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Malaya Cup 2024

On Saturday 28th September, the Guernsey FA U21 squad will once again compete against the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm for the Malaya Cup as part of the the annual Charybdis and Limbourne Memorial Weekend, which this year commemorates the 81st anniversary of the tragic sinking of HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne during the Second World War. 

HMS Charybdis was sunk on 23rd October 1943, with the loss of over 464 officers and naval ratings of other ranks, whilst a further 40 crew from the Limbourne were also lost at sea, in what is known as the Battle of Sept-Îles. The bodies of 21 Royal Navy sailors and Marines drifted ashore in Guernsey and, on Wednesday November 17th 1943, at the Foulon Cemetery in Guernsey, the flag-draped coffins of those Sailors and Marines were buried. The German occupying forces decided to bury the bodies with full military honours at Le Foulon Cemetery, and Islanders took the opportunity to demonstrate their respect for the men who had died, and their loyalty to their Sovereign, by attending the funeral. Over 5,000 out of the 20,000 islanders who had remained in Guernsey during the war travelled on foot or bicycle to Le Foulon.

Survivors and their families visit Guernsey annually to participate in the Charybdis and Limbourne Memorial Weekend which includes a memorial service being held at Le Foulon Cemetery under the auspices of the Guernsey Association of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines (GARNRM).

Guernsey FA Chief Executive, Gary Roberts commented:

‘The Guernsey FA remains proud and privileged to play a small part in the annual Charybdis and Limbourne Memorial Weekend, and to show respect to the fallen Sailors and Marines as those living in Guernsey did in 1943. Whilst the football matches between the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and Guernsey FA Under 21 squad for the Malaya Cup are always competitive, all who participate do so in the knowledge and understanding that this match is primarily an opportunity for remembrance, and that is not something that is taken lightly.

We look forward to welcoming the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm squad to Guernsey, enjoying a competitive match, and continuing to pay respects to those that lost their lives so tragically in the sinking of HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne.’

The Guernsey Under 21 squad, which has been chosen by Manager, Dave Merris, and Assistant Coaches, Dave Rihoy and Jason Leaman, is as follows:
 

Alex Roussel

Archie Drillot

Ben Solway

Ben Wilson

Fin Patterson

Freddie Walker

George Montgomery

Harry Hodgson

Jamie Smith

Keene Domaille

Mason Pridgent

Max Johnson

Ollie Miller

Rio Bowditch

Tom Bourgaize

Tom Solway

Tyrese Kelly

Zac Batiste

The Malaya Cup match will kick-off @ 3.30pm and is being played at the Track Cycling Ground.


Entry is:
£3 for adults
£1 for concessions