HMS Dragon crew set to visit Wrexham for the first time

Wrexham is set to welcome crew from HMS Dragon for the first time since the city became officially affiliated with the Royal Navy warship.

The ship is the first since the Second World War to be affiliated with Wrexham, and the partnership was sealed at a ceremony in Portsmouth last month.

Now some of the crew are set to visit the city for the first time on June 6, to mark the eightieth anniversary of D-Day – when Allied troops landed in Normandy and began the liberation of Western Europe.

The crew members will be given a reception at the Guildhall, before taking part in the D-Day service at St Giles and the parade through the city centre, as well as the wreath laying at Bodhyfryd.

Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, Wrexham Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Our affiliation with HMS Dragon is a huge honour and we’re so proud to be able to welcome some of the crew to the city for the first time.

“It’s all the more poignant that they’ll be visiting on June 6 when we mark the eightieth anniversary of D-Day, and I hope members of the public will turn out in force to witness the parade through the city centre.

“HMS Dragon is the first ship affiliated with Wrexham since the Second World War and I’m sure this will be the start of a wonderful partnership. We can’t wait to welcome the crew to our wonderful county borough.”

The ship is one of the Royal Navy’s advanced Type 45 air defence destroyers, and is instantly recognisable with her roaring Welsh Dragons emblazoned across her bows.

HMS Dragon Commanding Officer, Cdr Iain Giffin, said: “I am delighted that HMS Dragon can support our newly affiliated city, Wrexham.

“It is a privilege to visit the city and an honour to have Dragon’s sailors representing the Royal Navy at this 80th D-Day anniversary memorial service to remember such an important event in our nation’s maritime history.

“It is with great pride that we stand alongside the people of Wrexham, forging new bonds and reflecting on the camaraderie and bravery displayed on the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago.”