In conversation with … The Live Bait Squadron Society and Stuart Heaver
05 Sep 2024
In the next installation of our evening talks programme, The Live Bait Squadron Society will commemorate the 110th anniversary of the three Royal Navy Cruisers (HMS ABOUKIR, HMS HOGUE and HMS CRESSY) which were sunk by enemy submarine action on 22nd September 1914 off the Dutch coast in the North Sea with a total loss of life of 1,459 men.
The evening will consist of:
- A word of welcome by Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
- A word of welcome by Henk van der Linden MBE, chairman of The Live Bait Squadron Society
- The first time presentation of the film registration of the 100 Year Commemoration 22nd September 2014 (20 minutes)
- Talk by Stuart Heaver, author of The Coal Black Sea – Churchill and the worst naval catastrophe of the First World War. about the fate of the cruisers.
- Some words about the impact of the disaster for the Medway region.
- Farewell words by Henk van der Linden and welcome words for his Chairman successor.
During his presentation Stuart will reveal the story of how three Chatham-based cruisers were sunk by a single U boat on 22 September 1914—just six weeks into the war. How 1,459 men and boys lost their lives within 90 minutes. And how Winston Churchill covered up the truth to protect his reputation and career.
There will be a question and answer session following the formal talks.
Our talks are free to attend (you do not need a Dockyard admission ticket) but spaces are limited tickets must be booked in advance.
| When? | Thursday 5 September |
| Where? | The Mess Deck Restaurant |
| Time? | Arrival from 6.30pm for a 7pm start |
| Cost? | Talks are free to attend but we ask that you book in advance |
