TRIBUTES PAID TO SAILORS AND MARINES WHO PERISHED IN LANDING CRAFT TRAGEDY

A MOVING service of remembrance was held at Freshwater West today (Thursday, April 24) to honour the memory of the sailors and Royal Marines who lost their lives when Landing Craft Gun (Large) 15 and 16 and HMS Rosemary were lost off the Pembrokeshire coast in April 1943.

The solemn gathering took place at the memorial above the beach where the disaster unfolded during a fierce storm 82 years ago. Wreaths were laid, prayers were said, and tributes were paid to the bravery and sacrifice of the men who perished in what remains one of Wales’ worst maritime tragedies.

Veterans, serving members of the armed forces, civic leaders, cadets, police, RNLI and residents joined together to pay their respects.

The disaster that should never have happened

On the night of April 25–26, 1943, LCG(L) 15 and LCG(L) 16, heavily laden and caught in a violent Atlantic gale, were refused shelter first at Fishguard and then at Milford Haven. Battered by enormous waves, both landing craft were swamped and ultimately sank off Freshwater West, taking dozens of men with them into the freezing sea.

HMS Rosemary, an ageing Royal Navy sloop, attempted a rescue but suffered tragedy of her own when six sailors drowned after their small boat capsized in the storm.

In total, at least 79 men—Royal Navy and Royal Marines—lost their lives. Many are buried in Milford Haven Cemetery or commemorated at naval memorials in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham.

Community remembers

Representatives from the Royal British Legion, Milford Haven Sea Cadets, and local history groups attended today’s service, alongside members of the public who stood in silent tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A minute’s silence was held overlooking the waters where the two landing craft went down, followed by the playing of the Last Post. Wreaths were laid on behalf of Milford Haven Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, the Royal Navy, and veterans’ organisations.

Speaking at the event, a representative said: “On this coastline where they were lost, we gather to remember not only their sacrifice, but also the tragedy of their passing. Their memory lives on in Milford Haven, and will never be forgotten.”

Relatives of some of the men travelled from across the country to attend, reflecting the enduring bond between those who serve and the communities they leave behind.

Calls for formal recognition

Despite the scale of the disaster, it received little public attention during the war, and the full findings of the Board of Enquiry were never released. Campaigners are continuing to call for a formal apology and greater national recognition ahead of the 85th anniversary in 2028.

As the wind swept across the beach today, the message from Freshwater West was clear: the sacrifices of April 1943 will always be remembered.