A new flag is flying in Aldenham for HMS Aldenham, the Type 3 Hunt Class Destroyer that sank in 1944.

The old flag, which is believed to have been the ship’s ensign at some stage, had been hanging for around 40 years at Aldenham Church, where there is also a stained glass window of the ship and its badge.

The destroyer struck a mine while at sea in December 1944 and sank with the loss of 128 lives.

This year’s HMS Aldenham service saw the dedication of the new ensign. Archdeacon Jonathan Smith performed the dedication and among the guests were members of the St Albans Sea Cadet Corps under their leader Steve Heard.