The 105th Anniversary of the Dover Patrol’s heroic and historic raid on Zeebrugge on St George’s Day 1918 was commemorated at an annual ceremony on 23 April.
Reverend Catherine Tucker conducted a service at St. James’ Cemetery where the fallen of the raid are laid to rest together with their leader Vice Admiral Sir Roger Keyes. Representatives from Dover and Zeebrugge laid wreaths together with Veteran’s Associations, Community Groups and families of those who died.
The St. George’s Day raid on the mole at Zeebrugge was a most inspiring episode recent British and Belgian history. Despite the terrible loss of life, the Zeebrugge Raid helped to hasten the end of the First World War.
After the ceremony at the cemetery, at noon, the Town Mayor of Dover, Councillor Gordon Cowan rang the Zeebrugge Bell. Bell était un cadeau de remerciement du roi de Belgique en reconnaissance du sacrifice de Douvres est tombé.
Following the ringing of the Zeebrugge Bell, further respects were paid with a short remembrance service at the People of Dover War Memorial.
Crédit photo: Albane Photography; Coniston
