[J]ohn Paul Jones’ raid on Whitehaven was the focus of a Naval visit to Copeland this week when The United States Naval Attaché to London visited Whitehaven harbour.
On Friday, Trudy Harrison MP was among guests welcoming Captain Mark Rudesill to Whitehaven to look back on the 1778 raid on the town and its impact in the American War of Independence.
The visit also marked the towns’ efforts to continue to build on relationships with the US Navy.
Mrs Harrison, said: “It was an honour and pleasure to welcome Captain Mark, his wife and comrades to Whitehaven. The Captain’s appreciation of our heritage and maritime history was evident and I look forward to galvanising our relationship further.
“I really must commend Gerard Richardson, staff at Whitehaven Marina and The Beacon for making this attaché possible.
“It sometimes takes the appreciation of visitors to truly celebrate the splendor of Whitehaven’s architecture and impressive history, all of which is loving depicted in the Beacon Museum, which we also visited.”
As a teenager Scottish born Jones, arrived in Whitehaven to learn his trade in the Merchant Navy, before relocating to America, and joining its Navy in its fight against Britain.
His raid on his former hometown in April 1778 failed in its mission to burn the local fleet, but had a far-reaching impact on the war, forcing the Royal Navy to protect its home shores.
Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Cumbria, Col Tom McMullen, Copeland Mayor, Mike Starkie, and Gerard Richardson, founder of the Whitehaven’s Maritime Festivals were among those hosting the visit.
Mr Richardson, said: “Whitehaven’s links with the USA and in particular the US Navy are fascinating and we haven’t always made the best of them.
“This visit was about reminding ourselves as much as the US Attache how strong those links are and it turned out to be a very successful visit for all concerned.
“Captain Rudesill was delighted by the guests who turned out to meet him and that in itself showed how important we view our friendship.”
