Daniel Mays' reading of a letter written by Gunner Lee Thornton, who died while serving in Iraq, moved BBC viewers to tears during the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. The actor's tribute at the Royal Albert Hall, attended by the King and Queen, was among the poignant moments honouring the Armed Forces.
An emotional tribute at the Royal Albert Hall
The BBC Events Instagram account shared footage of the reading, stating: "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."
Gunner Thornton, 22, from the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery, died from injuries caused by a gunshot wound suffered while on patrol in Al Qurna, north of Basra, Iraq. Despite treatment, medical teams were unable to save his life.
Viewers praise the actor's delivery
Followers gathered in the comments to applaud the actor, with one writing: "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 commented: "Heartbreakingly tragic but thank God that Lee knew that kind of love in his life. Beautifully read by Daniel." A third remarked: "Very, very poignant. You had memorised the letter. I noticed. Unbelievable. What a class act. God bless you."
The letter's powerful words
As read by Daniel, the letter said: "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."
It 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. 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."
Daniel Mays has been a longstanding supporter of the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. In 2019, he described it as an "honour and a privilege" to deliver a reading as part of a "moving ceremony of emotion and reflection that will live long in my memory". The Festival of Remembrance is available on BBC iPlayer.
