Battle of Jutland centenary to be commemorated on Orkney

A key commemorative service will take place in Kirkwall to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland.

St Magnus Cathedral service. Picture: PA

The Battle of Jutland was one of the most significant naval engagements of the First World War with 6,000 British and 2,500 German personnel lost. The commemorations on 31 May will not only remember those who lost their lives during the battle, but will also pay tribute to the role of the Royal Navy and the wider war at sea throughout the First World War.

It will also emphasise the vital role that Scotland, and the Orkney Islands in particular, played in the UK’s war efforts and focus for the theme of reconciliation with Germany.

The event will take place on Orkney, where the vast natural harbour of Scapa Flow was home to the Grand Fleet during the war.

Events will begin in the late morning at St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall followed by an event at the CWGC Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery on the island of Hoy in the afternoon.

The service will be led by the minister of the cathedral, the Chaplain of the Fleet, the 
Venerable Ian Wheatley, and a German naval chaplain.

Descendants of those who served at the Battle of Jutland, in the Royal Navy and other maritime organisations during the First World War will also be in attendance.