War heroes honoured at Dover Marine Station Remembrance Service

The British Torch of Remembrance commenced its 52nd Annual Pilgrimage to Belgium today with a Service of Remembrance to honour our First World War allied forces heroes at the famous War Memorial in the Old Dover Marine Station at the Port of Dover’s Western Docks.

The British Torch of Remembrance is lit annually at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey and carried by students from the Duke of York's Royal Military School on its pilgrimage to Brussels to rekindle the permanent flame at the memorial to the Unknown Warrior in Colonne du Congres.

The service was attended by Port of Dover Chairman, Richard Everitt and Chief Executive Tim Waggott who said: "The Port of Dover has played a major role in both World Wars and so honouring our fallen heroes is hugely important to us. It is a great privilege to host and attend this prestigious, solemn and moving commemoration event this and every year."

Following the Service, the Torch of Remembrance departed the Old Marine Station and travelled to the Port’s Eastern Docks for its onward pilgrimage to Belgium. It was met by P&O Ferries Captain Steve Johnson who welcomed the British Torch of Remembrance President, Mr Chris Russell and the Honorary Secretary of the British Torch of Remembrance, Major Andrew Nunn CCF. The Torch was then ceremonially marched on board the P&O ferry to Calais, flanked by its Standards.

The Torch of Remembrance 52nd Annual Pilgrimage takes place from 7th to 12th November 2016 with key events and ceremonies taking place in Dover, Oostende, Brussels and the Menin Gate in Leper. Other historic locations include Bredene and Roeselare. Pilgrims come from all over Britain, from all three Services and none.