Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke had the honor of leading the Grand Arrival Parade that officially marked the start of the 828th Hamburg Port Anniversary Festival on Friday, May 5.
Remaining alongside in Hamburg for the duration of the Port Anniversary Festival, HMS Iron Duke formed part of a backdrop of more than 300 ships, whilst allowing its own ship’s company the opportunity to experience the attractions the world’s biggest port festival has to offer.
“This is truly an exciting opportunity for the ship, especially after completing a period of intensive sea training. All on board are looking forward to taking part in such a prestigious festival, it brings a welcome change to our focus and marks the beginning of our future programme,” said Lieutenant Josh Alvey RN.
The Hamburg Port Anniversary dates back in legend to Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who issued a charter to Hamburg merchants on 7 May 1189, granting freedom from customs duties for ships sailing the Elbe from Hamburg to the North Sea.
This date has since then been considered the founding date of the Port of Hamburg, which is why the Hamburg Port Anniversary is celebrated at the weekend on or after the 7th of May each year.”
Iron Duke is named after the first Duke of Wellington and is affiliated with the 1st Batallion of the Yorkshire Regiment.
The ship shares the regiment’s motto, “Virtutis Fortuna Comes” meaning, “Fortune is the Companion of Valour” which is inherited from the Duke of Wellingtons Regiment.
Iron Duke was also the name of Admiral Jellico’s Flagship at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, a heritage of which the current ship is very proud.