Warship which survived Jutland to be opened in Belfast

A warship which took part in the Battle of Jutland is to be opened up to the public, 100 years after the horrific naval encounter.

The ship will form the backdrop of an event today which has been termed an “all-island commemoration to the Irish sailor”, at which personnel from the Republic’s naval service will stand side-by-side with Royal Navy sailors.

Wreaths will be laid to mark the huge loss of life during the battle, in which men from Great Britain were killed along with those drawn from Ireland (which was at that stage still unified).

A German admiral is set to be one of the guests today, as well as senior political figures from both sides of the border and other VIPs.

The event is invitation-only. It takes place at noon.

Organisers says they expect attendees to come from as far away as North America and Australia for the event.

HMS Caroline, moored in east Belfast, has never been fully open to the public before.

A reconnaissance ship, she escaped damage during the combat at Jutland, off the coast of Denmark, which spanned two days beginning on May 31, 1916 (roughly five weeks after the Easter Rising had been launched).

According to the group History Hub Ulster, it is estimated that out of the over 8,500 men lost in the subsequent fighting (of which roughly 6,000 fought on the British side), about 350 were from Ireland.

Karen O’Rawe, chairwoman of History Hub Ulster, said: “The event is a timely reminder that 1916 is not all about the Easter Rising and the Battles of the Somme.

“The sacrifice of so many men from these shores who fought at sea, the maritime war and the impact of it on our island tends to be overlooked.”

HMS Caroline had been moored in Belfast since the 1920s, and had been used as a training vessel.

From tomorrow, the public will be able to view her at a cost of £5.50 per child, and £13.50 per adult.

Also tomorrow there is to be a wreath-laying at Bangor town hall at noon for Edward ‘Barry’ Bingham – a north Down man who won the Victoria Cross for his part in the battle. It will follow a ceremonial gun-firing at Grey Point artillery fort, at Helen’s Bay, at 11.15am.