Hundreds of employees at Sheffield Forgemasters stopped work to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in two world wars at a poignant remembrance service.
Ruth Crowley, from the South Yorkshire Chaplaincy and Listening service, delivered the outdoor service at the Brightside Lane site which saw three employees, including an embedded contractor, laying wreaths of poppies in front of commemorative plaques, and a two-minute silence at 11am.
Six bronze plaques, commemorating the brave souls from ‘River Don Works’ are permanently positioned at the number one gate entrance to Sheffield Forgemasters, listing the names of steel workers who made the ultimate sacrifice during two World Wars.
Gareth Barker, Chief Operating Officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “It is humbling to see the dedication that so many of our employees show, in attending the remembrance service to honour those who fought to protect freedoms that we take for granted.
“The names of some of our own, who fought for their country and paid with their lives, are forever preserved through the bronze plaques, which bear their names at the site’s main entrance and in the shadow of our national flags.
“We continue to recognise and support service men and women who face conflicts across the globe to protect Britain’s sovereignty, and it is imperative that we never forget the lives lost by those who fought for this country.”
The wreath bearers included an embedded contractor working for Sheffield’s Professional Lifting Services, ex-Warrant Officer Class Two, Dave Schofield, who joined the Army in 1986 and served for 24 years. First with the 1st Battalion ‘The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment’ which then merged with another Regiment in 2006 to form the Yorkshire Regiment.
He completed operational tours in Bosnia, Iraq and Northern Ireland in which he received a GOC (General officer Commanding) commendation and wore full uniform for the service.
Dave was joined by, two employees from Sheffield Forgemasters, Martin Kent, Project Manager – Customer Programmes, and Security Manager, Kirsty Bridgen.
Sheffield Forgemasters is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, pledged to support the armed forces community and actively seeks to recruit ex-forces personnel.