The Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron (RNGS) successfully co-ordinated a third visit to  Tangier in 18 months, this time joining forces with the Gibraltar Clearance Diving Element(CDE).  

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

The deployment allowed members of British Forces Gibraltar to participate in Remembrance  Ceremonies, previously an annual tradition that was paused following the Covid-19  pandemic. Additionally, it also allowed the Gibraltar CDE to stretch their sea-legs and  navigate their VAHANA-CLASS Diving Support Boat (DSB), nicknamed ‘CRABB’, across the  Strait of Gibraltar, for the very first time. This is also likely the longest ever transit conducted  by a VAHANA vessel.  

Deploying from HMNB Gibraltar, HMS DAGGER and DSB CRABB, underwent the 40nm  transit in company. Typically operating at higher speeds of up to 40kts, HMS DAGGER  curbed her appetite for speed to remain with DSB CRABB, arriving in Tangier three hours  after departing BGTW.  

On arrival into Tangier Marina, both vessels received a warm welcome by the Moroccan  Authorities, berthing next to each other, in the heart of Tangier Bay.  

Following a day to allow both Ships’ Companies to explore Morocco, including hikes up to  Rmilat Park and visiting the local Market in Casabarata, first on the agenda was the  Remembrance Service held at St Andrew’s Church, an Anglican Church located 1 mile to  the North of Tangier Marina, in which 13 Commonwealth War Graves are located.  

Co-ordinated by the British Embassy, this year’s service saw His Majesty’s Ambassador  (HMA) Mr Simon Martin CMG, the British Ambassador to Morocco, His Excellency (HE) Mr  Damien Donovan, the Ambassador of Australia and HE Mr Ebrahim Edries, the Ambassador  of South Africa, all pay their respects.  

Accompanying the three ambassadors was Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Huw Law, the British  Defence Attaché, as well as representatives from the Police and other public services.  

Due to HMS DAGGER and DSB CRABB both visiting, an impressive 13 Royal Navy Sailors  attended the Service, demonstrating how important the British Forces contingent felt it was  to pay their respects. 

With the Church at maximum capacity, the Service began with the nine Wreaths being  carried by the Ambassadors and varying representatives to the Altar, before being blessed  by the Chaplain.  

Shortly before 1100, Lt Col Huw Law read an extract from ‘For the Fallen’, before the entire  congregation paused for a two-minute silence, on completion of The Last Post. A poignant  moment in which a deep sense of reflection took place.  

Lt Col Law, the British Defence Attaché to Morocco said: “In this my first year as the British  Defence Attaché in Morocco, it was an honour to mark Remembrance in Tangier with  ambassadors from Australia, South Africa, and the UK as well as members of the local  community, embassy colleagues and service personnel from the Royal Navy Gibraltar  Squadron. The act of Remembrance is a cornerstone of military life; a bittersweet  opportunity to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  Across Tangier there are 15 graves that mark the final resting places of fallen  Commonwealth service personnel from the Second World War and it gave me great comfort  to see their service so poignantly remembered, particularly as they lie so far from home. I  hope that their families find solace and pride in the knowledge that they will never be  forgotten and that their memory forms such a vital part of life in Tangier.” 

Continuing the Service, readings were read by HMA Simon Martin and Lieutenant  Commander (Lt Cdr) Jonathan Davies, the Commanding Officer of HMS DAGGER.  

On completion of the Service, the wreaths were re-collected by the Ambassadors and taken  to the site of the 13 Commonwealth Graves, with the entire congregation of the Church  following on. With nine wreaths being laid, soon the well-kept graves were a sea of red,  following each Ambassador, Lt Col Huw Law, Lt Cdr Davies, and other public services  representatives all paying their respects to the fallen.  

Lt Cdr Davies said: “It has been an honour to participate in Moroccan Remembrance  Ceremonies and even more so to lay a wreath on behalf of British Forces Gibraltar.  Remembrance Ceremonies have always given us a chance to remember those who  sacrificed their lives in the name of peace and the service today was the perfect setting to  pay our respects.” 

On completion of the service, HMA Simon Martin hosted a lunch at Veere Grenney’s  residence for the Ambassadors, Embassy Staff, and entire RN cohort. Ranked as the ninth  best garden in the world and featuring in countless lifestyle magazines, visiting this  enchanting residence was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Royal Navy  representatives.  

Setting sail the following day to avoid inclement weather, HMS DAGGER and DSB CRABB  returned to HMNB Gibraltar, escorted by other elements of the Royal Navy Gibraltar  Squadron.  

Lt Cdr Henry Kilby, Commanding Officer of RNGS said: “I am delighted that HMS DAGGER  was able to support the Remembrance Ceremonies as well as being able to support the  CDE’s joint exercise. Simultaneously, the Squadron supported the Remembrance Ceremony  in Gibraltar whilst maintaining our operational profile at sea, with only 32 service persons.  This is another instance of the Gibraltar Squadron using small ships for a big impact!”

Following the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and full integration of the CUTLASS-CLASS  Royal Navy Patrol Launches, RNGS will once again make supporting Moroccan  Remembrance Ceremonies an annual priority.