Channel Dash Memorial Trust Monument

The Channel Dash Association are proud to announce that the unvleilling and dedication of the Memorial Monument to 825 Naval Air Squadron took place at Ramsgate on Friday 12 February 2010.

The day commenced at 1000hrs when Graeme Samples with daughters Rosie and Eve accompanied by Val Sayer escorted the ashes of three  former 825 NAS aircrew members -

Lt Cdr Edgar Lee, DSO VRD;                                                                  Sub Lt Reginald 'Mac' Samples CMG. DSO. OBE. RNVR; and         CPO(A) Les Sayer MBE DSM

- out into the Dover Strait onboard a Pilot Launch belonging to Estuary Services Limited.

Following a short and moving Committal Service the ashes, wreaths and floral tributes were laid on the waters. During the wreath laying a Tucano aircraft of 72 Squadron RAF overflew the ceremony in lone salute.

The party were accompanied by Reverend Peter Adams the CDA Chaplian and Councillor David Green, Ramsgate Town Mayor.

This was indeed a fitting finale as Edgar, 'Mac' and Les joined the thirteen comrades who never returned on that fateful day in 1942.

The Memorial Monument Ceremony commenced at 1400hrs with a Welcome and Introduction by Malcolm Godfrey - CDMT Vice Chairman, before the Address and Unveling was performed by the CDMT Patron, Admiral the Lord Boyce.

The Dedication of the Monument was conducted by Reverend Peter Adams and Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Chief of Staff Naval Aviation and Carriers - representing the Fleet Air Arm, read out the names of the 18 Channel Dash Heroes. CDMT Chairman, Peter Nixon gave 'The Exhortation' which was followed by the 'Last Post, The Silence and Revielle before the Kohima Epitaph'.

During the singing of the Naval Hymn, wreaths and Floral tributes were laid at the foot of the Memorial Monument whilst overhead a Royal navy Lynx Helicopter of the Fleet Air Arm flew in Salute to fallen comrades.  

Guests at the ceremony included Kent County Deputy Lieutenent -Brigadier (retired) David Ralls, Senior Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Officers. Dr Ladyman MP, the Chairman of Thanet District Council, Mayors and Councillors of Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs & St Peters. Also attending were CDA members, Veterans and Standards from all three Armed Services,  Merchant Navy and Cadet Forces.

Following the ceremony Malcolm Godfrey announced the launch of an Appeal to build a second substantial monument to 'Operation Fuller - The Channel Dash which would be located at Granville Garden, Dover.

In a letter to the Chairman the Patron, Admiral the Lord Boyce stated

The 825 NAS Monument at Ramsgate is constructed in Black Granite and has a polished front and reverse with inscriptions on the front which include an engraving of a Fairey Swordfish aircraft, the 825 NAS crest and a Victoria Cross. The front also contains the Serial Numbers of the six Fairey Swordfish aircraft along with the aircrew of each aircraft and the words published in the 'Daily Mail' in February 1942 following the fateful attack which are shown on the Home Page of this website. The reverse of the monument gives details of 'Operation Fuller' the Channel Dash.

The monument is located at Ramsgate Royal Harbour close to the Clock Tower building which houses the Maritime Museum. This site was selected as it is above this spot where Lt Cdr Eugene Esmonde circled with his squadron whilst waiting for RAF Spitfire protective cover. Buried below the Monument is a an Urn which holds a small portion of the ashes of Edgar, 'Mac' and Les.

A small quiet place to which present and future generations can come to learn about and understand what those 18 brave young men did for us all and to pay them long overdue respects.

 For further information or information on you can help please contact:

CDMT Chairman Mr Peter Nixon:                                        Tel: 07883517279  - email: chairman@channeldash.org                        CDMT Vice Chairman & Events Manager Mr Malcolm Godfrey :              Tel: 07739462156 - email: events@channeldash.org