The Dover Patrol Memorial Service & Parade Sunday 23rd July 2017
Dover Patrol Memorial Service & Parade was held at The Dover Patrol Memorial Lethercote Point, Granville Road St Margaret's at Cliffe on Sunday morning of the 23rd July the event was organised by the Downs Branch Royal British Legion.
This was well attended by our local Member Parliament Charlie Elphicke, the St Margaret' s at Cliff Parish Council Chairman Mrs Brenda Poole, Deal Town Mayor Councillor David Cronk along with representative from Dover District Council on behalf of the Chairman Cllr Sue Chandler and the Town Mayor of Sandwich Paul Graeme, also representing Cllr Neil Rix for Dover Town Council and Cllr Sue Le Chevalier for Walmer Parish Council as well as Trustee for the Memorial Mr Terry Sutton & Mr Neil Willcox.
The parade was officiated by Parade Marshall Mr Julian De Zille with a total of 16 ex -service Association Standards and Veterans, and a small contingent of the Dover & Deal Sea Cadets (T.S.Lynx 108)
The service was conducted by The Rev John Lines MBE and our guest reviewing Officer Invited was Admiral of the Fleet & Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports The Lord Boyce KG GCB OBE DL who after the Service Inspected the Standards, Veterans and the Dover & Deal Sea Cadets.
The Last Post and Reveille was played Colour Sergeant Andy Cornish Royal Marines Band Service Bugler. During the Silence the The Exhortation was recited by The Downs Branch Royal British Legion President Mr Austin Walker MBE , and the Kohima Epitaph was recited by Mr Malcolm Gibbons Dover & Deal Branch Burma Star Secretary. Nelson's Prayer was recited by Mr Mike Baxter Ret'd WO1 Royal Marines.
A total of 18 Wreaths were laid by the Civic Guests and Legion Branches and ex service Associations, Mr John Elms Vice Chairman laid the Wreath on behalf of the Royal British Legion Downs Branch.
The Music for Hymns and National Anthem was played by The Snowdown Colliery Brass Band under their leadership of Mr Andy Collins.
Afterwards the Royal British Legion Downs Branch Remembrance Secretary thanked everyone for supporting and attending this important Memorial Service and Parade, and invite everyone for Light refreshments at the St Margaret's Village Hall in Reach Road, this has been organized by the Chairman Mrs Brenda Paul of St Margaret's Parish Council and local W I ladies who provide the tea and coffee and biscuits
Malcolm Gibbons