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Maritime Dinner
Commander Helen Coxon, Royal Navy
THE FIRST FORMAL DINNER of ACSC 26 was the Maritime Dinner held on Thursday, 20th October 2022. A ‘Tasting Menu of the Best of Maritime Traditions’ was on offer, composed of a carefully crafted blend of traditions from Mess Dinners traditionally celebrated each year in the Maritime Domain. Compiled by serving members of the Royal Marines, the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm and International Colleagues, the evening was a chance to celebrate maritime heritage.
The evening commenced with pre-dinner Mess Beatings from the Corps of Drums of the Royal Marines and throughout the evening a brass quintet provided accompanying music. Following tributes
to the Royal Marines Corps Birthday of 1664, the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and the Battle of Taranto in 1940, there was the opportunity to honour the 40th Anniversary of Operation CORPORATE, the UK maritime operation to retake the Falkland Islands in 1982. Guest speaker Commodore Michael Clapp CB gave an insight as to how his career prepared him for the role of Commodore Amphibious Warfare and Commander of the Amphibious Task Group in the Falklands Campaign.
From the difficulties experienced in communication, to the complex logistics and the very real decisions as to where to take risk he provided an insight into the difficulties faced getting the troops ashore in fighting order. Brigadier Ian Gardiner (a Royal Marines Rifle Company Commander in 45 Commando during the Falklands Campaign) then took up the story bringing battles ashore to life, highlighting the complexity
of warfare and the stress that it can convey on
our people. The speeches offered an exceptional opportunity to benefit from their lived experience. Providing insights into decision making processes and the challenges of combat they offered guests
a wealth of lessons for the future . Luke Pollard
MP then spoke of the political considerations; his
own constituency being heavily maritime focussed and one that made a significant contribution to
the Falklands Campaign. On the day that saw the resignation of Liz Truss as Prime Minister, he then concluded by steering thoughts towards the future and the requirement for Armed Forces and politicians to work together to face the challenges that may lie ahead.
The Maritime Dinner included traditions steeped in centuries of history such as the Royal Marines leaving a single table laid for ‘absent friends,’ the traditional sea shanty Heart of Oak and a shortened Taranto night skit. Only a Maritime dinner could include
Royal Marine period costume uniforms, wise words about Multi-Domain Integration attributed to Nelson and Hardy, and chocolate ships in such a blend of seriousness and fun. Whether from politicians to Defence industry or from the role of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to commercial shipping, commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Campaign was also a poignant reminder of the requirement
for integration throughout and beyond the Armed Forces. Overall, the evening offered an invaluable chance to learn about our maritime traditions and benefit from our esteemed guests’ most exceptional lived experience.