March 17th, 2021.


Lewes District Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Sharon Davy, will be greeting HMS Ranger when it docks at Newhaven Marina next Wednesday, the 24th of March, for an overnight stop.

HMS Ranger is a P2000-class vessel of the First Patrol Boat Squadron, usually based in Portsmouth, and is affiliated to Lewes District Council and the town of Newhaven.

As one of the Royal Navy’s Archer-class patrol vessels, its primary role is to provide at-sea training for Royal Navy Cadets and University Royal Naval Units.

Councillor Davy explained: “I am very much looking forward to welcoming HMS Ranger to Lewes district, albeit in a safe, socially-distanced way from the dock, and have been liaising with its commander, Lieutenant Vyrnwy Rainbird.

“The visit is timely as I support Seahaven Sea Cadets, and we hope to set up virtual engagement between the crew and the cadets during the Newhaven stop as part of spreading awareness of how the Royal Navy works.

“I am also keen to support the visit because my father, Ralph Alexander, served in the Royal Navy on HMS Campbell in the Second World War.

“My respect and thanks go to all our Armed Forces and the wider ex-Service community, particularly for the practical support they have shown in the community through this pandemic.”


Pictured: HMS Ranger with 847 Naval Air Squadron