Memorial service for Grangemouth TA troops who died in River Trent tragedy
People will gather at the River Trent memorial in Grangemouth’s Zetland Park from 10.40am to pay tribute to the sappers – Norman Bennett, James Black, Raymond Buchanan, Peter Evenden, Stuart Evenden, Ian Mercer, Alexander O’Brien, Terry Smith, Ronald Temprell and Joseph Walker – all in their late teens or early 20s who drowned when their assault boat was swept over a weir known locally as the Devil’s Cauldron during a force six gale in 1975. There was only one survivor from the 11-man crew.
Family members of the departed will join ex members of the Airborne Engineers, 131 Commando Engineers, Parachute Squadron, Armed Forces Cadets and others to gather for a service, wreath laying ceremony and two minute silence to remember the young men who lost their lives 44 years earlier.
Refreshments will be available at the Royal British Legion in Dundas Street after the service.