Battle of Jutland Commemoration

On Tuesday 31 May 2016 there will be a Service of Commemoration in the morning at St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney commemorating the centenary of the Battle of Jutland and the First World War at sea. This will be followed in the afternoon by a commemorative event on Hoy at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery. All events are being organised by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) at HM Government.

The Battle of Jutland centenary events are a key part of the UK Government’s four year programme to commemorate the First World War. Jutland brought together the two most powerful naval powers of the time in the most pivotal naval engagement of the war with 6,000 British and 2,500 German personnel lost. We will honour those on all sides who lost their lives during the battle. This will also be an opportunity to recognise the impact that the battle had on the Orkney Islands and the role that Orkney played in hosting the Grand Fleet throughout the war.

If there are any questions regarding the commemorations, please contact Graeme Horne on 01856873535 extension 2407.

Further information about the commemorations can be found in the 'First World War Commemorative Cultural Programme' which can be accessed from the 'Related Links' section of this page.