NAVY NEWS, NOVEMBER 1997 Options
31
'Scotland's Melson' is honoured by his home city off Dundee
oc DUNDEE has honoured an eclipsed hero of the Napoleonic wars on the anniversary of his greatest triumph. Admiral Lord Viscount Duncan, who was born in Dundee, smashed the Dutch fleet at Camperdown in 1797 with tactics which were more famously used again at Trafalgar, eight years later. Dundee joined with the Royal Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Duncan's finest hour, and to rememher those killed in action off the Dutch coast. Frigates HMS Montrose and HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerck berthed at a city wharf, and were open to the public during the three-day celebration. A new bronze statue of Duncan, by Fife sculptress Janet Wedderburn Scrymgeour, was unveiled by the Earl of Dundee.
This was followed by an act of remembrance at which wreaths were laid. A more formal commemorative church service was held the following day. Both ships' companies joined a parade through the city, led by the Band of HM Royal Marines, Scotland, along with 45 Commando RM from Arbroath, reservists from HMS Scotia in Rosyth, the Massed Pipe Band, including the Royal Irish Rangers, ex-Service associations, a Sea Cadet band and youth groups. The city's McManus Gallery is staging a Camperdown exhibition, Glorious Victory, until March. • The city of Sunderland has also recalled a local Camperdown hero - in the heat of battle Jack Crawford climbed up to nail Admiral Duncan's colours to the damaged mast of the flagship, bravery which is recounted in an exhibition at Sunderland Museum.
• On parade the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland march through Dundee to mark the bicentenary of Duncan's victory at the Battle of Camperdown.
• Solemn note - OM(C) Graham Howe acts as wreath-bearer for Commodore Edward Robberegt, representing the Netherlands Navy (above). • Early arrival - HMS Montrose is silhouetted against the morning sky as she approaches her berth at Dundee (left).
BaMte feat changed history • Read all about it - S/Lt Jenny Riley of HMS Montrose and RO Inge Nyboer of HMNLS Jacob van Heemskerck brush up on history.
• Flag officer - the statue of Admiral Duncan is unveiled by the Earl of Dundee (left), watched by Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland, Rear Admiral Mike Gregory.