And still we remember them
Monday 5th October 2009, 11:30AM BST.
Charybdis survivor Gerald Evans lays his wreath at Le Foulon. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0851498)
SAILORS who died in the HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne tragedy 66 years ago were remembered yesterday.
A service at Le Foulon saw survivors, islanders and relatives gather to pay their respects to the 500 who lost their lives when the ships were torpedoed.
The cemetery is where 21 of the men were buried after their bodies were washed up on Occupied Guernsey.
On 17 November 1943, the Germans accorded them a funeral with full military honours.
In a show of loyalty to Britain at the time, 5,000 islanders attended and more than 900 wreaths were laid.
Seven survivors attended yesterday’s moving service.
Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon and Royal Court senior jurat Lt-Bailiff Derek Le Page were present.
Jurat Le Page had attended the funeral service an eight-year-old.
He said he had a vivid recollection of the crowd of islanders who assembled at the cemetery.
Captain Paddy McAlpine, commanding officer of this year’s Charybdis memorial weekend guardship, HMS Daring, spoke at yesterday’s ceremony and laid a wreath next to the 21 graves.
- To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.
Campaigns
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
This is Guernsey
Guernsey Press
Yes it was a sad day, yet I remember it so vividly, it was a Sunny day and the crowds dis-obeyed the Germans law of no meeting more than 3 people at a time.
Yet the Germans did nothing, but I must admit; they the Germans gave full military honours 3 volleys over the draped coffins, the Union Jack being the flags.
It went peaceably, yet it was the last time thasn any such meetings was allowed. I have a pictures of the two ships.
May those brave souls RIP
‘and may we never forget them, and all others.
Report abuse