HMS St Albans held a memorial event on board yesterday to commemorate those who fought at the Battle of Jutland 100 years ago.
The crew of the Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate mustered on the Ship’s Flight Deck for a remembrance service to honour their predecessors who fought during arguably the most important British naval engagement of the First World War.
The service was led by Chaplain Eddie Wills, with the tryst read by AB(EW) Matthew Marlow. Excerpts from both British and German accounts of the battle were read by the Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Adam Ballard, and the Deputy Logistics Officer, Lieutenant Jim Robson respectively. Prayers were read by Father David Mclean from the United Kingdom Maritime Component Command (UKMCC).
The battle itself lasted four hours, the length of a watch onboard, and the Ship’s bell was tolled at the start and the end of the service to commemorate this. The final ringing of eight bells – also used to mark the death of a sailor - made the conclusion of the ceremony even more poignant.
Chaplain Wills said, “The service provided a fitting memorial to all those who lost their lives on both sides of the conflict.”
The crew, and a number of UKMCC personnel, held a two minute silence to remember the fallen sailors of both the British and German navies before singing a rousing chorus of the Naval Hymn.
Lieutenant Commander Ballard added: “It is an honour to take part in this reflection of a key moment in Royal Naval history. What is more telling is the fact that we still see much, if not all, of the courage and dedication witnessed at the Battle of Jutland in today’s Fleet.”
HMS St Albans works tirelessly to maintain maritime security in the Gulf region.
The UK’s maritime presence is a demonstration of its continued commitment to enduring peace and stability.
It is comprised of a command element, the UKMCC, based in Bahrain, which exercises command and control over the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships.
