Seaman's ceremony: Governor Sir Richard Gozney, US Consul General Gregory Slayton, church warden and Alderman Beau Evans, Mayor Mariea Caisey, St. Peter's vicar Dr. W. David Raths and Rev. Erskine Simmons.

Remembering a serviceman who died 200 years ago as Britain fought the US

Governor Sir Richard Gozney and US Consul General Gregory Slayton joined together to lay wreaths in memory of a United States Midshipman who died here almost 200 years ago after suffering injuries.

Midshipman Richard Sutherland Dale, the oldest son of Commodore Richard Dale from Philadelphia, was 20 years old when he lost his leg after his ship President engaged a British warship in the 1815 war between Britain and the US.

He was brought to St. George's for treatment and cared for in Stennet's Hotel where the Bank of Butterfield now sits in the Town Square. However, he succumbed to his injuries on February 22, 1815.

But he was never forgotten. Every February 22, when the US Marine Corp was stationed on the US base in St. George's, a small parade would be held to honour the Midshipman who gave his life in the last military action on the seas between the US and England.

The ceremony ceased when the base withdrew in 1995. However, the Friends of St. Peter's Foundation, which works to preserve and increase interest in the church in St. George, reintroduced the ceremony in 2006.

At the ceremony on Sunday, Sir Richard did an inspection of the Sea Cadets and laid a wreath of red and white flowers. Mr. Slayton also laid a wreath.

Reverend Dr. Erskine Simmons, who also attended the ceremony, said: "I think it was an excellent ceremony, well received by the public. The weather was beautiful, couldn't have asked for a better day."

Descendants of Bermudian Scarret Adams who served in the US Navy and who found the Midshipman's grave, donated funds so that every year a wreath of white Passionflowers can be laid.

Courtesy of Royal Gazette reporter Tauria Raynor