In June 2000, a supposedly one off memorial service in Plymouth was organised by a small group of relatives to mark the 60th anniversary of the loss of HM ships Glorious, Ardent and Acasta off Norway on June 8th 1940.
Such was the success of that event, that a second event was held the following year, primarily to dedicate the unveiling of a memorial plaque at St Nicholas' Church on the Naval Base at Devonport, that would become a permanent memorial to the 1531 men lost with the three ships.
From that point on, the success of these events and interest generated amongst an ever increasing number of relatives, led in turn to the founding of the association in 2002. The association became known as GLARAC, taken from the first two letters of each of the ships
and under the safe chairmanship of David Woodcock, who's father had been lost with Glorious, GLARAC continued to thrive.
David's reign as Chairman would last until June 2011 when he felt the time was right to step down and new blood be introduced at the helm.
During his time, David tireless efforts, together with his dedicated committee, would see further memorials unveiled at The National Aboretum in Staffordshire, Malta and Norway in time for the 70th anniversary in June 2010.
Following David, a new Chairman, Heather Wallis was elected. Heather's grandfather was an RAF casualty on Glorious and is the daughter of our long standing Secretary, George Lowdon.
We wish her all the best in her new role.
2011/2012 Committee
Chairman - Heather Wallis
email: chairman@glarac.org
Secretary - George Lowdon
email: secretary@glarac.org
Treasurer - David Emery
email: treasurer@glarac.org
Membership Secretary - Vincent Marcroft
email: membership@glarac.org
Distribution - Kevin Walsh
email: distribution@glarac.org
Printing - Douglas Healiss
email: printing@glarac.org
RBL Liaison - Maurice Cole
email: liaison@glarac.org
Website/ Photo Archivist - Gary Martin
email: website@glarac.org
Archivist - David Woodcock
email: archivisit@glarac.org
Membership of GLARAC is free. We do not charge subscriptions nor membership fees. The association operates on a voluntary donation basis, which goes to meet the cost of postage, events, merchandise etc; and of course has been used to fund the permanent memorials.
Should anyone wish to join the association, or make a donation, please contact the Members Secretary on the email address listed above. Similarly, anyone wishing to make a donation should contact the Treasurer. Thanks.
