80th Anniversary of the Commissioning of HMS CAVALIER
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Braving the strong gales and wet weather, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust hosted the 80th Anniversary of the Commissioning of HMS CAVALIER at the Royal Dockyard Church. This special occasion, held in the heart of the Historic Dockyard, brought together our esteemed guests, to celebrate a ship whose legacy embodies courage, sacrifice, and service.
The ceremony, led by the Dean of Rochester and Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, Chairman of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, was a fitting tribute to HMS CAVALIER and her crew. As part of the 2024 reunion of the HMS Cavalier Association, the event honoured not only her commissioning 80 years ago, but also her enduring role as the National Destroyer Memorial, commemorating the 11,000 lives and 142 Royal Navy Destroyers lost during the Second World War.
We were privileged to welcome Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham KCB, who opened the service with a moving address to the 200-strong congregation. His words set the tone for an event that was both reflective and uplifting in memory of the crew that was served onboard. Members of the HMS Cavalier Association and RNA Chatham performed a dedication and blessing of the Standard of HMS Carysfort, a deeply symbolic moment. The congregation came together in song, praise, and reflection, concluding with the Naval Prayer and a blessing for today’s serving Naval personnel.
Our special thanks to the Parade Commander of the Standard Bearers and West Kent Sea Cadets, and to Kent Youth Music for providing the brass ensemble, and Kent Media for the ceremonious staging of the event.
We are also immensely grateful to our distinguished guests including The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, who, as Kent’s official representative of His Majesty the King, graciously conducted the inspection of the cadet procession.
Additionally, we extend heartfelt thanks to The High Sheriff, Dr Gillian Fargher; Admiral Sir Ian Garnett KCB, Rear Admiral Peter Franklyn, Leader of Council Vince Maple, Councillor Marian Nestorov, and our dedicated Dockyard Ambassadors for joining us. Their support and presence added a touch of grace and gravitas to the occasion.
HMS CAVALIER stands as a powerful symbol of the bravery and dedication of her crew during one of history’s most challenging times.
Launched in 1944, HMS CAVALIER is a CA-class destroyer and was one of 96 war emergency destroyers. She saw service in the Arctic, Western Approaches and British Pacific Fleet. Decommissioned in 1972, HMS CAVALIER currently resides in No.2 Dry Dock at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, and is cared for by Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, honouring our naval heritage, and as an enduring legacy to educate future generations.
Please consider making a donation to preserve HMS CAVALIER as an important national memorial, ensuring her story continues to inspire and educate future generations on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace and freedom.
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Photography credits: Pepsoft Photographic and Ray Fothergill.
