Annual Midshipman Dale Memorial Service Held
The Friends of St Peter’s Church hosted the annual Midshipman Richard Sutherland Dale, USN, Commemorative Service on Saturday, marking the anniversary of his death on February 22, 1815.
A spokesperson said, “Attending dignitaries were His Excellency Andrew Murdoch Governor of Bermuda, Her Worship the Mayor of St George Quinell Francis, US Consul Antoinette Hurtado, Captain John Rodgaard, USN [Rtd], and Dr Judy Pearson.
Background
“Midshipman Dale was 20 years-old and serving on the US Frigate President during the War of 1812 when it was engaged by a squadron of British ships on January 15, 1815. During the 15-hour engagement the young sailor was severely wounded, and his right leg was amputated; his ship was captured by HMS Endymion and brought to St George’s Harbour.
“On arrival in the Town of St George, Midshipman Dale was housed and cared for in Stennett’s Hotel, today known as Stiles House and owned by Butterfield Bank, and it was here he died. His father, Commadore Richard Dale, USN, and family, were grateful for the care Midshipman Dale received in St George’s and erected a large marble stone over his grave in St Peter’s Church graveyard. Part of the inscription reads “This stone Records the tribute Of his Parents gratitude To those inhabitants of St George’s Whose generous and tender sympathy Prompted the kindest attentions To their son while living, And honoured him, While dead.”
“Tragically, the naval battle which ended Midshipman Dale’s life took place after the Treaty of Ghent was signed, which ended the War of 1812, and Midshipman Dale died one week after the treaty was ratified and signed by the US Senate and President James Madison.
Service
“The annual memorialization of Midshipman Dale was initiated in 1932 by Captain Scarritt Adams USN, whose family moved to Bermuda when he was 10 years old. Captain Scarritt requested and funded the placing of a wreath on Dale’s gravestone every year on Memorial Day. After WWII the members of the US armed forces took part in the commemorative ceremony until the departure of the US Navy from Bermuda in 1995. The event resumed in 2006 thanks to the efforts of Captain Adam’s daughter Louise Hall Reider and the Friends of St Peter’s Church charity.
“This year’s ceremony began on King’s Square with the inspection of TS Admiral Somers Sea Cadet Corps by His Excellency Andrew Murdoch Governor of Bermuda CMG, followed by a welcome from Friends of St Peter’s Church Deputy Chairman April Simmons. US Consul Antoinette Hurtado laid a wreath on behalf of The Daughters of 1812 at a plaque erected by the organization in 2018 to mark the 15 black and white prisoners of war, including Midshipman Dale, who died and were buried in Bermuda during the War of 1812.
“The dignitaries and guests were led by Pipe Major Emeritus David Frith and Drummer Peter Profit of the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band, and the Sea Cadet Corps, from King’s Square to St Peter’s Church graveyard. The officiant at the graveside service was St Peter’s Church Priest in Charge Rev Thomas W.L. Nisbett. Wreaths were laid on Midshipman Dale’s grave by Governor Andrew Murdoch on behalf of Louise Hall Reider, whose father, Captain Scarritt Adams USN, first commemorated Midshipman Dale in 1932; by Captain John Rodgaard, USN [Rtd] on behalf of the 1805 Club; and by Dr. Judy Pearson on behalf of the Naval Order of the United States. A minute’s silence was observed, and the service concluded with the British national anthem followed by the US national anthem.”
