HMS Duncan Launch

[anteros_lmc]

Earlier today while I was at work partner took daughter to see the launch of HMS Duncan the last of the Royal Navy's Type 45 Destroyers which was built at the Govan shipyard on the Upper Clyde. The ship is named after Admiral Lord Duncan who led the British fleet to the notable victory over the Dutch at Camperdown on the 11th October 1797.

As a Buddhist, partner was not hugely keen on attending the launch of a warship but ship building is an integral part of Glasgow's history so he went along anyway and said it was actually a very moving event. Being the clueless atheist that I am, I had no idea that the launch of a ship is accompanied by a religious service. I'm sure gayalondiel and eglantine_br know all about naval traditions of this kind but despite 15 years living almost within sight of the shipyards I know nothing about launch ceremonies.



All visitors were issued with the Order of Service which included the Naval Prayer and Hymn and an address from the Chaplain of the Fleet. Partner said that the Naval Hymn was particularly touching. I know this hymn well enough but I've always associated it with fishermen. In addition to the hymns and prayers the order of service also includes helpful advice on when male service personnel should remove and replace headgear :)

Comments

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

Looks like our Naval hymn is the same. (Eternal father, strong to save...) Is that the one?

I mostly associate Naval ceremony with standing on the dock, waiting to detach husband from 5,000 other sailors. It always seemed to take so long...

They can be beautiful though.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Yes it's the same hymn. Like I said, I tend to associate it with with fishermen because that's how most of the boys from my home town went to sea. It used to be the merchant navy but only one of the boys signed up from my year.

I mostly associate Naval ceremony with standing on the dock
It can't be an easy life. I can't even begin to imagine it myself.

They can be beautiful though.
Partner certainly seemed to be moved by yesterday's launch.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_likimeya/]

Your daughter's education in fangirlishness continues, I see. :D

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Indeed! We take daughter's education very seriously ;)