Remembering the Natal

David and myself caught the bus to Cromarty and walked down to the harbour where people were gathering for part of the commemorative events to mark the sinking of HMS Natal 100 years ago. Unfortunately it is a sad story as on 30th December 1915 the Warrior class Cruiser was moored in the Cromarty Firth and families , officers and men had gathered on the ship for a film night there was a mighty explosion and the ship sank almost immediately with the lose of 421 people. What must have been even more distressing was the fact that most of the crew were on shore having a football match. Many of the bodies were never recovered and those that were were unable to be identified and now lay in graves marked ' A sailor of the Great War'.
I remember walking round the Cromarty Cemetery and commenting to my parents about the number of deaths from the one event, we did nt know about the story of HMS Natal.
It is thought that the explosion was caused by ' an internal ammunition explosion, possibly due to faulty cordite '.
Events at the harbour started with a march by Her Majesty's Royal Marines playing Beating the retreat. Followed by some interesting and heart felt speeches. Some very important people were present including Mrs Janet Bowen, Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty , who is a great supporter of Girl Guiding and other Youth groups and Mrs Rosalind Cahill, grand daughter of Captain Back who told us her very moving story.
Further tunes from the Band , singing of Eternal Father, Strong to save, the unveiling of a Commemorative panel marking the event and the lowering of the Naval Ensign (flag) with the band paying Ceremonial Sunset. All well attended and a wonderful dry and sunny evening. The sun was setting as the Royal Marines played.
Oh and the reason 30th September was chosen was because this was the Launch Date for HMS Natal 115 years ago and as Captain Stuart Tickner said in words to the effect of ' It's way to cold in December and we'd be unlikely to have weather like this !'