Dungeness RNLI volunteers represent charity at Cenotaph service

Mark Richardson and Terry Ashford, both longstanding members of the Dungeness lifeboat crew, joined representatives from across the emergency services, armed forces and voluntary sector for the annual service of remembrance in the capital.

As Dungeness RNLI marks its bicentenary in 2026, the station was honoured to be selected to represent the RNLI at the national event.

During the ceremony, Mark Richardson laid a wreath on behalf of the RNLI alongside representatives from other organisations and emergency services. At the same time, his brother and fellow volunteer coxswain, Stuart Richardson, laid a wreath at the Remembrance Service in Lydd as per local tradition.

The Richardson family has a long and proud history of service with Dungeness RNLI, making the occasion particularly significant for both the family and the station.

Volunteer Coxswain, Mark Richardson says:

‘It was a great privilege to represent the RNLI and Dungeness RNLI at such an important national event. Remembrance is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many, and I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the charity during our station's 200th anniversary year. Knowing that my brother Stuart was representing our local community in Lydd at the same time made the occasion especially meaningful for our family.’

Navigator, Terry Ashford added:

‘Dungeness RNLI has a long and proud history stretching back two centuries, and it was an honour to represent the station at the Cenotaph. The service was a poignant reminder of the importance of service and dedication, values that continue to be reflected by RNLI volunteers today.’

The act of remembrance resonates strongly with Dungeness RNLI's own wartime history. During the Second World War, RNLI lifeboat crews played a vital role in supporting the war effort, most notably during Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk in May and June 1940. Nineteen RNLI lifeboats took part in the operation as part of the 'Little Ships' fleet, helping to bring thousands of servicemen to safety.

Among them was the Dungeness lifeboat Charles Cooper Henderson, which had been on station at Dungeness since 1933. The lifeboat was requisitioned for the evacuation and crossed the Channel to assist in the rescue effort, becoming part of one of the most remarkable maritime operations in British history.

Today, her story remains an important part of both RNLI and Dungeness lifeboat station heritage, serving as a lasting reminder of the courage, service and sacrifice remembered each year at remembrance events.

Notes to Editors

· Dungeness lifeboat station has been running since 1826.

· The station received the first Shannon class lifeboat in the RNLI fleet – The Morrell

· The station is famous for its Lady Launchers, local women and wives of the crew who helped launch the lifeboat until 1977.

Ends

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