Naval flags to be raised to signify the official recognition of NHS efforts

Naval flags will be raised on Wednesday 9 September to signify the official recognition of the outstanding efforts made by the NHS across the region since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The flags will further recognise the continued efforts of the frontline workers after ‘thank you NHS’ flags was raised at the beginning of lockdown in April up until VJ Day on 15 August.

The naval signal flags will be hoisted at 1pm on Wednesday 9 September at the Remembrance Gate in Cleethorpes.

The signal ‘Bravo Zulu’ will be raised, in salute to the NHS, which is a naval signal meaning ‘well done’, alongside the letters NHS.

Royal Navy and Royal Marines, with other military officers will also be in attendance, with Naval and Military Standards.

The Lord Lieutenant and Senior Naval Officer for North of England will be in attendance, alongside the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, Deputy Mayor Cllr David Hasthorpe, Cllr Ron Shepherd and chief executive of the council, Rob Walsh.

The small socially distanced event is being organised by the Armed Forces Major Events Team on behalf of the council.

Alex Baxter, managing director of the Armed Forces Major Events Team, said: “Everyone who works in the care sector and the NHS has done and continues to do an incredible job.

“When everything stood still as we went into lockdown, these frontline workers continued to work tirelessly and selflessly to help others during one of the most difficult times.”

Commodore Phil Waterhouse, Naval Regional Commander for Northern England and Isle of Man, added: “The event is a fantastic opportunity to give thanks and recognise the incredible effort and dedication of our NHS frontline staff.”

Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “This event further recognises the amazing work that is carried out by the NHS every day.

“We want to continue to show our thanks and gratitude to all the key workers at one of our most iconic locations in Cleethorpes.”

The ceremony will be followed by a ‘meet our veterans’ and military community.