Historic dockyard receives civic honour

The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has been awarded the Freedom of Medway

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (CHDT) is among two naval charities to be awarded a civic honour by a local council.

Medway Council bestowed the Freedom of Medway upon the charity at a council meeting earlier this month.

The Chatham branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) was also given the honour.

The award recognises the charities' and their members' contributions to the Falklands War.

Vince Maple, leader of Medway Council, said: “It is so important to honour the men and women who have served our country and made a number of sacrifices, along with their families.

“We are incredibly proud of Medway’s rich history with our armed forces and the Royal Navy has a special place in the hearts of Medway’s residents," he added.

In 1982 Chatham Dockyard's civilian workforce prepared ships and submarines for the conflict, including HMS Endurance, HMS Valiant and HMS Warspite.

The RNA, which provides social activities and welfare services to naval personnel, has 75 members in Chatham, three of which served during the Falklands War.

Dennis Potter, chairman of the RNA Chatham, thanked Medway Council for the award.

"It is an honour for us to receive this in recognition of those who served in the Falklands War," he said.

Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, chair of CHDT, said it was "very much an honour" to accept the Freedom of Medway on behalf of the former dockyard workforce.

He added: "Chatham Dockyard played a significant role in the Falklands War and being awarded this distinction appropriately recognises the enormous contribution of the workers who supported the Royal Navy during the conflict."