Collingwood pays tribute on Trafalgar anniversary
By Marie Arnott
NAVAL SERVICE personnel from HMS Collingwood have marked the 220th anniversary since the Battle of Trafalgar with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Lord Nelson Monument; which stands at Portsdown Hill and was created to celebrate the historic victory back in October 1805.
Commander Will Proctor, Royal Navy, laid a wreath at the historic 110-foot monument on behalf of the Commanding Officer of HMS Collingwood in Fareham; where it honoured Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson and the sailors who served under him at the famous victory over the Combined French / Spanish fleets on October 21,1805. And he offered his personal thoughts earlier on Tuesday, saying:
“Today was an important occasion to reflect on the inspirational leadership of Admiral Lord Nelson at a monument funded by his officers and sailors. It was vital for our young sailors to be present to appreciate the enduring significance of the Battle of Trafalgar in shaping both the history of the Royal Navy and Britain, and to honour one of the nation’s greatest Naval leaders. Admiral Nelson remains a figure of global admiration and respect.”
The monument was created from subscriptions raised by the officers and men of the Fleet who served under Admiral Lord Nelson at Trafalgar. The foundation stone was first laid in 1807, just two years after Nelson’s death, and the monument continues to serve as both a tribute to Britain’s most famous naval leader; as well as becoming a navigation mark for ships entering and leaving Portsmouth Harbour.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for the Naval Service to pay its respects and mark this significant date in Royal Navy history, maintaining the connection between today’s sailors and their historic predecessors who fought at Trafalgar.
The youngest sailor on parade, seventeen year old AB2 Alex Wood, was given the honour of presenting the wreath to Cdr Proctor for the ceremony. He said: “I only joined the Navy in January, so to be here today and part of this service is a huge honour.”
Readers are invited to read more about the Battle of Trafalgar by clicking on this link, whilst further information about HMS Collingwood can be seen online.
PICTURED BY KEITH WOODLAND: Guests and personnel from HMS Collingwood paid tribute on 220th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar this week, which took place back on October 21, 1805.
