Chilean Navy honours Admiral Cochrane

Tuesday, 21st May 2019

The Chilean Navy paid its annual tribute at the grave of Admiral Thomas Cochrane, the 10th Earl of Dundonald, on Tuesday 21st May 2019.

Wreaths were laid by HE The Ambassador of Chile, Mr David Gallagher, and by Major-General Gwyn Jenkins OBE, representing the First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff.

The wreath laying ceremony was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall.

The 15th Earl of Dundonald read Psalm 107: 1-9, 23-32.

The procession towards the grave of Admiral Lord Cochrane

A wreath is laid by representatives of the Ambassador of Chile

A wreath is laid by the Representative of the First Sea Lord, Royal Navy

The Earl of Dundonald reads Psalm 107: 1–9, 23–32

The Dean pronounces The Blessing

The wreaths at the foot of the grave of Admiral Lord 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 Capt 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).

Order of Service for A Wreathlaying Ceremony at the Grave of Admiral Lord Cochrane 10th Earl of Dundonald on Chilean Navy Day (337KB)