Culdrose sailors march past for Madron Trafalgar service
Parading through the ancient streets of Madron in West Cornwall, personnel from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose joined villagers in remembering Nelson at a Trafalgar Thanksgiving Memorial Service.
The service, held annually commemorates Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory over a combined French and Spanish Fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
On her way home from the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Pickle passed the news of the victory and the death of Lord Nelson to Cornish fishermen far out in Mounts Bay. They promptly returned to port and spread the news.
Shortly afterwards, the Mayor and Burgesses arranged a memorial service where the Nelson Banner, which was hastily prepared to mourn the death of Nelson, was paraded for the first time.
The Banner is now kept in Madron Parish Church and paraded each year at a memorial service to his “Immortal Memory’.
For many years a similar service were held to mark this occasion, but in 1946 the tradition of holding an annual Commemoration involving the Royal Navy was started by Reverend Michael Hocking, a former Naval Captain and the Parish vicar of Madron at the time.
“The Madron parade is an important event that brings together the community and people with a seafaring connection,” said Dr Michael Hersant MBE of Madron Parish Church.
“The Royal Navy, Sea Cadets, Coast Guard, RNLI and Naval Associations were all represented here today, in a formal but friendly act of remembrance.”
Upholding this tradition and playing their part in the day, Culdrose personnel marched on completion of the packed Church service that was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE, Captain Mark Garratt, Commanding Officer RNAS Culdrose and the Mayor of Penzance Councillor Mr David Nebesnuick, as well as council leaders, senior naval officers and parishioners of Madron.
At the head of the parade was HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band who led marching platoons of Sailors from Culdrose, Sea Cadets, The Royal Naval Association and other Veterans groups from the region, past Capt Garratt who took the salute. A Royal Naval Guard proudly flanked the Queens Colour Ensign.
Mayor David Nebesnuick added; “Madron is a good example of the close ties between the Royal Navy and in particular RNAS Culdrose and the people of West Cornwall."