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War heroes honoured
12/06/2008
Survivors and victims of HMT Lancastria were honoured by First Minister Alex Salmond at a commemorative medal presentation in Edinburgh today.
The sinking of the Lancastria is the worst disaster in British Maritime history. An estimated 4,000 lives were lost when the Lancastria sank on the 17 June 1940, around 400 of them Scots, after being struck by German bombers off the coast of St. Nazaire.
To honour those onboard, the First Minister presented the commemorative medals, commissioned by the Scottish Government, to survivors and the families of victims at a reception held by the Lancastria Association of Scotland in the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Salmond said:
"The sinking of HMT Lancastria resulted in the single largest loss of British lives in World War II and these commemorative medals aim to recognise the courage and sacrifice of those onboard.
"Every Scot who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of their nation, and the bravery and valour of those who have fought and still fight today, should be appropriately commemorated.
It is a pleasure to present these commemorative medals, they serve not only to remember this extraordinary loss of life but also signify the Scottish Government's recognition for the survivors and families of victims that is so richly deserved after all these years."