‘Jemmy’ Darrell honoured at annual memorial service

Descendants of James 'Jemmy' Darrell joined modern day mariners to remember Bermuda's most famous pilot today.

The annual commemorative service was held at the graveside of the King's Pilot in the churchyard of St Peter's Church in St George's.

Dozens of islanders including current Branch Pilots, Sea Cadets and local dignitaries turned out to pay tribute to Jemmy Darrell.

Pilot Darrell was born a slave in 1749 but was granted  his freedom for the vital assistance he gave the Royal Navy in finding the channel into Murray's Anchorage.

He was one of the first King's Pilots in Bermuda and went on use his position to challenge laws that imposed restrictions on blacks in Bermuda.

He died on April 12, 1815 aged 66.

The commemorative service was held at 5pm and led by Reverend W David Raths and the Reverend Dr Erksine C Simmons.

And it included the sailor's hymns 'For those in peril on the sea' and 'Jesus Saviour, pilot me'.

The service ended with the British National Anthem and the Pilot's flag being lowered.

A memorial wreath will be taken out to Murray's Anchorage on the Pilot Boat and placed overboard in 'Jemmy' Darrell's memory.