Remembering HMS Royal Oak

 

Memorial to those lost in the sinking of HMS Royal Oak in October, 1939

On this Veterans Day we're taking a trip (armchair, of course) to the Orkney Islands, a group of islands well north of the Scottish mainland. Our destination is the beautiful St. Magnus Cathedral.The Cathedral is the most northerly cathedral in the United Kingdom. It's not easy to get to, but well worth a visit.  

St. Magnus Cathedral, built  in the Romanesque style of architecture 

 Construction began in the Twelfth century, when Orkney was under the Norwegian Archbishop of Trondheim. In 1472 Orkney and Shetland passed to Scotland as part of the dowry of Princess Margaret, daughter of King Christian of Norway and Denmark. Quite a dowry! 

One of my favorite details of this magnificent building are the doors, 

especially the workmanship of the metal. 

The interior of St. Magnus

We've come to Kirkwall the main town of Orkney, to pay our respects to the 834 men killed when HMS Royal Oak, was torpedoed by a German submarine. The ship was anchored at Scapa Flow, a harbor which was the United Kingdom's chief Naval base during both the First and Second Wars. Scapa Flow has a long history through the centuries and Vikings moored their longboats there over a thousand years ago. 

Detail of the Memorial Book for HMS Royal Oak

Today and every day, moments of gratitude and reflection, for those who have sacrificed so much in the past, and those who serve today and continue to sacrifice, as well as prayers for their safety. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.