BBC viewers were moved to tears as actor Daniel Mays read an emotional letter from Gunner Lee Thornton during the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
The annual commemoration, held in the presence of the King and Queen, featured personal testimonies, storytelling, and musical performances honouring the service and sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
Emotional tribute to Gunner Lee Thornton
Mays read a letter written by Gunner Thornton, who died in September 2006 while serving in Iraq. The BBC Events Instagram account shared the reading, saying: "Words that were never meant to be read aloud, but deserve to be heard. Daniel Mays shares Gunner Lee Thornton’s letter at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, helping to keep his story alive."
Viewers praised the actor in the comments. One said: "So moving and so incredibly well read. Very humbling and the fact Daniel Mays barely needed to look down at the words shows his true dedication to do this justice, utterly incredible."
Another wrote: "Heartbreakingly tragic but thank God that Lee knew that kind of love in his life. Beautifully read by Daniel." A third added: "Very, very poignant. You had memorised the letter. I noticed. Unbelievable. What a class act. God bless you."
Letter details and other performances
Gunner Thornton, 22, from the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery, died from injuries sustained from a gunshot wound while on patrol in Al Qurna, north of Basra, Iraq. His injuries were so serious that medical teams were unable to save him despite the best treatment available.
In the letter, read by Mays, Thornton wrote: "Hi babe, I don't know why I'm writing this, because I really hope that this letter doesn't get to you. Because if it does, that means I am dead. You have shown me what love is and what it feels like to be loved."
He continued: "You make me smile when others can't. You make me feel warm when I am cold. There is no sea or ocean that could stop my love for you. It is the biggest thing I have ever had."
The letter concluded: "I know this is going to sound sad, but every night I spent away, I kept a photo of you on my headboard. Each night I would go to bed, kiss my fingers and then touch your face. Well, now it's my turn to watch over you as you sleep and to keep you safe in your dreams."
Mays' long-standing support
Mays has regularly supported the Festival of Remembrance. In 2019, he described performing a reading as an "honour and a privilege" and part of a "moving ceremony of emotion and reflection that will live long in my memory".
The show, presented by Clive Myrie, also featured performances by Alfie Boe, James Emmanuel, Mica Paris, Rita Wilson, and Tom Odell, with music from The Band of The Royal Air Force Regiment and The Bands of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth and Collingwood. The Festival of Remembrance is available on BBC iPlayer.
