Dervock's 11th parade and wreath laying

MEMBERS of the Northern Ireland Submariners Association held their 11th annual parade and wreath laying ceremony at Dervock recently.

The event saw members of the Royal British Legion, sea cadets, Royal Marines, ex-servicemen and women link up with Submariners from across the Province who paraded through the village to the War Memorial led by Articlave Flute band.

Scott Brown (NI Submariners) commented: “The main theme was to capture, a sense of pride, the sense of belonging to a wider family. That was clearly evident during the parade and wreath laying ceremony in my adopted village of Dervock.”

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Frankie Cunningham (Project Coordinator) added: “We secured funding from the PIP (Peace Impact Programme) that allowed us to present a publication (Pamphlet) that encapsulates the involvement of both sections of the community. This included the story of Pte John Meeke (MM), Captain Charles William Adair (Trafalgar 1805) and James Joseph Magennis, VC although from different traditions fought in a British uniform. This pamphlet (Up Periscope) was circulated during the annual ‘Submariners’ Parade and Wreath laying ceremony to all sections of the community to raise awareness of a better understanding of Ulster/Irish history and the impact it had on both communities. It will help break-down barriers re Irish men, (Nationalists) who died fighting in British uniforms.

“The camaraderie on display during our social event again represents accurately the true story of today and at this juncture, I would like to thank the PSNI for traffic management, Alexander (Sandy) McLernon (2nd Para & UDR) who took the salute. Also the professional manner that the management and staff of Mill Tea Room, Dervock and the North Irish Horse Inn performed in catering for those assembled.

The service was supported by Ultoniae Cultural and Heritage Society, through the PIP initiative (Tourism & Local Empowerment programmes) funded by the ‘International Fund for Ireland’

- Who collectively helped deliver a successful event?

In a fitting tribute and recognition of service the pamphlet ‘Up Periscope’ recorded the comradeship and dedication in memory of T.S. Duke of York ‘Portrush Sea Cadets, Lieutenant (SCC) David G Philpot RMR