Montagu Plaque Gift At Appledore - 23rd June 1967

A plaque from the battleship HMS Montagu which was wrecked on Lundy in 1906 was presented to St Mary's Church, Appledore, for safe keeping. It was presented by Captain Nelson Clover, RN, retired, now 80, who was midshipman on the Montaue when she ran aground. Accompanying him (in the photograph) is Rev Gilber Molesworthy of Berrimans, Northam, to whom he originally gave the plaque and who suggested it should find a home in Appledore Parish Church.
A letter from Lord Montagu of Beaulieu said 'I was terribly interested to hear of the plans to present the plaque in Appledore Church.'
Among those at the service were Captain T N Masterman, Captain H L Morgan and Dr Desmond Valentine (secretary of the Appledore RNLI) and Col E C Pine-Coffin of Northam whose family home is Portledge.

.