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Reunion
‘A Celebration of HMS Tetcott’
The celebration was held over the weekend of 6th to 8th October 2006 - most of the veterans who were able to attend had not met any of their shipmates for over 60 years!
All in all twenty veterans had been contacted and ten were able to attend. Many took their first opportunity to meet up on the Friday evening when Holsworthy Museum hosts, Shawn Dymond and Janet Mason, had invited all to the museum. As well as the veterans, families of ex-crew, now deceased, had been invited with some travelling from as far afield as Scotland, Kent, and South Wales.
Saturday, 6th October was a very memorable day for all concerned and started at 10.30 am when all assembled at Holsworthy Museum. The Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh GCB then arrived and all proceeded to Tetcott church to view the white battle ensign brought to the church in March 1942 by Captain Rycroft with a contingent of the ship’s company.
A memorial oak was planted by four of the veterans near to the church in Tetcott Manor grounds, before everyone went to Arscott Hall for light refreshments.
 Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh |
 The white battle Ensign |
 Planting the memorial oak |
In the afternoon a parade took place from Holsworthy’s Town Square to the War memorial in pride of place were the Tetcott veterans, followed by the Standards and members of the Royal Naval Association, Royal British Legion, Royal Air Force, Army Cadets and St John’s Ambulance all led by Holsworthy Town Band.
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| Veterans' Parade | ||
Three wreaths were laid before the parade returned to the Square passing the War Memorial with the salute taken by Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh.
All then retired to Holsworthy Market Hall and Council Chamber to view the large display of photographs and artefacts, and to partake of more refreshments, before the launch of the book ‘Tetcott – the Thrill of the Chase’ – a copy of the book being given to each veteran and family.
A celebratory dinner for nearly seventy was held in the evening at the White Hart Hotel after which the veterans were presented with two framed photographs – one of the ship and the other of the veterans on the day. Toasts were proposed and rum supplied in true navy fashion bringing to an end a very long day for the veterans whose average age was 85.
Sunday saw all those who were staying in the area meet again in the Market Hall for a final chance to reminisce and to say “Au revoir” - until we meet again.