HMS Ocelot 60th Birthday Celebrations

From our friends at the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust come details of the events to celebrate the 60th birthday of HMS Ocelot. They write:

Saturday 7th May 2022

10:00 – 17:00 – Main Event

As part of a wider programme of events celebrating the launch of HMS OCELOT, the last warship built for the Royal Navy at the Royal Dockyard Chatham, we are delighted to announce a commemorative event that will brings together former submariners and former dockyard workers who contributed to the construction, refit and repair of O-Boats.

On Saturday 7th May 2022, we will be providing free access to The Historic Dockyard Chatham to all serving and former Royal Navy Submariners and Ex-Dockyard workforce and their families to mark the 60th Anniversary of this iconic submarine.

As part of the day, guests will be able to explore HMS OCELOT and see the start of an ongoing process to improve the immersive experience that is created for our visitors. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the wider Historic Dockyard site and enjoy our other Historic Ships (HMS CAVALIER and HMS GANNET) as well as our iconic Ropery building and a range of museum galleries spread over an impressive 80-acre heritage estate.

From 12pm, we are delighted to be able to open The Commissioner’s House (the oldest intact Naval Building in the country) for guests to explore at their leisure and make use of excellent bar facilities that will be serving drinks throughout the day. Our Mess Deck Restaurant will of course be open for hot and cold food during the day itself.

At 3pm, guests will be invited to assemble at the dockside for a short ceremony where a plaque will be unveiled to recognise the occasion. This ceremony will be led by the Chairman of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar KCB OBE DL, who was the Commanding Officer for HMS OCELOT from 1987 – 1990.

All visitors to the Historic Dockyard Chatham will be able to take part in this ceremony to celebrate this iconic part of our Royal Naval heritage story.

17:00 – 23:00 – Optional Evening Event

From 17:00, we hope that our guests for the day will be able to join us for a dinner within the Commissioner’s House as an opportunity to bring together both submariners and former dockyard workers in a unique environment.

The cost for attending this once in a lifetime dinner will be £55.00 per person and includes a 3-course meal. The Commissioner’s House bar will be open all evening. There are a total of 120 places available for the evening event and we anticipate these will be filled quickly so if you would like to join us for this part of the day, please make your booking with us.

How to get involved

Registration for your free tickets to The Historic Dockyard Chatham for eligible visitors will be available from 14th February 2022 and can be booked via our website (www.thedockyard.org.uk). Places for our evening event can also be purchased online in advance on our website meaning you can just arrive on the day knowing your evening’sentertainment is ready and waiting for you.

Wider Submarine Season

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is planning a variety of activities and smaller events in the month of May to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of HMS OCELOT. This will include a lecture series focusing on a range of topics linked to both HMS OCELOT itself, the wider Submarine Service and its link to the Royal Dockyard Chatham.

We will also be planning a small number of VIP guided tours of HMS Submarine that can be purchased at an additional cost, led by former submarine Commanding Officers.

Details of other events linked to OCELOT 60 will be available via our website:

https://thedockyard.co.uk/whats-on/