Sunday 8th March
St. Naziare Parade, Falmouth
Pipers: Nigel, Tom G, Miranda, Keith G, Ian, Chris, David C, John C
Drummers: Snare – Tom W, John R, Tenor – Fred, Vic, Bass – Keith I
Drum Major: Andrew
Weatherwise, the forecast was correct, cool and fresher with rain but the drizzly atmosphere did not dampen the spirits of the Band members as they met in the Quarry car park for final dressing and a tune-up. It was a good turnout of 8 Pipers and 5 Drummers with Drum Major. Dress code was no 1s with Glengarries. After a break in Weatherspoons they assembled on the Moor ready to lead the Parade to the Prince of Wales Pier at 10.45 hours. The Parade consisted of a contingent of Royal Marines, Standard Bearers, Police Community Support Cadets, Mayoral Party and Dignitaries, representatives of the Services, Universities and County Councillors. The Kernow Band played and marched on to the Quay as the rest of the Parade gathered around the Memorial Stone.
The surrounding seas were calm in the drizzle with a misty horizon beyond as the Pipe Major played an emotive Lament to the assembled crowd around the memorial.
The Rev. David Wylie RN opened the Service by saying “Rain is a blessing at least that’s what they say in Africa ……” and after prayers Major Chris Hall, 2nd in Command 42 Commando Royal Marines was invited to talk and read a Tribute to Operation Chariot. He spoke about the British Commandoes during the 2nd World War and their actions in St Nazaire and the large part the Royal Navy played. “….. and today we remember all those taking part and how it is a great honour to join you in remembering this sacrifice in March 1942”.
The Service continued with prayers and the reading of the Gospel by Town Mayor Councillor John Body. There followed the Act of Remembrance, the Exhortation read by Eric Dawkins MBE of the St Nazaire Society. The Bugler played The Last Post, and 2 minutes silence was observed. The Reveille followed and the Laying of Wreaths followed by the Kohima epitaph and prayers.
The Parade Marshall instructed the Parade to reform and march to the Watersports Centre. At 11.45 hours the Band arrived at the Yacht Club playing the Scotland the Brave set. After dismissal the Pipe Major spent a moment congratulating the Drum Corps on their splendid performance and the Pipers on their playing. The Band members entered the Club to partake of the welcome refreshments provided for the Parade participants.
It had been a wet morning but luckily the weather became no worse than a drizzle at times and the Band had played to their usual high standard and were appreciated and photographed by the public lining the streets.
Tunes played during the morning included Scotland the Brave/ Rowan Tree/Wings/Bonny Galloway, Collin’s Cattle/Shoals of Herring, and Cockney Jocks/Rainbow Country/Bluebells of Scotland.
