A PARADE commemorating the 96th anniversary of one of The First World War's most heroic raids takes place in Wirral today.

Two Wallasey ferryboats formed part of the stronghold that stormed the German stronghold at Zeebrugge in April 1918.

The Iris and Daffodil carried Royal Marines and Bluejackets into the battle inferno and the action – is commemorated every year with a special ceremony at Seacombe Ferry Concourse.

Their crews' bravery will be remembered by the Royal Marines Reserve, who will march from Seacombe Ferry to Wallasey Town Hall later this morning.

A wreath will be laid at the Seacombe Ferry Terminal at 11am. The parade begins at 11.30am. 

At the flag pole outside Wallasey Town Hall, the Mayor Cllr Dave Mitchell will take the salute.

Residents are invited to come along at the beginning or end of the parade, and along its route, to show their support and commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, past and present.

The Zeebrugge raid took place on April 23, 1918. It was a landing that aimed to block an outlet for German U-boats and destroyers by sinking old cruisers and blockading a channel at Zeebrugge.

Vicious hand to hand fighting saw incredible heroism and the award of 200 medals for gallantry, including eight Victoria Crosses, the highest military honour for bravery.

The Mersey ferries played their part, with the original Daffodil and Iris acting as landing craft for marines and tugboats to HMS Vindictive.

They both came under heavy fire and as a result of their action King George V awarded them the title of "Royal" ferries, a unique distinction that remains to this day.