A regimental association has gathered to commemorate a historic military anniversary.
The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association (WFRA) Worcester branch held a ceremony at the Worcestershire Regimental Stone in Gheluvelt Park to mark the ‘Glorious First of June’.
It commemorates the Fourth Battle of Ushant in 1794.
The ceremony took place on Monday, June 1, and honoured the legacy of the 29th Foot— which later became the Worcestershire Regiment—who fought as Marines aboard Lord Howe’s Channel Fleet during the battle.
Although the French supply fleet ultimately escaped, British forces inflicted heavy losses on the French navy.
The British ship Brunswick carried 81 men of the 29th aboard and were so close to the French that they fired through closed ports as they could not open them.
The Captain of the Brunswick and the officer of the 29th were mortally wounded during the battle.
In total, the British sank seven French ships without losing any of their own and were left in charge of the battle site which was so far from any land that it was dubbed the ‘Glorious 1st June’.
The action earned the 29th the right to bear the Naval Crown on their regimental colours.
In attendance at the ceremony were the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Fiona Charmy, who laid a wreath at the regimental stone.
Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Tor Pingree, spoke about the need to remember those who served, regardless of how far back in history their sacrifice was made.
Also present were veterans of the WFRA, Wychavon District chairman Councillor Gregory Wilkins, and members of the public—including visitors from as far away as New Zealand.
The Worcester branch of the WFRA would like to appeal to former members to come along to ceremonies in Gheluvelt Park on August 26, September 19 and October 25 all at 10.30am.
The branch meets at the Barbourne Ex-Services Club on The Moors, WR1 3ED, on the last Tuesday of January, March, May, July and September, and the second Tuesday of December.
Meetings begin at 7.30pm and include time for a friendly drink and a chat.
