HMS Gambia 1957-1958
An Act of Remembrance great, probably because many Norwegian families they had three engagements ashore. They per- were away from Bergen on their summer holidays. formed two 'Beat Retreat' ceremonies in the On the fifth afternoon a children's party was held middle of Bergen, and gave a light musical concert and this proved a great success. Some 150 children, in the city-centre bandstand. Each of these per- of all sizes, attended. Some very appreciative formances drew large crowds, and were thoroughly comments were heard later, after a party of sailors enjoyed. had made a collection on board and taken a suitcase full of sweets and chocolates to the local hospital, Throughout the visit, the electricians had been for those children who could not come to the working furiously to prepare for floodlighting party. the ship and, on Friday and Saturday evenings, the port side was bathed in shining light. From the On Thursday, 25th July, the Captain, the British other side of the harbour, it was a lovely sight and Consul, Miss I. Strong, O.B.E., and, representing made an impressive finale to the visit. the Norwegian Navy, Commodore Sorenssen, laid wreaths on the British War Memorial. This Almost before we had learnt to say 'tak' and was in the Mollerdal cemetery, which provided `skol', rather than 'ta' and 'cheers', the ship was a very peaceful and beautiful situation for the again under sailing orders. During the last fore- simple, but impressive ceremony that was held. noon (Sunday, 28th July,) Church was held on the quarterdeck, and several local British residents A Royal Marines guard was paraded and, after a came on board for this, but an hour after short service, nine of Gambia's ceremonial buglers the Service, the quarterdeck had become a mass sounded the Last Post and Reveille perfectly, and of wires again, as Gambia made a sternboard with a most moving effect.
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