Trafalgar Night dinner

The sailing club was taking full advantage of the nationwide concession that the Royal Naval ensign could be flown from all buildings to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

But, as former Royal Marine Les Quilty reminded Bexhill Mess of the Maritime Volunteer Service at Saturday's annual Trafalgar Night dinner at the Sailing Club it was a Royal Marine Sergeant who carried the mortally-wounded Nelson below to HMS Victory's cockpit.

When the Government axed the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service, Les Quilty and colleagues from the disbanded Bexhill unit were among those who helped found the MVS. Their aim is to maintain a core of volunteers trained in seamanship to be available in time of national need.

The Bexhill unit has been praised for its work in helping "police" this year's Trafalgar anniversary Fleet Review.

The White Ensign and the Union Flag were prominent among the decor as the Sailing Club hosted Saturday's dinner.

Members and guests had before them a highly informative souvenir colour programme researched and produced by member Nick Marjoram.

Under Master of Ceremonies CV Greg Darby, CV Ray Craig read Nelson's Prayer and V Lt Cdr Bill Smith gave the Naval Grace. The Loyal Toast was given by V Lt Tom Bloor. In a welcome to guest head of unit VO Hugh Gallagher said V Cdr Les Quilty had held most national offices since the MVS was created.

"He is held in the highest respect and affection and it is no exaggeration that without Les the MVS would not exist."

Proposing The Immortal Memory and referring to the way ordinary men had been welded into an elite, Les Quilty said: "I would suggest that that great victory 200 years ago was won not by just Nelson but by the superb teams that were created on the various ships and who became their own elite fighting force."

Nelson was a great tactician, a strategist who planned his operations. Even though he had the smaller force, his pre-planning allowed him to deploy his ships to best advantage.

Victory carried 44 Royal Marines. They were part of the "professional" element aboard at a time when half the Navy was professional and the rest "pressed men" and others.

Nelson was an egotist and outspoken. He was not liked by contemporaries such as Wellington. But he was a humane leader, a communicator.

He knitted together a disparate team and his "band of brothers" - his officer team - and his men adored him.

He became a national hero after the battle which cost him his life.

"I query today whether if he had lived after Trafalgar and the war whether it would have been a different story. The victory would have been as great. But would we still be doing The Immortal Memory or would the Press have got at this individual?"

The Appreciation was given by Bexhill Sailing Club Commodore Ian Sprigings.

POV Geoff Frost later led the company in the singing of sea shanties which is an MVS Trafalgar Night tradition.