Memorial service marks 70th anniversary of sinking of HMS Aldenham

HMS Aldenham was one of 86 Hunt Class destroyers in the war. It was blown up by a mine in the Adriatic Sea on December 14, 1944, killing 126 crewmen. Only 63 men were rescued.

HMS Aldenham now lies on the seabed where it sank and is a war grave.

Survivors of the attack who are still alive attended the commemoration, held on Sunday, December 14, as did the Mayor of Hertsmere and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Commodore Tim Hennessey, who represented Her Majesty the Queen. There was also a strong Royal Navy presence.

The service was led by Rev. Robert Fletcher, Vicar of Aldenham and the benediction was given by the Archdeacon of St Albans, Ven Jonathan Smith.

The commanding officer of HMS Wildfire, Commander Stephanie Shinner said: "This was a particularly special occasion for me having grown up attending St John the Baptist Church, Aldenham, where my mother still worships and sings in the choir and where I married my husband, Patrick, 30 years ago this month after we met on joining the Royal Navy Reserves.

"It was therefore, a great pleasure to take part but especially to do so standing alongside both veterans and the young men and women serving today."

As well as HMS Wildfire, the naval service was represented by four other naval Units, including, the Maritime Warfare School and Victory Squadron at HMS Collingwood, the London University Royal Naval Unit (LURNU) and the band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, Portsmouth.

Leading Airman Matthew Ready, 26, who is based at HMS Collingwood, which provides training to officers and ratings alike, said: "It is an honour and a privilege to be involved in this poignant 70th anniversary commemoration service, remembering those that so bravely gave their all for us."

Officer Cadet David Cochrane, 21, who is a member of the LURNU, said: "Honouring those who made the supreme sacrifice reminds us to be humble for what we have in the present."