Every year on the first or second weekend in May the Scottish Branch of the Submariners Association is organising a Memorial weekend in Dunoon (Argyll) to commemorate the loss of HMS Vandal and HMS Untamed both lost in 1943 during WWII.

The story in short is that both Submarines sank during their working up period in the Firth of Clyde. HMS Vandal was eventually located just of Lochranza on the Isle of Arran. HMS Untamed perished near Campbeltown. Because she went down in shallower waters they managed to raise the boat and therefore the Crew is buried in Dunoon Cemetery (one crew member is laid to rest in Campbeltown)

HMS Vandal could not be located precisely at the time and remained “On Patrol” until found in 1994 by HMS Hurworth, 300 feet deep, after a search by the Royal Navy which was initiated by the Scottish Branch of the Submariners Association.

(Full Stories are available from the Scottish Branch)

HMS Vandal

Arriving at the Esplanade Hotel in Dunoon, which has been hosting the Scottish  Branch now for many years during the Memorial Weekend, the “meet and greet” as planned went in full swing and accompanied by a tot or two everybody that knew each other quickly mixed with those others that joined us for the first time. It is always very unfortunate however that a few of the “regulars” could not join us anymore due to advancing years, mobility and sadly  some Crossed the Bar. We will remember them!!

After our dinner and some more hours of spinning dits etc. it was time to get into our bunks to get ready for a busy Saturday program.

Mustering at the now repaired Dunoon Jetty, the Tender arrived right on time and after safely boarding with great assistance from the Crew on the Tender we set sail for Lochranza on the Isle of Arran.

With kind weather conditions and the Helensburgh/Rhu Sea Cadets joining us on the Tender we arrived 2 and half hours later at Lochranza for our first Memorial Service of the weekend at the Memorial Cairn for HMS Vandal which was erected there in 1997 by the Scottish Branch of the SA just next to the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry terminal. The Memorial carries the names of all 37 Crew Member that lost their lives.

After the Memorial Service officiated by Rev. Chris Lamb from the National and International Submariners Association, we all went back on board of the Tender which brought us to exactly the position where HMS Vandal still rests

and give us an opportunity to put some more wreaths overboard in remembrance to those that perished in the waters below us. This being probably the most emotional moment for many that joined us on the Tender.

Back to Dunoon, serving lunch, teas and coffees and the traditional Tot to all aboard. The Ladies performed a Scottish Highland Jig (at least that is what we believe it is!!) to the tunes of our resident Pipers and Drummer. Well done girls!! A mention also about the Sea Cadets whom have been of great assistance with the catering, looking after all on board and socializing with both the Tender Crew and all others. Well done and thank you!

Arriving back in Dunoon and the Hotel the Scottish Branch organised a Pimms Reception with the opportunity for some of our guests to give a short presentation. Mrs. Rowina Japp from the local NHS was talking about the implementation of the Veterans Covenant and Captain Nick Locke saying thanks on behalf of the Royal Navy Submarine Service.

After Dinner it was time for our social night and the band Acoustic Soundz. It was not long before the dance floor was crowded with a special performance from some of the man together. A great time was had by all and I am sure the Hotel Bar did also great business that night. The band was exceptional again and certainly booked for the next time in 2027.

Sunday morning breakfast out of the way we all made our way to Dunoon Castle Garden and the HMS Untamed Memorial Stone. Here we held the Memorial Service for the Crew of HMS Untamed before we made our way to the Cowal Kirk(St John’s) for the Sunday Service. After the Service we were invited to have a tea and coffee including cakes with the members of the church which was very enjoyable.

The last action of the weekend is our visit to Dunoon Cemetery. Here we have our last short Memorial Service and an opportunity to place our wooden crosses at the graves of the 32 Crew Members buried here in 1943 after the HMS Untamed was salvaged and went actually to war as HMS Vitality. She was scrapped in Troon in 1946. One Crew Member was buried in Campbeltown.

HMS Untamed

The Scottish Branch is very grateful to those that attended the Memorial weekend this year. Many of you have travelled from far and beyond to join us and commemorate the Crews from HMS Vandal and HMS Untamed.

We would like to remind everyone that the West of Scotland Branch will also organise a Memorial Service for the 12^th X-Craft Flotilla on 6^th June in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.

So at this point everybody said their farewell and I hope all had a safe journey home. HASTE YE BACK!!

Image Credit: https://www.visitorsguidetoscotland.com/2021/12/dunoon/