was delighted to get the opportunity not only to be part of the ceremony but to visit the city of Skopje as well.
Remembrance is a part of modern British life, culture and heritage. Each November millions of people take time to either be part of ceremonies of remembrance, or to observe two minutes silence on the 11th November itself. This is to commemorate the Armistice signed in 1918 when at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month the guns fell silent and ended the First World War. Since then the day has been widened to remember all those people who have lost their lives in the service of their country.
November ceremonies have been always been a fixed point in my life, something which takes place regardless of whether I’m standing at the Cenotaph in London or aboard one of Her Majesty’s Ships in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. My family has a strong naval tradition; my grandfather was a Chief Weapons Engineer and at this time of year more than any other, he speaks about his experiences in the Falklands War of 1982. Because of this history and my own naval service, I regard taking time to remember those who have lost their lives in the service of their country as essential.
Serving in the Balkans renders you acutely aware of the legacy that conflict leaves, even decades afterwards. The 72 British servicemen who lost their lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Macedonia, were remembered on Sunday. I am proud to have been part of this event whilst serving in the Balkans, and wish to thank the staff of the British Embassy Skopje for their invitation and hospitality.
Lieutenant Commander Ben Timpson, Royal Navy
EUFOR Operation Althea Spokesperson, Sarajevo
