On 22 April, the Lord Lieutenant was delighted to attend a reception on board the Medway Queen.
The paddle streamer Medway Queen was launched in 1924 and entered service on Thames estuary routes in July of that year. She was an important part of the tourist scene until war was declared, when she was used as a minesweeper, as HMS Medway Queen, and worked to keep the seaways clear. She endured seven trips to Dunkirk in 1940.
The proceedings of the day began with a march past of cadets and veterans on the quayside followed by a blessing of the Centenary Ensign by the Dean of Rochester, The Very Reverend Philip Hesketh. The cadets and veterans then joined the assembled guests on board for refreshments. There were speeches and a Centenary Plaque was presented to Medway Queen by Howard Brooks and Heather Dennet of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.
We would like to thank everyone involved in this very special event, the Lord-Lieutenant had a wonderful time celebrating this important anniversary.
