Commémoration du Raid de Zeebrugge – 23 April 2017

le 99e 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 2017. Reverend John Walker 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 is remembered for the extreme bravery of the men involved in the attack. Following the attack 8 Victoria Crosses were awarded. 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 further respects were paid at Dover Town Hall where, at noon, the Town Mayor of Dover, Councillor Neil Rix rang the Zeebrugge Bell. The Bell was a gift of thanks from the King of Belgium in recognition of the fallen.