The event was organised by the Dorchester Royal Naval Association and the Town Council.
Lunch was arranged for about 175 participants in the Corn Exchange before they had to form up to march through the town and onto the Borough Gardens. The parade consisted of the Wessex Military Band, serving members including representatives from RFA Lyme Bay, veterans, armed forces cadets, Nothe Fort Band and military vehicles. The salute was taken by the Mayor of Dorchester Councillor Stella Jones, Captain Bramley RN and S/M John Antell.
In the Borough Gardens there were stalls and stands, a Viking military vehicle and the crowds would be entertained by the Durnovaria Silver Band, the Wessex Military Band and the Dorchester Big Band
The afternoon activities commenced with the Civic Armed Forces Day which was led by Reverend Geoffrey Walsh of Weymouth. Shipmate Derek Beauchamp said the Exhortation and Shipmate George Osborne said the Kohima Epitaph. Rev Walsh spoke about the Battle of the Atlantic and the Arctic convoys during World War Two. After the final prayers and the National Anthem it was time for a presentation.
Captain Steve Bramley the Weymouth Branch President presented the Arctic Star to the Chairman of Dorchester Royal Naval Association, George Osborne. (See Photograph)
George served in HMS Sheffield and took part in the Russian convoys from 1941 to 1944 and retired from the Naval Service after 24 years.
Accepting the award he said: “On receiving this medal I'd like to remember and honour all those sailors- merchant and Royal Navy, who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“They were great and did a great job.”
During the afternoon, as well as the music there was also a display by the Nothe Fort Artillery Volunteers which included firing of their cannon.
The hot weather saw hundreds pack into the Borough Gardens and it was good to see so many people support the parade as they progressed through the town. Dorchester Branch would like to thank everyone for their support and attendance.
