![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
||||
![]() |
|||||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Given the distance to be travelled by Coastal Forces vessels of limited range, it was essential to identify a departure port both close enough to the open sea to permit only one night to be spent at sea, and large enough to accommodate the assembling fleet. It was indeed fortunate that Falmouth not only met both of these requirements, but also had its own Coastal Forces base, HMS Forte IV, located at The Coastlines. Today's Membley Hall Hotel, then designated Forte 1, was another Naval facility which became, temporarily, the Headquarters of Commander Ryder, its former sun lounge used for much of the raid planning. Ryder arrived in the port on March 10th whereupon Falmouth remained intimately involved with the raid until the fleet's departure on March 26th. The port then saw the return of surviving vessels on Sunday March 29th, the destroyer HMS Brocklesby carrying the body of Able Seaman Bill Savage VC who was interred in Falmouth Cemetery alongside Leading Motor Mechanic Tom Parker
Naval Charioteers Bob Nock, Frank Arkle, Bill Tillie and Robbie Roberts
The new site on Prince of Wales Pier
The re-sited original Memorial is now surrounded by annotated plinths.
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, prepare for the unveiling of the new Memorial.
I
In 2008, in recognition of the raid's expanding profile, the original memorial stone was moved to Prince of Wales Pier, to become the centrepiece of a much expanded site in the very heart of the port. Unveiled on July 11th by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, who arrived by boat from St. Mawes to be greeted by veterans and local dignitaries, that single stone, shown right, is now encircled by a series of plinths each capped with inscribed quotations from those who took part in the raid.
2008: Falmouth unveils a new memorial
All material contained in this site is subject to copyright and must not be reproduced in any format without the consent of the relevant copyright holder