A spokeswoman added: “The Princess Royal, who was already attending the events, will represent the Royal Family”.
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Nicola Sturgeon said: “The sacrifices made by those who fought in this battle, the largest naval encounter of the First World War, and by other seafarers throughout the conflict must never be forgotten”. His Royal Highness The Duke of York attended a Jutland 100 reception on board HMS Duncan in West India Dock while at the same time, a paving stone was unveiled in Leyton in honour of Victoria Cross holder John “Jack” Cornwell, who died aged just 16 following the battle on May 311916.
Similar events taking place include a service aboard the Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan at Jutland Bank, site of the battle.
They will also hear from descendants of those who took part in the battle, learn how the Great War affected “the Ferry” community and how everyone has worked together to make the video.
The battle was fought on May 31, 1916. Looking out across the Firth of Forth, it is heart-breaking to think that close to nine thousand British and German lives were lost during the naval clash.
The organiser of the event, former Royal Marine Kevin Smith said he had been heartened by the local response to the commemoration. “I hope it will provide a lasting tribute for at least the next 100 years”.
The British lost more ships and twice as many sailors as the Germans, and the British press criticised the Grand Fleet’s failure to force a decisive outcome, but Vice-Admiral Scheer’s plan of destroying a substantial portion of the British fleet also failed, so both sides claimed victory. Most of the rest of the fleet was decommissioned and broken up.
Graham joined schoolkids and Navy veterans in South Queensferry last week to launch commemorations for the battle.
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The Duke served in the Royal Navy during The Second World War and was mentioned in despatches for his service in the Mediterranean.
