4 of 6 April 2024 The 1805 Dispatches #24.02 The annual Midshipman Richard Sutherland Dale Commemoration took place on 24 February 2024 in St Peter’s Church in St George’s Bermuda. The ceremony recalls Dale’s death, at the age of 20, following the battle between HM Frigate Endymion and US Frigate President on 14 January, 1815. After President’s surrender, both ships were dismasted in a storm and made their way to Bermuda. During the battle, Dale was wounded, shot in his leg. En route to Bermuda, his leg was amputated. Upon reaching Bermuda, Dale was housed at the Stennet Hotel, where he died. He was buried in the graveyard behind St Peter’s Church. Dale was the last US Navy officer to die in the War of 1812, ironically weeks after the Treaty of Ghent was signed. His is the only known US war grave on Bermuda. The commemoration of his death began in1 1932, initiated by US Navy Captain Scarritt Adams. The afternoon event, hosted by Friends of St Peter’s Church usually takes place on the town square with a procession to the graveyard. This year’s ceremony, however, was held inside the church due to rain. First, under the guidance of Lt Commander (SCC) Michael Frith, the TS Admiral Somers Sea Cadets lined up for inspection by Her Excellency Ms Rena Lalgie, Governor of Bermuda. Joining Governor Lalgie in the official party were The Worshipful Quinell Francis, JP, Mayor of St George; US Consul General Karen Grissette, and fellow Club member, The Honorable Jarion C. Richardson, JP MP. The officiants were Reverend Marie Loewen, Interim Rector of St Peter’s Church and The Reverend Canon John Mark Stow, of The Friends of St Peter’s Church. 1805 Club member Captain Alan Brooks RN, Retd also attended. The ceremony consisted of Bible readings, prayers, and the singing of the UK and US national anthems. Governor Lalgie laid a wreath of white passion flowers on the altar on behalf of King Charles. She also represented Mrs. Louise Hall Reider for the Dale family, in honour of her deceased father, Captain Scarritt Adams USN. Consul General Grissette laid a wreath on the behalf of the American People. The Honorable Jarion Richardson laid a wreath on the behalf of The 1805 Club. Photos and Captions 1: The TS Admiral Somers Sea Cadets stand at attention. (BerNews) 2: A Sea Cadet Salutes Her Excellency Ms Rena Lalgie, Governor of Bermuda. (BerNews) 3: A Sea Cadet salutes MP Jarion Richardson. Photo courtesy of Alison Outerbridge. 4: The officiants at the altar with wreaths. (BerNews) Inset: The wreath for The 1805 Club. Photo courtesy of Alison Outerbridge. 3 2 1 4 MIDSHIPMAN RICHARD SUTHERLAND DALE COMMEMORATION By Dr Judith E Pearson SHIP’S WORD WHEEL Take a ten-minute break and find as many words as possible, using the letters in the wheel. Each must use the hub letter and at least 3 others, used only once. No plurals (if only made by adding an ‘s’ or ‘es’), no foreign words not in common usage in English, nor proper nouns. There is at least one nine-letter word to be found. 30 = Average; 45 = Good; 65 = Amazing! Answers on last page Remember that there is a whole treasure trove here https://www.facebook.com/ The1805Club/ Here is a reminder from your Editor that among its many other virtues, The 1805 Dispatches newsletter exists in order to give Club members an opportunity to tell everyone else their news. We are a Club of people with interest in eighteenth-century naval history, but we are more than that, as experienced by anyone who has been able to attend any of our events. With such like-minded people real friendships can often develop. Look now at the Events Diary on page 6, to avoid missing a chance to meet up. Please tell us about the things you enjoy, particularly if they involve the Club or similar activities.
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