In June 1940, the Liverpool-Registered Cunard Liner RMS Lancastria departed Princes Landing Stage on a voyage eventually leading to the mouth of the River Loire at St. Naziare in France. The ship’s mission was to embark evacuees from occupied France. A bombing raid by enemy aircraft sank the ship and an estimated 5,000 souls on board were lost in the largest maritime disaster in British history.

The loss was commemorated during a special service at the HMT Lancastria memorial on the anniversary of the attack, Wednesday 17th June 2026 with the newest Cunarder, Queen Anne, alongside at Liverpool Cruise Port.

Wreaths were laid by Captain Hugh Daglish LVO JP DL on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant, the High Sheriff Mrs. Hazel Snell DL, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr William Shortall, Leader of Liverpool City Council Cllr Liam Robinson, Captain of MV Queen Anne and representatives of the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy.

Lest we forget.

Many thanks to the Lord Mayor’s Office for the organisation of the commemoration.

Thanks to Major Roy Bevan for the photographs.