ST Clement’s Church in West Thurrock is, perhaps, best known for its connection to the film Four Weddings and a Funeral.
However at the end of this month a true-life tragedy will be commemorated with the unveiling of a Thurrock Heritage Plaque to recall the loss of 16 cadets and an officer from the Training Ship Cornwall, moored off Purfleet a hundred years ago.
They were killed in a sailing accident when their ship was struck by a government steam tug which failed to give way to sail on the Thames.
The cadets are buried in a mass grave alongside their officer who died with them, at the ancient church.
On the day an estimated 4,000 military and civilian mourners attended their burial service, including many army regiments stationed in the area.
The church is now cared for by a group of retired employees of Procter & Gamble, who are the custodians of the church.
Thurrock Council’s Great War Committee supported the making of a plaque to be fixed close to the mass grave to help explain the circumstances of the incident.
An open day on Sunday, 30 August (noon until 4.30pm) has been arranged so visitors can not only discover the church history but also attend a grave-side remembrance, 100 years on from the fateful day.
There is much to be seen in the church and graveyard and at 2.30pm a short talk by Jonathan Catton – Thurrock Council’s heritage and museum officer – will be given before the service to explain the background of this tragic incident.
The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Gray, will unveil the Thurrock Heritage Plaque as part of the service which starts at 3pm.
