Proud to see dad’s name on memorial (From the archive, first published in ECHO, Tuesday 6th Nov 2007) A FATHER who lost his life during the Second World War will finally have his name added to a memorial - thanks to his proud son. Derek Dearson, from Canvey, will watch as Castle Point MP Bob Spink lays a wreath at the war memorial in Essex Way, Benfleet, this Sunday. It will be an especially poignant day, because after a year-long wait, Mr Dearson will finally see his father's name on the veterans' memorial. Ernest William Dearson, who served on the HMS Niger minesweeper, was returning home in a convoy through the Denmark Straits in July 1942 when the ship hit a mine laid by the British. He died aged 38 leaving a wife and two sons, including Mr Dearson who was just ten. Now 75, Mr Dearson of Cedar Road, said: "I was going past the memorial one day when I stopped to see if my father's name was on it, but it wasn't so I got in touch with Bob Spink. "He has worked hard to get my father's name on there and I will be very proud to be there with my wife to see it. "Six ships were sunk that day by British mines - though they didn't admit it at the time. "There were very few survivors from that terrible episode. My father had served with the Royal Navy for 18 years when he died." Dr Spink said it was important to value veterans and the contribution they made for their country. He said: "We owe a monumental debt to people like Ernest William Dearson, killed on active service. He sacrificed all so we might live in a free, democratic and sovereign nation. "We must never forget. That is why I am so pleased members of the Dearson family and friends will be there to share this very special moment for our community. "We must value veterans and the contribution they made." From the archive http://www.echo-news.co.uk © Newsquest Media Group 2007