A very warm June evening was the backdrop for a night to remember, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of HMS EAGLET, the Liverpool-based Royal Naval Reserve unit. Guests including Commander Maritime Reserves (CMR), Commodore Martin Quinn, joined the young and old of HMS EAGLET past and present in their Centenary Ceremonial Divisions at Exchange Flags in Liverpool.
The location next to the Walker and Horton Buildings (the names of two of HMS EAGLET’s Divisions) was right in the heart of the city which has become integral to HMS EAGLET’s success over the last 100 years.
The evening started with a reception at the historic Western Approaches, the headquarters for the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War, where distinguished guests including the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, and the Mayor of Liverpool joined CMR and other senior naval personnel. A short trip around the corner to Exchange Flags and the Ceremonial Divisions service was led by Father David Gamble.
Three divisions of Ratings, Officers and Veterans looked immaculate in their uniform.
The Guard from HMS EAGLET marched on to the music provided by The Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (Volunteers) Lancashire Artillery Band to which the public applauded.
Commodore Quinn said: “The fact that this 100th Anniversary is taking place on Reserves Day is very special. HMS EAGLET has a long history dating back from the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) and can trace its roots back even further. As previously a great Ship of the Line, HMS EAGLET has deep connections to the past and with this great maritime city of Liverpool.
“There is a lot to look forward to with the city of Liverpool and HMS EAGLET, and you might see the new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier HMS PRINCE OF WALES visiting Liverpool in the future.”
The Commanding Officer HMS EAGLET, Srg Cdr Harry Rourke, said: “To have CMR here to help celebrate such a momentous point in HMS EAGLET’s history is an absolute privilege for us.”
Srg Cdr Rourke, who was on BBC Radio Merseyside earlier in the day to mark Reserves Day, spoke of his pride of HMS EAGLET and the Reservists that served with her.
HMS EAGLET’s Executive Officer, Lt Cdr Lloyd, who was parade commander for the Ceremonies, said: “It’s been great; from the warm welcome at Western Approaches, right up until the reception at HMS EAGLET afterwards, it has been a night to remember.”
