Descendants of Royal Navy veterans of the Battle of Jutland enjoyed an exclusive preview of an exhibition at Devonport Navy Base marking the 100th anniversary of the battle.
The exhibition is open to the public on Monday (May 30) from 10am to 5pm during the Naval Base Heritage Centre Open Day and the day before the Jutland 100 memorial ceremony on Plymouth Hoe from 10.30am to 1130am.
MP Oliver Colvile (Plymouth - Sutton and Devonport) is attending both events - he will be giving a talk at the open day and laying a tribute on behalf of the Jutland veterans descendants at the memorial ceremony.
He said: “I am honoured to be able to attend the Battle of Jutland memorial event on Plymouth Hoe on the 31st May to commemorate the battle’s 100th anniversary.
"My own family were involved in The Battle of Jutland and I consider myself fortunate to hold the letters which give an account of the battle from my grandfather. It is hugely important that we remember those who lost their lives and pay tribute to all personnel who were involved in the battle.”
The general public are invited to attend the civic memorial event as spectators. Included are tribute-laying at the Naval War Memorial by descendants and VIPs, a two-minute silence and a 21-gun salute from Plymouth Sound by warship HMS Monmouth.
The 24-man guard of honour at the commemorations will made up of Navy new recruits from HMS Raleigh under training.
One of the training divisions at HMS Raleigh is named after Boy Sailor Jack Cornwell, who was posthumously awarded a Victoria Cross for his bravery during the Battle of Jutland.
Aged only 16, Jack had just completed his basic training in Plymouth, when he found himself in the heat of the battle on board HMS Chester.
Although mortally wounded he remained at his post manning one of the guns while his shipmates lay dead around him, until the order was given for HMS Chester to withdraw from the Battle. Jack died two days later in Grimsby hospital.
A portrait of Jack in HMS Raleigh and his story is used to inspire recruits.
The Devonport Naval Heritage Open Day also includes the following attractions: Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War display, Courageous museum submarine tours, dockyard boat tours, 11am Devonport’s Jutland 100 talk, 3pm Jutland talks by Dr Jeremy Black and Chris Robinson, free entry, free parking, and refreshments.
