"Extraordinary achievements" of HMS Argyll Royal Navy career honoured - ship stripped of items before disposal
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The illustrious career of a retired Royal Navy ship has been honoured at a glorious ceremony.
HMS Argyll, a Type 23 frigate which is currently in Portsmouth ahead of being disposed of, was commemorated at an event in Scotland. The ship’s bell was handed over at Inveraray Castle, home of the Dukes of Argyll, Chiefs of the Clan Campbell.
Former captains, affiliates, and supporters of the warship, was invited to HMS Argyll’s ancestral home to mark the occasion. Commander Charlie Wheen, the frigate’s 18th and final commanding officer, said the bell has treasured memories as his son Bertie was christened using it in 2014.
“The Duke’s gracious invitation to host the decommissioning event at the castle meant that we were able to celebrate the ship’s extraordinary achievements with the wider HMS Argyll family,” he added. “The ship’s affiliates provided enduring support and patronage throughout the ship’s life and it was fitting that we were gathered together to mark her 30-plus years of service. The ship’s bell will go on display at Inveraray castle – a visible reminder of the Ship’s proud heritage that will be seen by the tens of thousands of visitors to the castle each year.”
Other former Commanding Officers who attended the ceremony included ex-Commanding Officer Ewan Kelbie - alongside his wife Claire - Nigel Chandler, Gavin Pritchard, with his wife Kirsty. The presentation of the bell was considered the end of HMS Argyll’s career. She was the third of 16 Duke-class frigates, tasked with anti-submarine and other general purpose duties.
Commissioned in 1991, she was withdrawn from service last year. There was no formal decommission ceremony at the time as no sailors were assigned to her at the time. The frigate was stripped of all items useful to the fleet, or of historical value, before being towed to Portsmouth on September 19.
The ship’s bell was among the items removed from the frigate. It was used historically to sound the changes of watch on board, but fulfilled a ceremonial role in modern timesm especially christenings. Names of many of those christened were inscribed inside, including Lady Charlotte Mary Campbell, born in 2008, the youngest child of Torquhil Campbell, the 13th Duke of Argyll.
The Duke has taken a close personal interest in the ship and the deeds of her 200 men and women since he inherited the title from his father, the 12th Duke in 2001. It was formally presented when His Grace invited some of those associated with the frigate to a lunch celebrating HMS Argyll’s achievements.