00:00Almost 110 years ago around 131 sailors were killed when two bombs fell on them at the
00:10drill shed, one of the first night time raids the world had witnessed. The Royal Naval Association
00:17have gathered at that very spot now the University of Greenwiches Drill Hall library to remember
00:25one of the most devastating bombings of the first world war. What it does it keeps the
00:31the legacy of the Royal Navy intact within the community although the Royal Navy left this area
00:38many years ago it still plays a major role in commemorating events some happy some very sad
00:47and tragic and it means a lot to us as Royal Navy Association and other associations who come
00:54alongside us and and commemorate such events so it's very important that we remember those who've
01:00sacrificed so much for us. The roof of the Drill Hall library was made of glass which shone brightly
01:07in the night which is what made it a target on that fateful night in 1917. It's a great honor
01:14to
01:14be here to recognize the the sacrifice and the origins of this ceremony the history of a shared
01:22legacy of the contribution that the naval services have made over the years and our ongoing commitment
01:28to education for the Medway population. The event falls on the same day as Merchant Navy Day which
01:36recognizes the bravery and sacrifices of merchant seafarers who supply goods fuel and food. So we're
01:45really proud here in Medway of our links to both the Royal Navy but also the Merchant Navy and earlier
01:52today we rose the flag raised the flag high above Gun Wharf for Merchant Navy Day really proud to do
01:58that
01:58right now today in places like the Straits of Hormuz it will be Merchant Navy individuals personnel
02:06who are bringing goods helping our trade both here in the UK and across the world so it's important time
02:12to
02:12reflect and say thank you to those serving in the Merchant Navy. As well as remembering the past
02:18this service pays tribute to the servicemen and servicewomen at sea who keep us safe today. Henry Luck
02:27for KMTV in Chatham
Comments