Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGF) is inviting people to join a tour at Whitby’s Larpool Cemetery to honour and remember those who served in the World Wars.

On February 9 1940, the Belgian steam ship, the SS Charles, was reported to be on the rocks at Saltwick Nab.

Whitby lifeboat was launched, including some retired crew members, as their younger counterparts had gone off to serve in the Second World War.

Despite their heroic efforts, six of the Belgian sailors perished and two of the lifeboatmen, John R Dryden and Christopher Wale, drowned in the rescue.

Belgian steam ship SS Charles, lost at Saltiwck Nab.

placeholder image — Belgian steam ship SS Charles, lost at Saltiwck Nab.

They were the first RNLI crew to give their lives in that war.

The story was captured in detail by Dora Walker, the iconic Whitby figure who was the first female skipper of a North Sea Fishing boat, in one of her books.

She is being remembered in Dogwood Production’s new show, The Quiet Work, that will be performed in the town on March 6.

On Sunday November 15, at 1.30pm, there will be a walk at Larpool Cemetery visiting the graves and hearing more of the sailors’ story given by Elizabeth Smith from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).