Day the military vessels will leave Liverpool and sail down River Mersey

Thousands of people have been taking part in this weekend’s special commemorative events.

This weekend, the city is marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic with a programme of events. From the Princess Royal unveiling a new memorial and garden of reflection to outdoor performances and special visits on board participating vessels, there has been much to see and do at the Pier Head.

On Sunday, May 28, a Drumhead service of thanksgiving was held at the Pier Head followed by the March for the Medals. Crowds then gathered on the waterfront on Sunday afternoon to see the conclusion of the commemorative events.

READ MORE: Phillip Schofield first met This Morning colleague he later had affair with at age 15

It was previously reported that the events will conclude with the “visiting vessels sailing down the Mersey at 5pm, escorted by a convoy from the Mersey’s maritime community and a Beat Retreat played by His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band at Pier Head.”

Military ships, led by HMS Destroyer arrived in Liverpool on Friday for the 80th anniversary commemorations. As crowds gathered on the waterfront on Sunday afternoon, they were informed the HMS Defender would not be leaving today.

A member of staff told the ECHO on Sunday afternoon that the HMS Defender would not be sailing until Tuesday. They added there had been some miscommunication and the military vessels will be sailing on Tuesday, depending on the tide, but no official time has been given. The vessels will not be open to the public on Monday.

The ECHO understands today’s event was a finale from the “convoy sails” which included a Fairey Swordfish flying over the Liver Building. Culture Liverpool tweeted earlier: “A fitting finale by ‘The Convoy Sails’ as the Battle of Atlantic commemorative weekend comes to an end.”

Speaking previously, Chairman of the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Charity, Gary Doyle, said: “No city is more connected with the Battle of the Atlantic than Liverpool, and there can be no more fitting a setting for these important 80th^{anniversary commemorations.}

“The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest and most strategically important battle of the Second World War. If the Allies had lost the fight, there’s little doubt that we would have lost the war.

“The death toll was – and still is – staggering. Tens of thousands of Merchant Navy, Royal Navy, and Allied Naval seamen, and thousands of RAF and allied aviators lost their lives in order to keep our supply lanes open and our families fed. This 80^th commemoration is extra-special because we will be joined by some of our Battle of the Atlantic veterans at events during the weekend, and they are without doubt the focus of the whole event.

“It is perhaps the last major commemorative opportunity we will have to come together to say thank you to those remarkable men and women, and to celebrate their great effort and achievement, in the pleasure of their company.”

READ NEXT:

Man dies after falling from city centre car park

Owners of Chinese restaurant set to close ‘didn’t think they were that loved’

‘Dancing queen’ killed in M62 crash was ‘one of a kind’

Five-bed mansion hidden in secluded spot back on the market after two decades

M&S shoppers are loving ‘sunshine vibes’ dress for £45