The 100th anniversary of the Zeebrugge Raid is being marked in the UK with special events in Dover on April 23.
There’ll be a remembrance service at St James’s Cemetery, last resting place of 59 servicemen who died in the operation, and a parade through the town centre.
At midday, the Mayor of Dover will ring the Zeebrugge Bell, presented to the town in tribute by King Albert I of the Belgians after the First World War.
The Zeebrugge Raid, an attempt to seal off German U-boat bases on the Flemish coast in April 1918, was planned and led by the commander of the Dover Patrol, Vice-Admiral Sir Roger Keyes.
At his request, he was buried beside his men at St James’s Cemetery, after his own death in December 1945.
Dover events – 23 April 2018
10.15am: Service and wreath laying at the Zeebrugge Memorial, St James’s Cemetery, led by the Mayor of Dover with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in attendance.
11.30am: Parade from the Market Square to Maison Dieu (Town Hall) led by the Royal Marines and band.
Noon: Mayor of Dover rings ‘Eight Bells’ on the Zeebrugge Bell, followed by a short service.
The Zeebrugge Bell – rung annually on April 23 – has been renovated for this year’s Centenary (Photo: Centenary News)
Dover Museum will be staging an exhibition, Twisting the Dragon’s Tail – The Dover Patrol and the Zeebrugge Raid. It will include first-hand accounts of the raid, as well as artefacts and photographs. It will also look at the role of the Dover Patrol in keeping the Channel safe for shipping in the Great War.
The Dover commemorations will follow a weekend centenary events in Zeebrugge and Bruges, including the opening of a new exhibition 1914 ’18 The Battle for the North Sea.
For more on the commemorations in Dover and Deal, see the Dover Town Council website.
Images: Centenary News
Posted by: CN Editorial Team