Napoleonic Newsdesk

Remembering Prisoners of War

by Paul Chamberlain

Every year at Chatham there occurs a memo-rial service to the Napoleonic prisoners of war who died whilst held captive on board the prison ships in the Medway.

Top: The Mayor of Medway Mayor speaking of the importance of such a ceremony today.

Bottom: Jean Pierre Lucas laying a wreath at the foot of the memorial.

They are buried behind the St. George’s Centre in Chatham Maritime, next to a memorial erected to these men during the 19th century. This event is organised by Vice-Admiral Jean Pierre Lucas of Le Souvenir Français, which promotes French interests in the UK. The ceremony is held near to Remembrance Sunday.

The 2004 event was larger than previously, with local councillors, French war veterans and other guests taking part, escorted by the local Sea Cadets. Jacques Launey, Defence Attaché to the French Embassy in London, was also present.

During a moving ceremony in which wreaths were laid at the base of the memorial, Medway Mayor Susan Haydock stated: “We commemorate the prisoners of war who died during the Napoleonic Wars. It is also an act of reconciliation and important that on the 100th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale we carry out this ceremony.”

The ceremony was officiated by the Mayor’s chaplain Canon Alan Vousden, and the last Post was sounded. It was an event that emphasised how the past can be used to promote good relations in the present. During the bicentenary of the Napoleonic Wars, it will undoubtedly continue and grow in size each year.

Napoleonic News Desk

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