A MEMORIAL service was held yesterday morning (31st May) at Chepstow War Memorial to mark 100 years since the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle in the First World War.

The battle was fought in the North Sea near Denmark’s Jutland Peninsula for over 36 hours from 31st May to 1st June 1916.

151 ships from the British Grand Fleet and 99 ships from the German High Seas Fleet fought, resulting in 6,000 British and 2,500 German sailors losing their lives.

This was the first time a service for the Battle of Jutland has been performed in Chepstow, and it was organised by the Chepstow branch of the Royal British Legion alongside centenary remembrance services across the nation.

The service was led by Reverand Christopher Blanchard, who read ‘My Boy Jack’ by Rudyard Kipling.

Wreaths were laid at the war memorial on behalf of Chepstow Town Council, the Chepstow Royal British Legion, and the Chepstow Royal Naval Association.

Speaking after the service, Reverand Christopher Blanchard said: “Before today most people wouldn’t know the details of the battle of Jutland.

“But the commemoration on a national scale pays dedication to the huge losses sustained by the Navy for this country.

“We’re still a maritime nation, and the navy is instrumental in the last century in bringing Europe together in lasting peace, so it is important to remember.”

Deputy Mayor of Chepstow Cllr Marc Le Peltier said:

“It’s important to keep in memory this major battle. I’m not a great historian so I must admit I knew very little about the battle before this.

“But through national coverage and services like this one it is brought back into focus. Without those sacrifices, we wouldn’t all be here.”