Following the inaugural gathering of the Exeter crews from HMS Exeter WW2 Cruiser and Type 42 Destroyer, a committee was formed to help promote and take the merged Associations forward so the great name of HMS Exeter remains.
Membership to the Association has continued to grow and next year the second gathering is scheduled to take place on Saturday 4th March in Exeter, where we hope we will be joined by Exeter ratings from all periods of the ships career. (Membership is free, click here to join)
The intended format is along the same lines as this year’s successful event in which over 250 Old Exeter’s gathered, marched and celebrated with old shipmates and new friends.
In 2017 there is a double celebration planned. It will be the 75th Anniversary of the sinking of the Cruiser Exeter in the Java Sea; and it will be the 35th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict in which D89 Exeter served. But this is not just about those crews, it’s about the ships and all who sailed on them or are related to someone who served on them. This is an opportunity to meet up with old ship mates and like-minded people who all have a common connection of a ship that is fondly remembered by all who served on her.
On Friday 3rd there will be an informal gathering as everyone arrives at their hotels in preparation for Saturday’s event.
Saturday will start with a Civic Reception hosted by the Lord Mayor. (Due to restricted numbers not everyone will be able to attend, but the committee will ensure there is a fair representation from both Exeter’s and from each period of Exeter’s time)
The Civic Reception will be followed by a March through the streets of Exeter to the Cathedral.
At the Cathedral there will be a Remembrance Service where Wreaths will be laid to honour all Old Exeter’s who were lost during WW2 and those we have lost since.
Following the Service a buffet lunch will be provided in the White Ensign Club where there will be an opportunity to exchange stories of your time onboard your ship.
On Saturday evening there will be a more informal gathering in the White Ensign Club so everyone can continue to spin the dits and reminisce about old times.
We hope that as an Old Exeter Rating, or a family member of one, you will take the decision to join us and share in the celebrations and remembrance of 2 great ships on which we were all proud to have served. Semper Fidelis.
Click here for much more detailed information.
