SAILORS from HMS Collingwood commemorate Albert Mckenzie VC.

A team from the Close Range Training Section, Maritime Warfare School, HMS Collingwood recently attended a commemorative event at the Albert McKenzie VC Memorial, south London.

Albert Edward McKenzie was born on 23rd October 1898 and lived with his family in Southwark, who were known to be regular followers of Millwall FC. He joined the Royal Navy as an Able Seaman during the First World War.

On April 23 1918 sailors from the Royal Navy, including Albert, led a raid to recapture the port of Zeebrugge. Despite being severely wounded, Albert’s bravery, courage and fortitude, along with other comrades, ensured the success of the mission.

After the raid had been completed, sailors from HMS Vindictive and HMS Daffodil held a ballot and chose the courageous and critically wounded Albert to receive the Victoria Cross.

On July 31 1918, he went in full uniform and on crutches to Buckingham Palace, accompanied by his mother and sister, to receive his VC from King George V.

In addition to the wreath laying service at the memorial, a service took place at Millwall FC prior to their match with Ipswich Town FC. Additionally, a ‘Top Instructor’ award presentation took place on the pitch where a miniature statue of McKenzie was presented to Leading Seaman (Above Water Warfare) LS (AWW) Billy Ericson-Cox from the Close Range Section.

The memorial, a statue of Albert, which stands off Tower Bridge Road in Bermondsey, south London, was officially unveiled in 2015. A stone's throw from his childhood home, the memorial sits atop a concrete plinth made from a section of the Zeebrugge harbour wall donated by the people of Flanders.

Nige Newport, close range training instructor, who served 22 years as a gunner in the Royal Navy attended both events and said “It is a privilege to be part of this affiliation which takes place annually and I have met some amazing people from Bermondsey and from Millwall FC. We have established a close bond with them which we all hope to keep going for the future.”