HMS Richmond Participates in 350th Anniversary of ‘Battle of Medway’

HMS Richmond visited Chatham to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of one of the most embarrassing moments in Royal Navy history, when a fleet of Dutch ships sailed up the Thames and down the Medway estuary, breaking through the chain defence system and catching the Navy ships unprepared for battle.

Many RN ships were damaged and the RN Flagship was captured and towed back to the Netherlands.

Unfortunately the visit was cut short due to a short notice requirement for Richmond to sail on National Tasking but not before the Ships Company were able to participate in the Anniversary parade held in Chatham Historic Dockyard and attended by 1SL, HH Prince Maurits of the Netherlands, Lt Gen Verkerk Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Lord Lieutenant, Viscount De L’Isle.

The parade included the Guard from HMS Richmond in company with HM Band of Royal Marines and the Netherlands Marine Band. The ceremony included the unveiling of a plaque by 1SL officially opening the ‘Breaking the Chain’ exhibition.

Due to the National Tasking Richmond reluctantly had to cancel the Ship Open to Visitors that had been planned for 10 and 11 June. All of the tickets for the SOTV had been allocated and the ship can only apologise for being unable to open the gangway for the public.

Next up for Richmond is a return to Portsmouth for some much needed maintenance before sailing to France to participate in the French celebrations of the anniversary of USA’s involvement in the First World War.

Amongst other things this will include a military parade in Brest and a Naval Parade at sea which will include several ships of all shapes and sizes, including the Queen Mary 2.