When the idea of Barrow celebrating this unique anniversary was raised, sometime in 2008, the Dreadnought Association suggested that the event could be directly linked to the Launch of that submarine on Trafalgar Day 1960.

Hence, on Friday 22^nd October 2010, some 40 ex crew members of Dreadnought travelled to Barrow to attend, at least as the main function, a Civic Reception to be held at the Dock Museum.

Allied to that reception would be the unveiling of an exhibit intended to show the development of the Submarine from the early days to the present. We were able to provide a number of items for that exhibit including the Dreadnought Ship’s Bell.

As part of the weekend itself 21 association members attended the Trafalgar Day Ball held at the Lisdoonie Hotel on Friday 22^nd – this excellent evening was organised by the Barrow Sea Cadets and the Barrow SA.

On Saturday 23^rd the whole group was invited on a tour of the DDH by BAE Systems – SS. Barrie Downer and Peter Dismore, of the Barrow SA, along with 2 members of the Ambush Crew in build assisted Brian Benn of BAE on the tour.

From BAE the group was bussed to Barrow Cemetery to join Barrow SA in a joint ceremony to commemorate what was almost certainly the first submarine casualty of the UK Submarine Service – John Henry Curtis. This rating was laid to rest in 1902 by his shipmates from HMS Hazard in a grave that, over the years, had dropped out of sight, literally. Diligent work by the Barrow SA had both located the grave and researched John Henry’s background. From that work the Barrow SA paid for and had erected a very appropriate headstone to ensure that JHC did not disappear again from our memories.  It is possible that his grave may be visited on an annual basis by the SA??

From the cemetery the group was bussed to Dalton Road in Barrow to attend another short ceremony – the unveiling of one of the Dreadnought Benches erected by the local council to commemorate the anniversary. The Dreadnought Association President, Rear Admiral Paddy O’Riordan, assisted the Barrow Mayor at this unveiling accompanied by suitable music and union Jack waving.  The unveiling revealed a 50 year commemorative plaque imbedded in the bench.

From there the group walked to the Barrow Town Hall for tea, coffee and biscuits with the Mayor. They were also shown around the building and viewed the eleven SHC Paintings in No 4 Committee Room.

On the Saturday evening they all attended the Civic Reception at the Dock Museum along with invited guests which included the Council Members of the Barrow SA. At the reception the Mayor, along with Paddy O’Riordan, unveiled the 50 Year exhibit. Paddy was also able to include the launch of the recently published book – DIVE – BARROW BUILT SUBMARINES – THE BEST. (See separate article) The reception closed with an excellent Fireworks Display which was designed to music to commemorate the 50 Years.

A very long day ended when most of the Association attended a Social at the British Legion, hosted by the Barrow SA.

All members of the Dreadnought Association have since e mailed their thanks to all concerned for a most pleasant couple of days in Barrow.

It is understood that they are now planning to attend the 100 years celebrations in 2060. It is noted that Terry Spurling is the only exmember of the Dreadnoughts crew who attended the  launch of the Holland 1 built for the Royal Navy!