Chilean Navy honours Admiral Lord Cochrane
Friday, 22nd May 2026
The Chilean Navy paid its annual tribute at the grave of Admiral Thomas Cochrane, the 10th Earl of Dundonald, on Friday 22nd May 2026.
Wreaths were laid by Vice Admiral Robert Pedre, representing The First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, and Captain Sven Barckhahn, Head of Naval Mission and Defence Attaché.
The ceremony was conducted by the Venerable Jennifer Adams-Massmann, Canon in Residence.
Commodore The Honourable Michael Cochrane read Psalm 107.
Captain Barckhahn was awarded the Grand Star of Military Merit in recognition of 30 years of service. The medal was presented by Mr Francisco Bartolucci, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Chile, together with Rear Admiral Sigfrido Ramírez, Director of Maritime Safety and Operations, Chilean Navy.
About Admiral Cochrane
Admiral Thomas Cochrane (1775-1860) had a truly remarkable career as a naval officer and a politician. One of the Royal Navy's most audacious and feared commanders during the Napoleonic Wars, he went on to command the Chilean, Brazilian and Greek navies, helping these countries in their fight for independence.
His life and exploits served as inspiration for the naval fiction of 20th century novelists C.S. Forester, who created the character of Captain Horatio Hornblower around him, and Patrick O'Brian, who drew on Cochrane's tactics for his naval stories featuring Captain Jack Aubrey (played by Russell Crowe in the film Master and Commander).
