The centenary of the Dover Patrol memorial has been marked with a service at the momument in St Margaret's-at-Cliffe.

Erected 100 years ago at Leathercote Point, the statue is dedicated to the 2,000 men who died keeping the Dover Strait clear of enemy submarines during the First World War.

The service was lead by Rev John Lines MBE Padre of Downs Branch Royal British Legion based in Deal.

The Admiral of the Fleet the Lord Boyce KG GCB OBE DL was the reviewing officer, he also read Nelson’s Prayer.

Mr James Rouse, a trustee of the memorial, read a moving tribute to the men of the Dover Patrol ships.

He added that in 2022 a full scale re-dedication of the memorial would be held, where this special milestone was planned as a normal service becaue of Covid restrictions still in pace at the planning stage.

Downs Branch RBL chairman Edward Barkway said the Exhortation.

The service was attended by town mayors of Deal and Sandwich.

There were five standards lowered along with representatives of Deal Wrens and Royal Navy cadets from TS Lynx.

Sixteen wreaths were laid.

In his closing remarks Admiral Lord Boyce, Warden of the Cinque Ports, said the event was particularly poignant as his father had served on Mine Sweepers in he Second World War.

He thanked the Downs Branch, in particular vice chairman Malcolm Gibbons, for organising the event, the Standard bearers, the trustees and the band.

Music and bugler was supplied by The Snowdown Colliery Band.

Last year, a service was held despite the pandemic, being in a period of summer lockdown easing.

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