Commemorative plaque reinstalled at Sea Terminal

Tue, 17 Oct 2023

A commemorative plaque is to be reinstalled at the Sea Terminal in Douglas following of an inquiry by the Corlett family, descendants of the Harbours Engineer during the Sea Terminal's inauguration.

The plaque, installed in 1965 and unveiled by Princess Margaret, memorialises the contributions of the Harbours Board at the time, including Mr. A.E. Corlett (Albert Edgar).

The plaque at the Sea Terminal was removed and stored for safekeeping. Triggered by familial memories and a desire to preserve history.

Albert Edgar’s son, Robin, now lives in Cheshire but regularly visits the island with his family. Robin’s son-in-law, Jon, recently inquired by email about the plaque's whereabouts.

The inquiry initiated a search and the plaque was soon located and then reinstalled in prominent position in the entrance to the Departure lounge.

Born in Douglas in 1911, Albert Edgar Corlett’s career began when he gained an engineering degree from Liverpool University. Following graduation, and due to scarce job opportunities, he returned to the Island to work for the Harbour Board, initiating a path that would see him tackle coastal erosion projects in Essex and rise to the position of Chief Engineer in Preston.

During World War II, he served in the Royal Marine Engineers where his commando unit played a crucial role in clearing debris in Rotterdam, ensuring that the ports could be used by the Allies for supplying the invasion.

In 1959, he returned to the Island and assumed the role of Harbour Engineer, a post he held until his retirement in 1971.

---