SEVENTH ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ‘ALL THE KING’S MEN'

SEVENTH ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ‘ALL THE KING’S MEN'

This annual act of remembrance was held on Saturday 17th September at St Nicholas Church, Dersingham in Norfolk, little more than a mile from Sandringham House. This impressive old church has seating for 300 people which is double that of the older venue of West Newton. It also has a chapel dedicated to both World Wars. Beside the chapel there is a wooden plaque dedicated to Mary Plumpton Beck, widow of Captain Frank Beck of the Sandringham's King's Company who died during the Gallipoli campaign.

Once again we were blessed with glorious sunshine for the service, over 200 people turned up for the service, many of whom have attended every year since the annual service started six years ago. Also present were 22 standards presented by the Royal British Legion.

The Rev Michael Brock welcomed all present, which included the Deputy Mayor of King’s Lynn, the Mayor of Hunstanton and Major General Sir William Cubitt KCVO, CBE. He then went on to welcome the visiting officers from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey.

A total of ten wreaths were laid at the Chapel of Remembrance; the Association wreath being laid by Lt Commander Arthur Coxon . He also read the exaltation clearly and with pride. Arthur Coxon’s father was a Captain with the 5th Norfolk’s at Gallipoli , and later for many years became the Church Warden at St Nicholas Church. Arthur with his family had the pleasure of sitting in the Church Warden’s seat that was occupied by his father for many years previously Once again at the age of 84 yrs he has travelled from the Vale of Glamorgan to support this event.

Following the service, the church hall was packed to capacity for tea and ANZAC biscuits. There was a real buzz of activity. Great interest was shown in the Gallipoli Association display. Everyone was welcomed and thanked for attending by John Crowe, the organiser. He was followed by Lt Commander Arthur Coxon who has many links with King’s Lynn and Dersingham. All those from all the countries involved were remembered at this service. The collection in the church raised £288. The money taken in the hall for tea and biscuits raised £113. This will form the start of a fund towards much needed repairs and improvements to the church hall.

The Rev Michael Brock has agreed to another service next year on Saturday 15th September 2012 at 2.30pm for 3pm. Please direct any enquiries to John Crowe on either 0208 697 2787 or Mobile: 07956 188826 or e mail – johncrowe@uwclub.net

Please note that a full report will be published in the forthcoming Gallipolian journal.