Ensign changed on HMS Royal Oak

October 10, 2014 at 10:14 am

Petty Officer Alan Dickman and AB Alex Briggs of Northern Diving Group, who changed the ensign, pictured with Lieutenant Commander Michael Carter Quinn of HMS Bangor. (Picture: Craig Taylor)

The Naval ensign which is placed on the wreck of HMS Royal Oak each year has been replaced in an underwater ceremony which took place yesterday.

The changing of the ensign was carried out by members of the Faslane based Northern Diving Group.

Team members will spend the next few days in Orkney undertaking the annual survey of the wreck, to ensure that the ship maintains minimal impact on the important and sensitive environment of Scapa Flow.

The lead diver for the flag replacement was Petty Officer Alan Dickman, who was accompanied for the ceremony by the Northern Diving Group’s youngest member of the team, AB Alex Briggs, 22.

Alan is the Northern Diving Group’s longest serving member and the HMS Royal Oak commitments in the days ahead will be his final major project within the Royal Navy before retiring.

Despite the recent weather, Petty Officer Dickman said that the visibility at the wreck was good, with the wreck itself in is good condition, although further detailed examinations will take place over the coming days.

He and AB Briggs also said it was indeed a privilege to be involved in the Royal Oak events during their time in Orkney.

Meanwhile, the commanding officer of the Navy ship which is in Orkney for the events said that being in Scapa Flow, and in Kirkwall, enables the ship’s company to continue the Royal Navy links with Orkney.

Lieutenant Commander Michael Carter Quinn of HMS Bangor also said it allowed the crew to pay their respects to those who were lost in the sinking.

He said it was very evocative sailing in Scapa Flow, before the ship came round to Kirkwall. The ship will return to Scapa Flow for the 75th commemorative events of the sinking of HMS Royal Oak next week.