Watch "powerful" Royal Navy Christmas advert showing Portsmouth sailors under threat from Houthi rebels

The footage shows the experience of HMS Diamond, a Portsmouth-based warship, in 2023 while operating in the Red Sea. Personnel aboard the Type 45 destroyer were attacked by drones and missiles fired from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

The advert, Silent Night: On the Frontline, depicts the warship protecting merchant ships in the area that were under threat of attack. Commander Peter Evans, former HMS Diamond Commanding Officer, said: “The reality was that we were so committed to our mission that Christmas was distant in our minds.

“Being away from our families over Christmas is always hard but it was made easier for us. We knew that without HMS Diamond lives were at risk on other ships in the region. For me, this advert powerfully highlights two themes. The first is how important every sailor is onboard, regardless of their rank or role. The second is how important our families are, and how much strength we draw from them. We felt so proud to be able to be protecting them.”

The advert is being shown on the big screens in Guildhall Square, and at Gunwharf Quays. Royal Navy photographers created the production with serving sailors aboard HMS Duncan to depict what life would have been like on HMS Diamond.

Petty Officer James Clarke, of the video production unit, said: “Filming on warships always brings challenges, but balancing authenticity with creativity is the hardest part. We set out to make the film feel as real and raw as possible, putting viewers in the shoes of the ship’s company. Including a genuine missile launch captured by one of our Navy photographers during a real drone attack really drives that authenticity home.”

Join us every Friday for a briefing on the defence sector’s biggest stories with our free newsletter, The Week in Defence

The footage showcases several moments that happened during the deployment. This includes the firing of a Sea Viper missile, which HMS Diamond used to shoot down a drone in December 2023. Commending their bravery, the crew were placed on the New Year’s Honours list, while also receiving the Meritorious Unit Commendation by the US Navy.

Lieutenant Commander Martyn Harris, former Executive Officer of HMS Diamond, said: “What struck me most is how accurately it reflects the reality of combat. No drama, just discipline. The advert shows what we lived, a team that moved as one when seconds mattered.

“I remember being called to the bridge as the team reported seeing missile contrails, what struck me was how utterly dark it was outside. At that stage, due to the heat we were living with the lights inside the ship switched off and so the footage is totally accurate. Getting the ship to Action Stations is not like a Hollywood movie – in reality, it is calm and orderly, and the film shows that really well.”