MEMBERS of the Pershore and District Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) are inviting residents to their commemoration event to mark the century of the Battle of Jutland.
As part of the nation’s remembrance of the largest naval battle of the First World War, RNA are holding an event at the Cross of Sacrifice in Pershore Cemetery on Tuesday (May 31).
The Battle of Jutland took place on Wednesday, May 31 and Thursday, June 1 in 1916 and saw the Royal Navy lose 6,094 men, in contrast to Germany’s 2,551.
But whilst both sides claimed victory, the damage to the German High Seas Fleet was so severe that Germany avoided fleet to fleet engagements for the remainder of the war.
Around 250 ships were involved in the battle in which 100,000 sailors served, but one in ten died or were wounded.
The Royal Naval Association together with the Royal British Legion is calling on communities across the UK to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the battle, as well as the Merchant Navy, fishing fleets and coastal communities who continue to guarantee the UK’s maritime security.
The Pershore remembrance event coincides with the national commemoration taking place in Orkney on Tuesday (May 31).
The Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch KCVO, director of remembrance at The Royal British Legion said: “This year we’re asking communities to take part in an event to commemorate the thousands of sailors who lost their lives at Jutland and in all maritime operations since.
“This could be part of a national or regional event, or as part of something within your community. As an island nation, so much is owed to the men and women of the Royal Navy and the wider maritime community, so in this centenary year we pay special tribute to their vital Service.”
The service will commence at 10.45am with a two minutes silence at 11am, followed by a laying of wreaths.
