Yesterday, October 14th 2025, marked the 86th Anniversary of the sinking of HMS Royal Oak. A solemn reminder of sacrifice, courage and the fragility of war.
In the early hours of 14th October 1939, whilst anchored in Scapa Flow, the ship was struck by torpedoes from the German submarine U-47. The attack claimed the lives of 835 crew, this included young sea men.
Every year on this date, there is a memorial service held in Orkney. The Royal Navy honours the memory of the Royal Oak and all who died. Divers decent the wreck to raise the White Ensign over her stern. On this day, we pause in Orkney to remember those who served aboard the Royal Oak, the young lives lost, the communities changed and the enduring legacy of their duty and sacrifice.
We once again hosted the Charlie Squadron DTXG from the Royal Navy. We managed to catch a photo of them prior to the ceremony yesterday.
