Brixham event will commemorate Merchant Navy Day and those lost with HMS Saucy

The Merchant Navy is being remembered and celebrated with a major community event in Brixham.

The Brixham Future CIC event will mark Merchant Navy Day on Thursday September 3.

Steve Glanvill, of Brixham Future, said: “As a former Merchant Seaman myself, and member of Brixham Future Board I am delighted that at last our town with its strong nautical heritage has decided to mark this nationwide day with commemoration, celebrations and educational events.

“It was amazing to see Brixham people and visitors turn out in thousands to mark other national occasions. These have included significant anniversaries for D-Day & VE Day, or the amazing Jubilee and coronation events we organised.

“So, we feel as a town with a strong nautical heritage dating back centuries, we should lead on organising an event to mark this day.

“We are confident that the planned events will be amazing, and well supported by residents and visitors alike.

“The recent closure of the Straits of Hormuz demonstrates the importance of the Merchant fleet to the survival of our seafaring nation in peacetimes and during wars. This is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate this vital service.”

Funded by the Brixham Lottery, there will be a formal unveiling of a commemorative Heritage Board recognizing the sacrifices of the Merchant fleet in World War 2 ( 1939-1945) and the poignant story of the sinking of HMS Saucy in which local men were lost at sea.

Many descendants of the crew of this ill-fated ship still live in the town and will be attending the events making it even more poignant.

HMS Saucy was a Royal Navy rescue tug, originally built in 1918. She was requisitioned again in 1939 when war broke out.

She was based at Rosyth on the Firth of Forth and used to assist ships in distress.

On the night of September 3 to 4 in 1940, she went to the aid of a Dutch merchant ship that had been damaged by German aircraft.

While returning towards Rosyth, Saucy struck a mine and sank extremely quickly near Inchkeith Island on September 4.

Of around 27 crew lost, an estimated 18 were from Brixham, making it a devastating event for the town. Several of the men were related, including members of the Harvey family. A memorial plaque to those lost was unveiled at Brixham Harbour in 2004.

The main Brixham CIC event will be held in Churchill Gardens in Berry Head Road at 10.30am with an unveiling of the commemorative Heritage Board.

The unveiling is then followed by a short Parade along Berry Head Road to the town war memorial for a short service and wreath laying ceremony.

Our own local female Scottish piper Jean Hart will be playing a range of tunes, including a lament for the fallen. The Brixham Town Band will be providing music to accompany the service.

After the above formalities, there is a 12 noon reception in the Constitution Club ( former Conservative Club) in New Road, including a lunch buffet to which all attendees are welcome.

There is music provided by local group `Missin` Tackle’ adding to the nautical flavour of the event. Between 1pm and 1.45pm there will be a free presentation from Capt. Parsons, RMN, on the history of the Merchant Navy.

For those who wish to carry on enjoying the nautical atmosphere that Brixham has to offer, there will be an afternoon tea arranged at the the Chart Room, in Foundary Court with entertainment provided by the famous local group `Harbour Buoy`s.`

Copies of the printed programme for this significant event are available from The Chart Room, Foundary Court, or Crafty Cwtch Welsh Café, the colours of Brixham Art Shop and Flour Flower café all three located in Middle Street.

Copies are also available from Brixham Library and Town hall , alongside many other locations throughout the town.

Brixham Future CIC would like to thank everyone involved in the delivery of this important community event and those who have made donations to help cover the costs.

Further details on this event please contact Brixham Future CIC