Affiliation of HMS RAIDER and Cambridge URNU with Harwich

 

HMS Raider was formally affiliated to the port town of Harwich, Essex on the weekend of the 1st-2nd February. The occasion coincided with 50th anniversary remembrance services for the victims of the 1953 floods that hit the region.

Major floods triggered by heavy storms hit Essex in 1953. Eight people were killed in Harwich and a total of 119 people lost their lives in the county. Local emergency services were boosted by sailors from the nearby naval shore establishment, HMS Ganges. A memorial service for the victims was held in the St. Nicholas Church and was attended by members of the ship's company and embarked CURNU students.

Berthed at Harwich's quay front, the visit provided a chance for the town's civic authorities and local residents with a view and tour of their newly affiliated ship. HMS Raider's Commanding Officer, Lt. Ben Dickens described the occasion as "a real privilege for us to be affiliated with this special town, especially in light of its naval heritage."

The town's previous affiliate, HMS Orwell was decommissioned in 2000. Harwich Town Council clerk Carol Tipple commenting, "Harwich has always had an affinity with the Royal Navy and has enjoyed long-standing relationships, such as our formal association with HMS Orwell."