World War 1 commemorations - 2016
Remembering those who served at sea
A new review, available in the ‘Related Downloads’ section of this page describes the many memorable and poignant events held in Orkney during 2016 to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland and the sinking of HMS Hampshire.
More 2016 pages can be accessed from the 'More pages in this section' menu.
Battle of Jutland
During 2016 Orkney hosted the national commemoration of the Battle of Jutland, the most pivotal naval engagement of the First World War. A service was held in St Magnus Cathedral on the morning of 31 May and at the Lyness Royal Naval cemetery in the afternoon. The events were organised by the UK Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Further information about the Battle of Jutland and the commemorations can be accessed from the ‘Battle of Jutland’ in the 'More pages in this section' menu.
HMS Hampshire
On Sunday 5 June 2016 a service was held at Kitchener’s memorial in Birsay to commemorate the loss of HMS Hampshire. A new commemorative wall was unveiled. It is etched with the names of 737 people who died, as well as the nine crew members of HM Drifter Laurel Crown which days later when minesweeping in the same area where HMS Hampshire was lost.
Further information about HMS Hampshire and the planned commemorations can be accessed from the ‘HMS Hampshire’ page within this section.
Poppies: Weeping Window
22 April until 12 June
St Magnus Cathedral was the first venue in Scotland to host Poppies: Weeping Window. The iconic display attracted many thousands of people after it was installed at the Cathedral.
Further information can be accessed from the ‘Poppies: Weeping Window’ page within this section.
Exhibitions
There will be several exhibitions on display in Orkney across the summer of 2016, these include:
Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum
The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum is open until 31 October. A new WW1 display includes additional material linked to the Battle of Jutland and the sinking of HMS Hampshire. Further information about the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum is available from the ‘Related Links’ section of this page.
The Orkney Museum
The summer exhibition at the Orkney Museum is open until 30 September and focuses on the war at sea and Orkney’s involvement in it. Further information about the Orkney Museum is available from the ‘Related Links’ section of this page.
The Stromness Museum
The summer exhibition at the Stromness Museum focuses on the Battle of Jutland and the loss of HMS Hampshire. For further information about the Stromness Museum please see their website. A link is provided in the ‘Related Sites’ section of this page.
