Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
During Remembrance Weekend, HMS SCOTIA takes part in a number of events across the east of Scotland, including Scotland’s national remembrance commemoration in Edinburgh, where ratings from the ship’s company form the Royal Navy’s Guard; remembrance events in Dundee; and the service held at the local Douglas Bank (Pattiesmuir) Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for numerous service personnel.
The SCOTIA Guard this year was joined by reserve and regular personnel from HMS DALRIADA and HMS VENTURER, which is currently under construction in Rosyth. In the lead-up to Remembrance Weekend, members of the Guard undertook significant additional training under the watchful eye of Drill Instructor LH McMeechan, all while balancing their civilian careers. This year, the Guard was commanded by Lieutenant Matt McPherson, a member of the Information Warfare Branch, who undertook this duty for the first time:
“Leading the Royal Navy Guard at the National Ceremony of Remembrance was one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. What makes this ceremony particularly special is that our Guard is formed entirely from the Royal Naval Reserve. That means not only did they train and deliver at the highest standard, but they did so alongside their full-time jobs. For me, it meant just a handful of days off over the last five weeks as I completed the foundation course at the Faculty of Advocates. It symbolises what we ask of our Reservists day-in and day-out, and I am proud of what we achieved. But however hard we work, it is never a chore. It is an honour to serve those who have served. That is a different kind of pride: an enduring pride.”
Prior to Edinburgh’s Remembrance events on Sunday, 10 November, the Guard, alongside the rest of the ship’s company, paraded at Douglas Bank Cemetery in Rosyth on Saturday, 9 November. This cemetery is the final resting place for over 140 service personnel from the First World War to the present day, representing the UK and Commonwealth. The service here holds particular significance for all Scotians due to our strong local connection.
The Deputy Lord-Lieutenant and local MP laid wreaths alongside the commanding officer of HMS SCOTIA, veterans’ representatives, the police, fire service, and cadet forces. The service at the cenotaph was led by the recently commissioned Royal Naval Reserve Chaplain Cook, of HMS SCOTIA.
On Remembrance Sunday, the Guard was exemplary, representing the Royal Naval Reserve in Scotland to the highest standard. In recognition of the support given to HMS SCOTIA by junior ratings from HMS DALRIADA, Scotians also attended Remembrance events in Glasgow at George Square.
I was incredibly proud of HMS SCOTIA’s extensive contribution to this year’s Remembrance activities across Scotland. Remembrance Weekend is undoubtedly the most important date in the military calendar, and every member of the ship’s company has worked hard to make it a success, honouring those who have gone before us and made the ultimate sacrifice.
HMS SCOTIA Commanding Officer, Surgeon Commander Rob O’Donnell
“I was incredibly proud of HMS SCOTIA’s extensive contribution to this year’s Remembrance activities across Scotland. Remembrance Weekend is undoubtedly the most important date in the military calendar, and every member of the ship’s company has worked hard to make it a success, honouring those who have gone before us and made the ultimate sacrifice.” — HMS SCOTIA Commanding Officer, Surgeon Commander Rob O’Donnell
Alongside these events, Tay Division represented the Royal Naval Service in its home city, Dundee, with multiple events throughout the day. The division first paraded through the city alongside veterans and other representatives of the city and armed forces, before attending a civic service of remembrance. The commanding officer of HMS SCOTIA, Surgeon Commander Rob O’Donnell, then laid a wreath at the city’s war memorial, followed by a service to honour officers and sailors of both the Royal Navy Submarine Service and other allied nations at the International Submarine Memorial on Dundee’s waterfront. Finally, reservists attended a service aboard HMS Unicorn, which was particularly significant as the ship of Royal Navy Volunteer Reservists during both the First and Second World Wars.
“On Remembrance Day, we were proud to honour the extraordinary sacrifices of Dundonians, particularly given the city’s naval heritage, which stands as a cornerstone of its history. Today, we remain deeply committed to preserving this legacy, pausing each year to remember the remarkable sacrifices made by those who came before us.” — Lt. Jack McGillivary, Officer in Command Tay Division
All who have served and still serve with HMS SCOTIA are keenly aware throughout the year of the sacrifices that those who serve make. However, November provides a time to pause and reflect on what so many have given—and continue to give—for our freedoms and way of life.
There's a wondrous Golden Harbour, far beyond the setting sun,
Where a gallant ship may anchor when her fighting days are done,
Free from tempest, rock and battle, toil and tumult safely o'er,
Where the breezes murmur softly and there's peace for evermore.
- from the Old Way by Rear Admiral Ronald Arthur Hopwood (1868 - 1949)
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.