A US Midshipman who died in 1815 from wounds caused when his ship President engaged the HMS Endymion>in the war of 1812, has been remembered in a special ceremony.

Midshipman Richard Sutherland Dale, the oldest son of Commodore Richard Dale from Philadelphia, was only 20 years old when he lost his leg in the battle and was brought to St. George's for treatment.

The people of St. George's came to his aid and cared for him in the former Stennet's Hotel, now the Bank of Butterfield, on St. George's Town Square.

All the attention and care for Midshipman Dale, however, was in vain as he passed away on February 22, 1815. But his memory was never forgotten.

Every year on February 22, the US Marine Corp, when stationed on the US base in St. George's, would hold a small parade to honour the Midshipman who gave his life in the last military action on the seas between the US and England.

The ceremony ceased when the US bases withdrew in 1995 However, the Friends of St. Peter's, foundation which works to preserve and increase interest in the church, reintroduced the ceremony last year.

Andrew Bermingham, secretary of Friend's of St. Peter's, said the weather was perfect for the Band of the Bermuda Regiment and the St. George's Sea Cadets to march along Water Street to the gravesite in St. Peter's Churchyard last Thursday.

He added: "During the service, wreaths were laid on the grave and the Naval Hymn 'Eternal Father Strong to Save' and the national anthems of the United Sates and Great Britain were played."

More than 100 people attended and the guest of honour was Louise Hall Reider of Bellevue, Washington, whose grandfather instituted the original Dale service in the 1930s when serving in the United States Navy.

Other speakers included Reverend Dr. Erskine Simmons, Reverend David Raths and Beau Evans.

Sandra Brooks, treasurer of the Somers Isle Chapter of Daughters of America Society, and Brad Woodings from the American Society of Bermuda, both presented presented cheques to the Friends' of St. Peter's.

Following the service, a dinner was held at Penno's Wharf to commemorate Dale's death and the kindness of the people of St. George's.

Mr. Bermingham explained: "The ceremony is part of the Friend's of St. Peter's programme to remind Bermudians and visitors that St. Peter's is a spiritual and cultural icon unique in the western world."