Lost trawlermen to be remembered in annual service at ‘fishermen’s church’

TRIBUTE: The memorial to lost trawlermen at St Andrew’s Quay

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

The annual service commemorating Hull’s lost trawlermen will take place at St John the Baptist Church, known as ‘The Fishermen’s Church’, in St George’s Road, from noon on Sunday, January 25.

It will be the 37th annual service organised by St Andrew’s Dock Fishing Heritage Group (STAND).

The service is held on the last Sunday in January, a time of year when many trawlermen were lost to the sea due to the harsh weather conditions. It is estimated more than 6,000 men and boys while sailing from the city to catch fish for the nation’s tables.

Most have no grave and are instead commemorated in a Memorial to Lost Trawlerman on St Andrew’s Quay, which was commissioned by STAND.

This year’s Service will pay tribute to all the single losses of trawlermen that have happened throughout Hull’s fishing history – men who were carrying out their every day work to put fish on our plates but who were tragically lost to the sea.

After a welcome by Reverend Richard Coutts, vicar of St John’s, and STAND chair Ruth Creasy, the service will feature readings and prayers from community organisations, and a performance from St George’s Primary School Choir.

‘WE MUST NEVER FORGET’: STAND chair Ruth Creasey at last year’s service

The City of Hull Band will play a short medley plus Anchor for the Soul.

A two-minute silence will follow the ringing of the bell from lost Hull trawler Gaul, after which Hull Sea Cadets from TS Iron Duke will lower and raise Standards, followed by the presentation and laying of wreaths.

The 50-minute service will conclude with the hymn Eternal Father accompanied by the City of Hull Band. Refreshments will be served after the service.

Mrs Creasey said: “This service, held in the heart of the once thriving Hessle Road fishing community, has become an important and special annual event when we all stand side by side in remembrance of the thousands of trawlermen who sailed from our once great fishing port but who were never to return. 

“This year our service will pay special tribute to the single losses of thousands of men from the hundreds of trawlers and fishing vessels who sailed from Hull throughout Hull’s fishing history. As a city we must never forget the dedication, courage and ultimate sacrifice of over 6,000 men lost to the sea.

“We look forward to welcoming families, friends, shipmates and visitors as they remember their special loved one or an industry long gone. Memories will always live on in the hearts and minds of families, friends and the wider community.”