“Their first posting, their final sacrifice” HMS Collingwood commemorates the devastating bombing that killed training sailors.
In remembrance of the 33 officers and sailors who died on June 18, 1943, a solemn commemorative ceremony was held on the 82nd anniversary of the devastating bombing at HMS Collingwood.
Young soldiers who had just started their Royal Navy service were killed when a 50 kg high-explosive bomb delivered by a lone German bomber struck an accomodation cabin in the early hours of that terrible day, June 18, 1943.
Many had only been in the Royal Navy for about two weeks, and many were only 17 or 18 years old. This was probably their first time being away from home.
Commander Fraser Hunt (executive officer), Captain Tim Davey (commanding officer), and other senior staff members attended the memorial ceremony held yesterday (Wednesday) at the training facility off Newgate Lane. Captain Davey lay a wreath in remembrance of the sailors who had died during the event.
To honor these young men and to remind the current generation of trainees of the sacrifices made by their predecessors, HMS Collingwood takes a moment each year.
The Fourth Stanza of an Ode of Remembrance, a minute of silence, and a reading from Ecclesiastes were all part of the ceremony.
“We will always honor the memory of those who lost their lives here during World War II,” Captain Tim Davey said after the funeral.
We pay particular attention to them on this 82nd anniversary of the attack.
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, even though it is tragic that they were never able to fulfill their potential or serve as they had volunteered to do.”
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