RNAS Culdrose sailors march through Madron village

Led by the HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band, the air station guard and a platoon of trainees marched through the village of Madron in West Cornwall on Sunday where they were joined by members of Penzance Sea Cadets, the Royal Navy Association, and the Royal British Legion.

They marched through the village of Madron, to the parish church that held the first thanksgiving service in 1805, just days following the historic sea battle.

The march was led by HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band (Image: Royal Navy/PO A’Barrow)Following a short service, they completed the annual event which had been organised by Madron Parish Councill, with a short march past Landithy Hall. Taking the salute was the commanding officer of HMS Raleigh, Captain Jane Roe, who was joined by RNAS Culdrose executive officer commander Al Woodward and local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Edward Bolitho.

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The Battle of Trafalgar story goes that Penzance fishermen in Mount’s Bay first heard of victory and the death of Lord Nelson from HMS Pickle, as the ship made its way back to Britain with the ‘momentous’ news. The town immediately organised a thanksgiving service at the parish church, which back then was the one in Madron.

RNAS Culdrose sailors make their way to Madron Parish Church (Image: Royal Navy/PO A’Barrow)For several years, a similar service was held to mark this occasion, but in 1946, the tradition of holding an annual Commemoration involving the Royal Navy was started by Reverand Michael Hocking, a former naval captain, and the parish vicar at the time.