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Commemoration of World War One Zeebrugge raid: 21 April 2010; More than 70 Royal Marine veterans from all over the country paraded at Seacombe Ferry Terminal on Sunday 18th April 2010 to commemorate the Zeebrugge Raid - one of the most heroic actions of the First World War in which the Mersey Ferries played their part.

Sea Cadets from Wallasey-based TS Astute joined the veterans in the parade and a service aboard the Royal Daffodil.

The Zeebrugge raid took place on St George’s Day (April 23) 1918. It was a landing aimed at blocking an outlet for German U-boats and destroyers by sinking old cruisers in a channel at Zeebrugge.

Vicious hand to hand fighting saw incredible heroism and the award of 200 medals for gallantry, including eight Victoria Crosses, the highest military honour for bravery.

The original Daffodil and Iris acted as landing craft for marines and tugboats to HMS Vindictive. They both came under heavy fire and as a result of their action King George V awarded them the title of “Royal” ferries, a unique distinction that remains to this day.

Yesterday, on the 92nd anniversary of Zeebrugge. about 300 people – of whom more than 60 were former marines - attended the ceremony at Seacombe which was followed by a service on board the Royal Daffodil.

Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel which helps organise the annual ceremony, said: “This service is always an extremely moving occasion.

“The Mersey Ferries and the Royal Marines forged an historic link at Zeebrugge and the bravery of so many men is something which we will ensure is never forgotten.”

Wreathes were laid at the Seacombe Zeebrugge memorial by the Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Andrew Hodson, Neil Scales, Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel and representatives of the Royal Marine Reserves.

After a service on board the Royal Daffodil wreathes were later cast into the Mersey as a bugler sounded The Last Post.; Back to Media Centre