The RNCDA Memorial Bells
Divers Memorial Service 2020
Click On Image to play
5 Bells Tradition Video
A short video which explains the tradition and meaning of sounding 5 Bells to a Navy Diver who has passed away. It goes on to cover the decision by the RNCDA to commission the memorial bell which now has its permanent home at the incredibly moving garden of remembrance, right beside the same lake at Horsea Island, where Navy Divers still train to this day.
Click On Image to play
RNCDA Bell Commissioning at Horsea Island 9/10/15 – A gallery of photographs of that special day (including a short video of the casting of the bell)
Click On Image For Gallery
Memorial Garden Dedication at Horsea Island 7/10/2016 just one short year after the Bell Commissioning, an amazing feat and the result is simply stunning and incredibly moving. Besides permanently housing the memorial bell the garden contains a name plaque of every Royal Navy Clearance Diver who has passed away a place to sit and reflect and views over the lake itself.
Click On Image For Gallery
The RNCDA “Travelling” Bell
5 bells would be rung after a short eulogy was read to the congregation which would explain the traditions and importance of that signal to the Naval Diving Community.
The Bell was lovingly cast by the same foundry that produced the memorial bell (above) John Taylor & Co in Loughborough (who have been making bells since 1784) it was also tuned to the same note (D) to signify the link between the two bells.
The handle was designed to replicate a Siebe Gorman short sword (non magnetic diver’s knife) handle.
EULOGY
Although todays diver often has the ability to talk to the surface,
all Navy Divers to this day are still taught lifeline signals,
Equipment fails and when you are on your own on the seabed,
in the pitch black and with zero visibility
the rope tied to your shoulder is literally your lifeline.
There are many signals, some give directions, some are routine,
others are reserved for emergency’s
But the one that holds the most meaning for us is 5 Bells,
this means “I have Found, Started or Completed work”
Over the years 5 Bells has been adopted as our salute to a fallen diver,
“5 Bells my friend, stand down, your work is done”
And so, with respect, and love,
we now sound the last 5 bells for our brother
Royal Navy Clearance Diver
…………………………………………………
VE Day Tribute
VE Day Tribute
A short video with From members of FDS & SDG paying respects to the lost and fallen.
They gave their today for our tomorrow. We shall never forget.
Click On Image to play
Click on the link below to download a list of Divers down, if you spot any errors, omissions or additions please contact Glyn Holgate At Vicechairman@rncda.com
Astro Turf Fitting
The Astro turf is eventually finished in the Memorial Garden, it took 4 days in total with weather, mines will go back in within the next few weeks once we have rubbed them down and painted them. click on the picture bellow for the time lapse video start to finish. You could also scan the QR Code to make a donation.
Donations
The RNCDA is funded entirely from members subscriptions and kind public donations, the committee are all unpaid volunteers so ALL money received goes towards the good causes as laid down in the association constitution, If you feel you would like to make a donation please click the button to the right.
Thank You so much.
RNCDA Committee and Members
