Our Master, five liverymen and our gallant clerk, Debs Taylor, enjoyed a privileged sea day on board HMS Defender among 86 affiliates from various organisations and a reduced crew of 160 on the 11th May 2022.  We sailed out of Portsmouth harbour, through the channel recently dredged to accommodate the new aircraft carriers, past Spithead forts and ferries.

After the renowned ship’s curry we watched trials and demonstrations well to the south of the Isle of Wight, which slowly disappeared from view. Our friendly and informative guides showed us around the ship, visiting the deck guns, engine rooms, crew quarters, sick bay, operations room and the bridge, testing our fitness. 

Descriptions of the armaments available to protect this and other targets from enemy missiles above, on and below the sea, were most reassuring. Back in harbour, three tugs pushed and pulled us around to dock in front of HMS Prince of Wales, currently commanded by Captain Stephen Higham RN OBE, a former commander of HMS Defender and a Freeman Fletcher. A most memorable experience and an affiliation to treasure.