Relatives pay tribute to 843 who died in worst battleship disaster
LUCINDA CAMERON
A diver examines a White Ensign that was laid in 2009 on the wreck of the HMS Vanguard in Scapa Flow.
Henry on the wall of her home. They never found him and she never made it to Scapa Flow. I’m doing this in her memory as well as his.”
The wreath-laying ceremony was followed by a service of commemoration at Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery in Hoy, where 41 of the ship’s crew were buried.
Five-year-old Harry Remers, from Midhurst in West Sussex, laid a wreath on behalf of all the descendants. His great-greatuncle, Lieutenant Reginald (Rex) Elgood, was among those who died.
The day culminated with a special Watchnight Service at St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, timed to mark the moment the Vanguard went down – 11.20pm.
Naval Regional Commander Scotland
and Northern Ireland Captain Chris Smith said: “The history of the Royal Navy and Scapa Flow are tightly entwined. The devastating explosion, completely accidental rather than a result of enemy action, was a shock when it happened and the tragic loss of more than 840 lives is still felt through their descendants and those in Orkney who feel passionately we should mark the centenary in appropriate fashion.
“I am very happy to be joined by the ship’s companies of HMS Dasher and HMS Pursuer, as well as the Northern Diving Group and personnel from the current HMS Vanguard, as we support the welcome efforts of Orcadians in commemorating the loss of this great battleship and all but two of her crew.”