Remembering HMS Glorious
- DW25
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The rededication of 50033 “Glorious”
Saturday 17th May 2025
The C50A/The Fifty Fund had the honour of welcoming our distinguished guests to be present at this very moving ceremony, hosted by the Severn Valley Railway.
Members of GLARAC Association with a plaque for 50033 cab prior to presenting to Tony Middleton.
Photo J Dunster
Relatives of men tragically lost on HMS Glorious on the 8th June 1940 looked on as Commander Ben Dando Royal Navy, Commanding Officer 825 Naval Air Squadron, paid a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of HMS Glorious sinking, along with the bravery of the crew and her escorting destroyers, HMS Ardent and HMS Acasta that were also lost.
An honour guard was provided by Worcester Sea Cadets & Sandwell Sea Cadets.
The blessing was conducted by Reverend Paul Roberts.
The Last Post - Bugler was performed by Squadron Leader (retired) Jason Davenhill.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in the ceremony yesterday, which I know, meant more than words can describe to the relatives.
After the ceremony our guests travelled in the observation coach to Highley behind Glorious, where Joe Burr and I were able to hear relatives’ stories of their family members who were lost.
Yesterday was about all HMS Glorious and the loss of 1207 men, in the Norwegian Sea nearly 85 years ago.
But through a name she proudly carries, a class 50 diesel locomotive at a preserved railway station in Worcestershire, in 2025, people paused, remembered and paid their respects.
Our sincere thanks to Vinny Marcroft and members of GLARAC, Commander Ben Dando RN, Reverend Paul Roberts,Squadron Leader (Retired),Tom McAtee,Jonathan Dunster, Lewis Maddox, Matt Robinson,Nicky Freeman, Alan Brooks, Alex Cleall and all the Severn Valley Railway team for their assistance in ensuring the day ran smoothly.
Lastly, we thank every single volunteer that helped restore 50033 Glorious to her former glory, we hope that you can feel a sense of pride.
Also to all our generous supporters who generously donated to her restoration appeal ,it is always greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
If you wish to find out more about the HMS Glorious association please click link below
Commander Ben Dando Royal Navy, Commanding Officer 825 Squadron addressing the the audience.
Also pictured Tony Middleton, C50A Chairman and Vinny Marcroft, Secretary & Treasurer of GLARAC Association.
Photo D Spencer
Sea Cadets from Worcester and Sandwell
Photo D Spencer
Tony Middleton, Class 50 Alliance chairman,James Gregory, C50A Fleet Engineer, Harry Spencer, C50A working member, Squadron Leader(retired) Jason Davenhill who played The Last Post at the ceremony,Ben Andrew. C50A Chief Engineer and Joe Burr, The Fifty Fund chairman.
Photo D Spencer
Photo D Spencer
