The White Ensign and wreaths are placed beneath a picture of the HMS Royal Oak and the names of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. A member of Northern Diving Group places the White Ensign during the Service. Chaplain Mark Noakes conducts the service. Members of Northern Diving Group and Naval Base personnel pay tribute to those who lost their lives. Wreaths are a laid during the Service of Remembrance.
By Kim Hardie
A Service of Remembrance has been held today (Wednesday, October 14) at HM Naval Base Clyde to mark the 81st Anniversary of the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak at Scapa Flow.
Royal Navy personnel would normally travel to Orkney to attend commemorative events and pay tribute to the 835 sailors who lost their lives during the sinking of the Revenge Class battleship.
The ship was anchored at Scapa Flow in Orkney when it was torpedoed by a German submarine during World War II on October 14, 1939.
Among those who attend are Royal Navy divers from HM Naval Base Clyde-based Northern Diving Group (NDG), who travel to Orkney every year, to carry out the solemn duty of descending to the wreck to change the White Ensign.
Due to Covid-19, this is the first year since the Ship’s Bell was recovered in 1982 that NDG have not been able to support this commitment.
When the decision was made to cancel the trip, Petty officer (Diver) Guy Rudkin, who had started planning this year’s visit to Orkney, was keen that the HMS Royal Oak would still be remembered by NDG in 2020.
He approached the Chaplaincy at HMNB Clyde and with the help of Chaplain Mark Noakes they organised a special service.
During the service, wreaths were laid, and a White Ensign placed below a photograph of HMS Royal Oak and a list of the names of all those who lost their lives. In addition, there were readings from Able Seaman (Diver) Toomey and Leading Seaman (Diver) Lund.
The Commanding Officer of NDG, Lieutenant Commander Mark Shaw said: “Northern Diving Group have a long history with HMS Royal Oak and the people of Orkney. For many years we have deployed to Scapa Flow to survey the wreck site and change the White Ensign in the process.
“Unfortunately, this year Covid restrictions have prevented us from visiting the site of HMS Royal Oak so instead we have held our own Service of Remembrance on the day of the 81st anniversary of the sinking. As well as Royal Navy Clearance Divers from Northern Diving Group, there was representation from Naval Base Clyde and Mine Countermeasures Squadron One.
“It is a shame we have not been able to dive on the wreck as usual, but we are pleased to have had the opportunity to pay our respects in this way. We are looking forward to deploying to Scapa Flow next year.”
Last year marked the 80th Anniversary and Northern Diving Group attended many of the events to mark the day, joining relatives and friends of those who were lost, local residents and members of the Royal Oak Association to pay tribute.
Able Seaman (Diver)1 Paul West, who was one of those who made the trip last year said: “After having the privilege of diving the Royal Oak last year and having the honour of changing the ensign, the news that this year’s commemorative dive would not take place was disappointing.
“Only after diving and seeing the ship first hand does her story humble your bones. The sailors that were aboard on that night in 1939 will not be forgotten. We shall remember them.”