Zeebrugge Raid Commemoration – Saturday 23 April 2016

The grappling iron used at the St George’s Day raid at Zeebrugge in 1918 is preserved in the People of Dover’s War Memorial Garden.

Dover Town Council will remember the 98th Anniversary of the Dover Patrol’s heroic and historic raid on Zeebrugge on St George’s Day 1918 on Saturday 23rd April 2016. Beginning with a service at 10.45 am in St James’ Cemetery, the commemorations will finish with the ringing of The Zeebrugge Bell at Dover Town Hall.

The St. George’s Day raid on the Zeebrugge mole 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 St James’ Cemetery, the civic party and veterans will return to Dover Town Hall to ring the Zeebrugge Bell. The Bell was a gift of thanks from the King of Belgium in recognition of the sacrifice of Dover’s fallen, many of whom are buried in St James Cemetery. As in previous years, residents of Dover and other members of the public are welcome to observe the commemorations, in particular the ringing of the Zeebrugge Bell at noon.

Following the commemorations, please join us for a free concert, in the Connaught Hall of the Town Hall, Biggin Street, Dover, being conducted by the Royal Scout Harmony (Band) of Zeebrugge, commencing at 1pm.