Shipmates,
On a damp Wednesday morning, 11th November, 25 members of the Branch gathered at the Cenotaph for the annual Armistice Parade. The gathering commemorated the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of the First World War, which took place at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, and paid tribute to all those who fought for freedom from oppression in Europe.
Members of the Branch were joined by the Commanding Officer and Crew of XV Patrick Blackett for the occasion to pay their respects.
Shipmates Pete McCraw and Micky Fox paraded the Branch and Ajax Association standards with a short reading from Branch Chairman Shipmate Dusty Miller and the recitation being delivered by Shipmate Alex Oswald. Shipmate Lin McCormack was behind the camera.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
The occasions was especially poignant as it was 100 years ago today that Portland’s War Memorial was unveiled and dedicated. Its unveiling was carried out by ex-Private Wilfred Crespin, who fought in WWI and lost all three of his brothers in the conflict. The dedication was performed the Rector of Portland, Rev. D. Barnes Griggs. 