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Lancastria poppy display marks 67th anniversary
Association members travelled from across the UK to gather in the Scottish Parliament and to place 4000 poppies on the floor of the Garden Lobby, spelling out the name of the Lancastria, in memory of the victims. The event also marked the launch of the Lancastria medal petition which calls on MSPs to commission a special commemorative medal to be awarded to all those who were aboard the vessel that day. If MSPs back the proposal victims families would also be able to claim a Lancastria medal on behalf of their loved one. 
The 4000 poppies were a poignant and very visual reminder of the scale of the disaster. The Last Post was played at precisely 3:48pm, the exact time when Lancastria was hit on 17th June 1940. In St. Nazaire Association members laid the official wreath at the French ceremony of remembrance and later a wreath was laid out over the wreck site itself.
The closing date for the petition is 13th August and shortly afterwards a special committee of MSPs will formally consider the proposal in detail.
Lancastria documentary filmmaker Christophe Francois and French Lancastria historian and Association stalwart Yves Beaujuge were once again heavily involved in the commemorative arrangements in St. Nazaire. Our Association extends its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for their help and active support over the years.
Above, Christophe and Yves with the Lancastria Association of Scotland wreath
 The official French military band prepares to mark the 67th anniversary in St. Nazaire.
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