National Police Solemn Requiem marks 103 years of remembrance

Ceremonial Oarade - Image: Laura Olivier (WMP)

Police officers, staff, police chaplains representing various faiths, civic dignitaries, and members of the public gathered at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday 3 November for the 103rd National Police Solemn Requiem, one of the longest-standing and most significant acts of remembrance in British policing.

Held annually since 1923, the National Police Requiem is the United Kingdom's oldest national police commemoration and the only annual police remembrance service held in a cathedral. Originally established by the Catholic Police Guild to pray for police officers and others who died in the First World War, it has evolved into a national act of remembrance for all police personnel who have died in service, regardless of faith or belief.

The solemn event commenced with a ceremonial parade of police standards from forces across the United Kingdom. Gathered outside Cathedral Hall on Ambrosden Avenue and under the command of the Metropolitan Police Sovereign's Colour Unit, the parade marched onto the Cathedral piazza before forming a Guard of Honour on the steps of Westminster Cathedral as members of the congregation arrived. Also, in the parade and subsequently among the congregation were representatives from the Catholic Military Association and other emergency service faith-based organisations.

At the beginning of the Requiem Mass, standard bearers led the clergy procession into the Cathedral. The procession also included a poppy wreath, later laid at the National Police Memorial on The Mall, male and female Metropolitan Police headdress, a cap from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and the Police Roll of Honour which records the names of all officers who have died in the execution of their duty since records began and which can be viewed at the National Police Memorial.

Music for the Mass was provided by the Metropolitan Police Choir, whose moving programme included works by Fauré, Mozart, Rachmaninoff and Perosi.

The Principal Celebrant was Fr Barry Lomax, National Chaplain to the Catholic Police Guild and Lead Chaplain to Greater Manchester Police. He was joined by priest chaplains from police forces across the country and assisted by deacons also serving as police chaplains within their respective forces.

The First Reading was delivered by Assistant Commissioner Ade Akelekan of the Metropolitan Police, representing Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. The Second Reading was proclaimed by Sergeant Paul Reilly of West Midlands Police. Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and members of the Catholic Police Guild led the Prayers of the Faithful, offering prayers for the Universal Church, His Majesty the King, the Government, serving police officers and staff, and members of the Guild who had died during the previous year.

In his Homily, Fr Lomax said: "Our earthly pilgrimage is part of a far greater journey whose destination is not an ending but a homecoming. We trust in the promise of Christ that death does not have the final word; it is not the full stop but the doorway to life eternal. Todays Requiem Mass gives us the privilege of placing before God all those who have shaped our lives through their love, kindness, example and friendship. We give thanks for the unique story each one lived and shared with us. The tragic deaths of police officers on duty remind us how fragile and precious life can be. Today we gather to remember those who have gone before us, to give thanks for their service and sacrifice, and to commend them to the mercy of God. Every life forms part of a greater story and we should all honour the memory of deceased colleagues and loved ones, giving thanks for their contribution and drawing hope from the Christian belief that, as the Preface to Mass reminded us, "life is changed, not ended."

Among the distinguished guests were Robert Rigby KSG, Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster, and Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Policing.

A particularly poignant moment followed when the Policing Minister read aloud the names of the seven police officers who had died in service during the previous twelve months. Their sacrifice was honoured with the sounding of The Last Post by Metropolitan Police buglers, followed by a minute's silence, Reveille and the National Anthem.

Before the final blessing, Paul Connolly, National Chair of the Catholic Police Guild, addressed the congregation. He expressed his gratitude to all those who had assisted in organising this years Requiem and reflected upon the Guilds historic links with Westminster Cathedral. He reminded those present that the Catholic Police Guild was founded with the support of clergy from Westminster Cathedral and that the first National Police Requiem was celebrated there in 1923. He also announced that the 104th National Police Solemn Requiem will take place at Westminster Cathedral on Wednesday 3 November 2027, commencing at 2.30 pm.

The National Police Requiem continues to provide a unique and enduring opportunity for the policing family and wider community to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others, ensuring that their dedication and commitment are never forgotten.

The Guild also features in this weeks episode of the podcast 'All Kinds Of Catholic' which includes interviews conducted at Westminster Cathedral before and after the Police Requiem. The episode is titled 'When called to report for the last time' - taken from a line in the Guilds' prayer.

It can be found at 128 When called to report for the last time or via the other usual podcast outlets.