Chilean Navy honours Admiral Lord Cochrane

Thursday, 23rd May 2024

Chilean Navy Day 2024 - Carrying Wreaths

The Chilean Navy paid its annual tribute at the grave of Admiral Thomas Cochrane, the 10th Earl of Dundonald, on Wednesday 22nd May 2024.

Wreaths were laid by HE The Ambassador of Chile, Mrs Ximena Fuentes Torrijo, and by Vice Admiral Andrew Burns, 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 David Hoyle MBE.

The Earl of Dundonald read from Psalm 107.

Chilean Navy Day 2024 Earl of Dundonald Reads from Psalm 107

The Earl of Dundonald read from Psalm 107

Chilean Navy Day 2024 - Thomas Cochrane Memorial

Wreaths at the grave of Admiral Lord Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald

Chilean Navy Day 2024 - Guard in Uniform Blowing Trumpet

Bugler sounds a trumpet call

Chilean Navy Day 2024 Wreaths on Memorial

The Dean gives the Blessing

About Thomas 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).