The annual Submariner Memorial Service took place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire (Picture: Leigh Dodds)

Those attending the memorial included current members of the Silent Service, veterans, Sea Cadets and the families of those who had lost loved ones on submarines (Picture: Leigh Dodds)

The Submariner Memorial is 3,500kg of bronze sculpted into a divided fin of a submarine with the lone figure of a submariner standing between the two halves looking to the surface (Picture: Leigh Dodds)

Rear Admiral Andy Perks and Commodore Ben Haskins were joined by Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher, Commander Submarine Forces, US Navy at the service (Picture: Leigh Dodds)

Cadet forces also paid their respects, with Rear Admiral Perks returning the salute from a young wreath-bearer (Picture: Leigh Dodds)

This member of TS Modwena, Burton Sea Cadets spoke at the memorial service - another reminder of the links bonding those from the past and the present (Picture: Leigh Dodds)

Navy

Senior US Navy officer among those remembering Royal Navy submariners' sacrifice

More than 200 people - including a senior officer in the US Navy - have attended a service to commemorate the more than 5,000 submariners who have given their lives in service - and the sacrifices made by their families.

Those attending the annual Submariner Memorial Service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire included current members of the Silent Service, veterans, Sea Cadets and the families of those who had lost loved ones on submarines.

The US Navy's Commander Submarine Forces, Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher, was also in attendance.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Warwickshire - a voluntary association military band - provided the music for the service.

The Submariner Memorial remembers more than 5,000 submariners who have given their lives in service, and the sacrifices made by their families.

The bronze memorial weighs 3,500kg and represents the fin of a submarine split in two, with the lone figure of a submariner standing between the two halves looking to the surface.