HMS TIGRIS MEMORIAL SERVICE

The annual service to commemorate the loss of the submarine HMS Tigris on 27 February 1943 was held at the Corn Exchange on Sunday 24 February 2008 and I and the Mayoress Mrs Edwina Cooper attended. The standard bearers from the Royal British Legion, including those of the Royal naval Association, paraded and went onto the stage at the beginning of the service while the first hymn was being sung. The service was conducted by Rev Elizabeth Stone, the Branch Chaplain. I read the first lesson which was followed by the hymn, the seafarers 23rd psalm. The second lesson was read by Michael Westropp, the President of the Royal British Legion and David Stone, the Rector of St Nicolas Church gave the address. Following the address, we sang that wonderful hymn of Seafarers, Eternal Father strong to save, whose arm hath bound the restless wave.
The emotive part of the service was when David Bellamy read the names of the 63 submariners who perished on that fateful day. This was followed by the Exhortation, Last Post, One Minutes Silence and the Reveille .
During the last hymn, Abide with Me, a collection was taken for the Royal Naval Association.
At the end of the service, I was able to speak to some of the Royal Naval Association and Royal Marines standard bearers, some of whom had come from other parts of the south of England. We then went to the Royal Air Force Association Club for a ‘tot’ and refreshments.
Thanks go to the Royal British Legion and the RNA for their organisation of this annual service of dedication.