Coleraine to mark Battle of Jutland anniversary

The Battle of Jutland took place from May 31 to June 1 1916.

To mark the centenery, the Royal British Legion is calling on communities to remember those who made the ultimate sacrafice in this battle and on the sea.

As part of the national celebrations, the Coleraine Branch of the Royal British Legion is viting the Mayor and councillors, ex service associations, local sevice units, the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, RAF, cadet units and local residents to take part in a commemoration event at the War Memorial at 10.40am on Tuesday, May 31.

A small service and wreath laying service will take place.

During this one battle which lasted only 36 hours, the Royal Navy lost more than 6,000 men.

The Germans lost 2,500, but whilst both sides claimed victory, the damage to German High Seas Fleet was such that Germany avoided fleet to fleet engagments for the remainder of the war.

Around 100,000 sailors were involved in the battle, and more than 8,500 people were killed in the battle, in some cases due to the sudden explosion of ships.

The British Grand Fleet was under the command of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, who after the war became one of the founders of the Royal British Legion.

The Coleraine event is one of many taking place across the country, the national commemoration will be held on the Scottish Islands of Orkney.

Speaking about the events across the country, Rt Rev Nigel McCullough, Director of Remembrance of the Royal British Legion said: “We are asking communities to take part in an event to commemorate the thousands of sailors wh lost their lives at Jutland, and in all maritime operations since.

“This could be as part of a national or regional event, or as something within your community.”