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The 2025 British Cemetery Memorial Service look place under welcoming skies for those who joined the distinguished speakers and service participants.

In 1942, 26 British citizens sailing on the Tanker Delfino perished from a torpedo fired by Submarine U-230. The names of the 26 sailors who perished are read aloud every year. Two of those men, who washed up on the Hatteras Island beaches, are buried in the small graveyard in the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse District.

Speakers at the Memorial Service are formally attired in white uniforms with various ribbons and cords. Lt. Commander Cory D. Woods with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Detachment, Nags Head, served as master of ceremonies.

Speaking first was David Hallac, superintendent of the National Parks in Eastern North Carolina, is responsible for the integrity of the British Cemetery in Buxton.

Commander Philip Nash, deputy director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea, Centre of Excellence, told the attendees that the British sailors knew what they faced.

Commander Richard Lane, Canadian Naval attaché, Royal Canadian Navy, reminded the audience that in May 1942, the German submarines were hunting the shipping lanes and sinking ships. He cited the losses of sailors and ships Canada suffered.

Commander Luisa Winkler, Federal Republic of Germany Navy, said “we do care … Never again.” She concluded with “today, you are amongst all who do care.”

Danny Couch, president of the Board of the Friends of Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, thanked those that participated in the preparation for the ceremony. Among those participating were the U.S. Coast Guard Pipe Band with pipers from around the United States who at their own expense help commemorate the event. “It is truly a community effort,” said Couch.

Rear Admiral John Vann, commander of the Fifth U.S. Coast Guard District, said in the spring of 1942, the United States was not prepared for submarine warfare. Great Britain and Canada came to defend the East Coast. He thanked dedicated citizens.

Cape Hatteras Secondary School graduating seniors Colin Midgett and Grace Fuller read the story of the San Delfino and reverently read the 26 names and ages of those sailors who perished.

Placing of the Wreaths by representatives of Great Britain, Canada, U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Royal Navy Patrol Services.

Placing the wreath for the United States was the youngest member of the U.S. Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet, Seaman Colby Sherbett, 18, in his first posting.

A Twenty-one Gun Salute was fired by the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard Station Hatteras.

The Last Post was played by trumpeter Gretchen Altman, a student at Cape Hatteras Secondary School. The Pipe Band played Amazing Grace. After the closing of the ceremony, a Blending of The Waters presentation was made by Andrew Johnson and others with the American Legion, Fredericksburg, Va.

Special thanks went out to Flotilla 16-04 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The Memorial Service was held May 8, 2025. The next day a similar service was held at the Ocracoke British Cemetery.

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