THE annual HMS Monmouth Remembrance service had a special significance this year as it was 100 years ago to the day that the ship was sunk at the Battle of Coronel with the loss of over 1,600 lives.

Relatives of those men who drowned were also present to lay their own wreaths, as well as members of the present ship's company, the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, Plymouth and two buglers, also from Plymouth.

The service was held at St Mary's Church on Saturday, (1st November) and was organised by the Monmouth branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA).

Reverend David McGladdery led the service, and Commodore Toby Elliot, OBE DL Royal Navy gave the address on the tragic event.

The first lesson was read by Mr Jamie Forbes, grandson of Commander Spencer Dundas Forbes, RN Executive Officer of HMS Monmouth in 1914 and the second lesson was read by Lieutenant Commander Andrew Ainsley RN, current executive officer of HMS Monmouth (pictured left). The sermon was given by Rev. Martyn Gough RN.

Chris Rogers, Chairman of the Monmouth Branch of the RNA gave the Exhortation.

Rev Gerald Leech, honorary chaplain of the Monmouth Branch of the RNA read the Royal Naval Prayer.

Following the service, a special screening was held at the Savoy Theatre of the 1927 film The Battles of Coronel and Falkland Islands.