Annual Lost Trawlermen’s Service to be held on 70th anniversary of loss of 40 men
POIGNANT: The memorial to lost trawlermen on St Andrew’s Quay
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Hull’s annual Lost Trawlermen’s Day Service will have added poignancy this year as it will be held 70 years to the day since the tragic loss of the trawlers Lorella and Roderigo.
The annual service, organised by Hull fishing heritage group STAND, takes place on the last Sunday of January, which this year falls on the 26th. That was the date in 1955 when Lorella and Roderigo were lost with all hands – a grim toll of 40 crewmen.
The service of remembrance will be held at St John the Baptist Church, known as The Fishermen’s Church, in St George’s Road, from noon.
It is to remember the more than 6,000 men and boys estimated to have been lost at sea while sailing from Hull to put food on the nation’s tables. Many were lost at this time of year due to the harsh weather conditions in winter.
The 45-minute service will begin with a welcome given by the Rev Richard Coutts, vicar of St John the Baptist Church, and by Ruth Creasey, chair of STAND.
It will feature readings and prayers from community organisations and a short address from a STAND patron.
Children from Chiltern Primary School choir will perform their special song I, the Lord of Sea and Sky, and the City of Hull Band will play a short medley at the start of the service and also be performing their poignant piece Anchor for the Soul.
Hull Sea Cadets from TS Iron Duke will lead into a time of remembrance with the ringing of the Gaul bell, beginning a two-minute silence. The cadets will then lower and raise their standards which will be followed by the presentation and blessing of wreaths.
The service will conclude with the hymn Eternal Father accompanied by the City of Hull Band who will continue to play after the closing blessing by Rev Coutts.
Everyone is invited to attend.
Ms Creasey said: “This service, held in the heart of the once thriving Hessle Road fishing community, is an important and special annual event when we all can unite as one to remember the thousands of trawlermen who sailed from our once great fishing port but who were never to return”.
“This year we also mark the 70th anniversary of the loss of all hands – 40 men on the Lorella and Roderigo, lost on this day in 1955.
“As a city we must never forget the dedication, courage and ultimate sacrifice of over 6,000 men. Their memory will live on in the hearts and minds of families, friends and the wider community.”