The Royal Navy’s newest operational warship HMS Duncan has sailed up the Thames into London for the first of three visits in both the United Kingdom and Germany to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland.
The Battle of Jutland was the most significant naval battle of the First World War and the largest sea battle in terms of scale of all times.
Commander Charles Guy RN, Captain of HMS Duncan, said:“I am delighted to bring my ship up the River Thames and into the heart of London.
“This will be the first visit to Canary Wharf by a Type 45 destroyer and I look forward inviting the public on during this rare visit to the Capital.”
HMS Duncan arrived at Thames Quay in West India Dock in the afternoon of Friday 20th May marking the first port of call of the Battle of Jutland commemorations. She is the first Type 45 destroyer to visit Canary Wharf.
A number of special commemorative events will take place ashore and on board during the visit, including both serving members of the Royal Navy and civilians who are descendants of Jutland veterans.
Commander Charles Guy RN remembers the past and looks to the future:“I’m honoured to be here in London to commemorate the immense sacrifices made at the Battle of Jutland 100 years ago this month.
“Although the technology has changed spectacularly, as demonstrated so clearly here in HMS Duncan, I can’t help thinking that for all for all the social changes over the past 100 years, those men at Jutland aren’t altogether different from the young men and women under my command today.
“They were then, as my sailors are today, what makes the Royal Navy great”.
The main event of the Battle of Jutland commemorations will take place in Orkney and at sea off Jutland Bank on 31st May and will be televised by the BBC, 100 years to the day from the start of the naval battle.
