HMS Illustrious Liberty Boat Disaster

Shipmates,

10 members of the branch were amongst a congregation of over 30 who attended the HMS Illustrious Liberty Boat Disaster Remembrance Service on Saturday 18th October 2025 at 11am in Portland Salt Marina.

Everyone met to commemorate the disaster which happened 77 years ago in which 29 live were lost. At this Memorial to those who perished, members remembered too the acts of heroism and bravery embodied in the attempts to save those perishing and the constant dangers faced by those who “go down to the sea in ships and do business upon the great waters”. It is hoped that this Memorial will continue to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives that night, and be a reminder of the great debt owed by a maritime nation to its countless seafarers, especially those of the Royal Navy.

More images in the Gallery.