Portsmouth shows its pride and passion as HMS Iron Duke returns home

OVERCOME with pride and emotion, scores of delighted families embraced their loved ones as they returned home from a six-month Nato mission in Europe.
HMS Iron Duke's sailors with bouquets Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-1074)HMS Iron Duke's sailors with bouquets Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-1074)
HMS Iron Duke's sailors with bouquets Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-1074)

Passionate crowds lined up at Portsmouth naval base to cheer and wave as Type 23 Frigate HMS Iron Duke arrived back in style.

Many families came along and waved flags and banners in support of the men and women, who have worked overseas with a multinational Nato task group.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The crew saluted and posed for pictures as they sailed in, and greeted their loved ones with bouquets of flowers as they came ashore.

HMS Iron Duke Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-1002)HMS Iron Duke Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-1002)
HMS Iron Duke Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-1002)

Proud parents Robin and Lesley Darnell made the trip from Rotherham to welcome home their son, Oliver, 24.

Joining them was Oliver’s girlfriend, Ashleigh, 22.

Lesley said: ‘It’s a proud day for the family.

‘He had his 24th birthday while out at sea.

Lt Cdr Richard Chambers with his daughter Clemency, seven months, and wife Leanne Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-4917)Lt Cdr Richard Chambers with his daughter Clemency, seven months, and wife Leanne Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-4917)
Lt Cdr Richard Chambers with his daughter Clemency, seven months, and wife Leanne Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-4917)

‘He has been terribly missed by everyone. It’s a big occasion.’

Gemma Waldrom, of Stubbington, was all smiles as she eagerly awaited the arrival of her husband, warrant officer Lee Waldrom.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Their son, Oscar, three, was also brimming with excitement.

Gemma said: ‘It’s a huge occasion. It’s the first time he has been away from us.

Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander Ben Aldous holding his eldest daughter Mia, three, and his wife Kate with Isla, two Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-4867)Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander Ben Aldous holding his eldest daughter Mia, three, and his wife Kate with Isla, two Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-4867)
Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander Ben Aldous holding his eldest daughter Mia, three, and his wife Kate with Isla, two Picture: Malcolm Wells (160707-4867)

‘Oscar’s really missed his daddy, it’s the first time they’ve been apart.’

The family of chef Sam Newman was in high spirits.

His mum, Claire, 50, of Essex, said: ‘We are all very proud of him.

‘It’s the life he has chosen so we have to carry on with life while he is away.’

Commanding Officer, Commander Ben Aldous, said: ‘It’s been incredible. It’s been a family celebration.’

Related topics: