Echo helps with Remembrance in Kenya

Whilst in this region it was also possible to host Kenyan Naval Officers and Ratings, demonstrating to them Echo’s role and capabilities.

The local Remembrance Ceremony was held at the Mombasa Commonwealth war graves cemetery, where the base of the Cross of Sacrifice forms the British Memorial.

On the memorial are the names of 81 officers and men of the United Kingdom Corps and Regiments, of South, West and East African units and the West India Regiment, all of whom died during the First World War and were buried at sea off the East African coast.

The cemetery itself is the resting place for 226 casualties of war.

Prior to the service, and despite the heat, the Ship’s Company was able to spend time visiting the graves, reflecting on men who had lost their lives during conflict.

The Ceremony was also attended by local community members and the Nairobi High Commission Military Advisor, Lt Col W Mellows.

A short service was followed by Cdr M L O’Sullivan RN, Commanding Officer of HMS Echo, laying a poppy wreath at the base of the Cross of Sacrifice.

Lt Col Mellows and Kenyan Officer, Lt Col Mutai, were also hosted by Cdr O’Sullivan onboard that evening with a formal dinner to further relations.

Following the ceremony everyone moved to the Chapel at The Mission to Seafarers in Mombasa.

This provided an opportunity to hold another, more specific, Remembrance Ceremony for the nine sailors who lost their lives when a lynx helicopter from HMS Brilliant crashed on 14th May 1989.

The helicopter was carrying crew ashore when it crashed into the bush at Vipingo, 18 miles from Mombasa, killing all onboard.

Cdr O’Sullivan placed a poppy wreath under the memorial plaque, which was moved to the chapel in recent years from its original location at the crash site.

Cdr O’Sullivan commented that:

“Attending both the Commonwealth War Graves and the memorial to HMS Brilliant’s more recent tragic loss brought into focus to all members of HMS Echo the enduring sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces who help provide security to distant shores around the world.”

The morning was brought to an end by drinks and a buffet lunch at the Mission to Seafarers.

Local residents and Ship’s Company were able to chat and swap stories and experiences.

LMA Natalie Leake commented:

“Remembrance Sunday is an important day, where we gather as a nation to remember those who have lost their lives whilst serving in the Armed Forces.

"Deployed so far from home, it was a privilege that Echo was able to join the local ceremonies here in Mombasa.

"I enjoyed talking with local veterans, and it was a different experience attending a ceremony in Kenya”.