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New Brighton RNLI represented at D-Day memorial service

Lifeboats News Release

Andy Liston of New Brighton RNLI represented the Wirral-based station at a special memorial service to commemorate those locally who took part in D-Day.

Representatives from the police, fire and ambulance services, as well as a representative from the crime commission, pose for a photo in formal attire alongside Andy of New Brighton RNLI.

RNLI/Andy Liston

Andy of New Brighton RNLI with representatives from Police, Fire, Ambulance and Crime Commission.

On Thursday 6 June a service was held at St. John’s Gardens in Liverpool city centre at noon, where wreaths were laid at the memorial stone to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

The service was delivered by The Rector of Liverpool, The Reverend Canon Dr Crispin Pailing MBE, in what will be one of his final public appearances in his role as Rector of Liverpool.

Joseph Carter, a D-Day veteran who was born in Liverpool, was a guest of honour at the service. Mr Carter, now 100 years old, joined the Royal Navy in 1942 when he was just 18 years old. Another D-Day veteran, aged 103, was also in attendance. Further notable attendees were representatives from Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire Service and the ambulance service.

New Brighton RNLI was represented by Launch Authority Andy Liston, who has been volunteering in New Brighton for more than 20 years and recently attended a special garden party at Buckingham Palace for long-serving RNLI volunteers, in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the charity.

New Brighton RNLI played a role in the war effort throughout WWII, ensuring safe entry into the ports and dock systems of Liverpool, Birkenhead and Wallasey for damaged ships, as well as ships carrying supplies and servicemen vital to continued operations during the war.

Andy said:

‘It was an honour and a privilege to represent New Brighton RNLI at this unique service. It is crucial that we continue to remember and commemorate the incredible sacrifice that so many brave men and women made from this area, in the protection of our freedoms today.’


Notes to Editors:

New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.

The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.

Connor Wray – Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO)

07756553092

[email protected]

Andy of New Brighton RNLI poses for a photo alongside the Rector of Liverpool and CO HMS Eaglet, all in formal service attire.

RNLI/Andy Liston

Andy with the Rector of Liverpool and CO HMS Eaglet.
A crowd of people gathered in the gardens, all facing toward the memorial stone, heads bowed in remembrance.

RNLI/Andy Liston

Many hundreds attended the special commemorative event.
A wreath of poppies with a handwritten card attached.

RNLI/Andy Liston

The wreath laid at the memorial stone on behalf of New Brighton RNLI.
A photograph of a programme of service for the D-Day celebration.

RNLI/Andy Liston

Programme of service for the day's events

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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