[AREA]HONOURSTHOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES AT SEA

100 years on from the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of the First World War

To mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland, The Royal British Legion is calling on communities across the country to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in this battle and on the sea.

As part of the nation’s Remembrance [Legion branch/school/organisation]isinviting[area] residents to take part in its commemoration eventat [location] on [date]. The event will run from [start time – end time], when [details of what’s happening].

The Battle of Jutlandwas the principal navalbattleof the First World War, which took place from Wednesday 31 May to Thursday 1 June 1916.

The Royal Navy lost more than 6,000 men during thebattle, in contrast to Germany’s 2,500. While both sides claimed victory, the damage to the German High Seas Fleetwas such thatGermany avoided fleet-to-fleet engagements for the remainder of the war.

As the nation’s custodian of Remembrance, The Royal British Legion is encouraging the country to commemorate the sacrifices and contributions made by all those from the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, fishing fleets, shipbuilding towns and coastal communities who continue to guarantee our maritime nation’s security in peace and war.

The [area] Remembrance event is one of many taking place across the country this year. The national commemoration event will take place on the Scottish Islands of Orkney on Tuesday 31 May.

[If you would like to include a quote from your event organiser, please insert here].

The Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch KCVO, Director of Remembrance at The Royal British Legion said: “This year we’re asking communities to take part in an event to commemorate the thousands of sailors who lost their lives at Jutland and in all maritime operations since. This could be as part of a national or regional event or as part of something within your community. As an island nation, so much is owed to the men and women of the Royal Navy and the wider maritime community, so in this centenary year we pay special tribute to their vital Service.”

The Legion is the nation's biggest Armed Forces charity, andnational custodian of Remembrance. The charity provides care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families.

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Notes to Editors

For more information about the Jutland commemoration event in [area]please contact:

Name /role at organisation/email / telephone number

For more information about The Battle of Jutland and how to get involved in Legion events, please visit:

  • The Battle of Jutland background information:

-250 ships were involved in the battle. 151 from The Royal Navy and 99 from the German High Seas fleet

-100,000 sailors served in the battle. 1 in 10 died or were wounded – more than 6,500 British; more than 2,500 German including 3 Admirals

-More than 8,500 people were killed, in some cases due to the sudden explosion of ships

(Including HMS Queen Mary 1,266;HMS Indefatigable 1,017;HMS Invincible 1,026;HMS Defense 903;SMS Wiesbaden 589;SMS Fraulenlob 320)

-HM The Queen's father - George V1, the then Prince Albert, Duke of York - took part in the battle aboard HMS Collingwood

  • The Royal Navy today:

-Protects cargo ships

-Fights terrorism and trafficking

-Supplies humanitarian aid and helps with disaster relief

-Protects UK waters and fish

-Carries out search and rescue

-Supports manufacturing, industry, research and science

-Patrols the oceans as a continuous at-sea deterrent

-Maritime trade is the lifeblood of the UK economy and industry. 95% of Britain’s economic activity depends on the oceans

About your Legion branch / organisation / school

The Royal British Legion’s work is encapsulated in its motto: Live On – to the memory of the fallen and the future of the living. The Legion is the nation's biggest Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It is the national custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal, and its emblem the red poppy.