Liverpool’s Royal Navy Reserve unit HMS Eaglet has celebrated 100 years of history.
VIP guests including Commander Maritime Reserves (CMR) Commodore Martin Quinn, joined the young and old of HMS Eaglet past and present in their Centenary Ceremonial Divisions at Exchange Flags.
The location next to the Walker and Horton Buildings (the names of two of HMS Eaglet’s Divisions) is right in the heart of the city, which has become integral to HMS Eaglet’s success over the last 100 years.
The evening started with a reception at the historic Western Approaches, used as the HQ for the Battle of the Atlantic, where distinguished guests including the Mayor of Liverpool and the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, joined CMR and other senior naval personnel before the Ceremonial Divisions service led by Father David Gamble.
Three divisions of Ratings, Officers and Veterans were present as The Guard from HMS Eaglet marched on to music provided by The Band of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (Volunteers) Lancashire Artillery Band which drew applause from onlookers.
Commodore Quinn said, “The fact that this 100th Anniversary is taking place on Reserves Day is very special. HMS Eaglet has a long history dating back from the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and can trace its routes back even further.
"As previously a great Ship of the Line, HMS Eaglet has deep connections to the past and with this great maritime City of Liverpool.
“There is a lot to look forward to with the City of Liverpool and HMS Eaglet and you might see the new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier, HMS Prince Of Wales visiting Liverpool in the future.”
Asked what attracted him to join the Royal Navy, Commodore Quinn listed fun, friends, camaraderie, humour and being in team environment.
HMS Eaglet’s Commanding Officer, Surgeon Commander Harry Rourke said, “To have CMR here to help celebrate such a momentous point in HMS Eaglet’s history is an absolute privilege for us.”
Surg Cdr Rourke also spoke of his pride in HMS Eaglet and the reservists that served in her.
In 1918, HMS Eagle (as the Mersey based reserve unit was then called) gave up its name for the newly commissioned WW1 aircraft carrier HMS Eagle and was re-commissioned HMS Eaglet.
HMS Eaglet has been based at Brunswick dock since 1998. The Royal Navy has had a presence in Liverpool & Merseyside area for hundreds of years in varying formats.
HMS Eaglet trains local men and women for a variety of roles in the Royal Naval Reserve.
In addition the building houses a number of other naval units and roles including but not limited to: Royal Marine Reserves Merseyside, Naval Regional Command Northern England, Liverpool University Royal Naval Unit, HMS Biter, HMS Charger, local Sea Cadet Corps and Area Careers Liaison Office functions.
