Centenary Celebrations - Phase 1

All photos by Elyse Ratcliffe

​The celebrations began on Sunday 21st April with invited guests in Rochester Cathedral, for a service of remembrance to remember anyone who has been involved with the ship over the last 100 years. See the front cover. The service was presided over by the Dean of Rochester - The Very Reverend Philip John Hesketh
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We were honoured to include one remaining Dunkirk veteran, Ron Nabarro, who was rescued by HMS Medway Queen and descendants of other evacuated personnel and the men who saved them. Notable were David Mathias whose Father was drafted into the crew and Alan Cook whoes Grandfather was CO of HMS Medway Queen at Dunkirk. Alan was joined by his son, Robin, on the Tuesday, giving us a Grandson and Great Grandson together! Our President, the Rt. Hon. Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC, was there. Readings were given by Alan Cook and by Brigadier (retd) Trevor Minter OBE DL, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Kent. Two Deputy Lieutenants of Kent were present; Ann West and Rosemary Dymond.

​The ship was open to visitors on Monday 22nd and on Tuesday 23rd a reception was held on board for local dignitaries and invited guests. Besides those at the Cathedral we were joined by Lady Colgrain, Lord Lieutenant of Kent, the Mayor of Medway, Cllr Nina Gurung and her husband, High Sheriff of Kent Dr. Gillian Fargher. Lord West and Philip Hesketh presided over the ceremony. There was a parade of cadets and veterans on the quayside and the Centenary Ensign was hoisted at the ship’s stern by two of the Sea Cadets. A Centenary plaque was presented to Medway Queen by Howard Brooks (Vice Commodore) and Heather Dennett of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.

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