Orkney commemorates HMS Vanguard
Members of the Royal Marine marching band, along with servicemen and women from the Royal Navy, and descendents of those who lost their lives, have been involved in this weekend’s centenary commemorations.This weekend sees Orkney commemorate a maritime tragedy, which occurred on its shores during WW1.
On the night of July 9, 1917, HMS Vanguard was subject to a tragic accident, while anchored in Scapa Flow.
Following a series of internal explosions, the Royal Navy battleship was destroyed, leaving only two survivors out of the 845 man crew.
Last night, a special concert was held in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, in memory of this who lost their lives. This morning, Sunday, 40 descendants of men who died aboard HMS Vanguard will lay wreaths above the wreck, to mark the centenary.
This will be followed by commemorative events in Hoy, this afternoon, and a watch night service in the cathedral later tonight.