100 years on from the Westminster Abbey Funeral of Admiral Fisher

Jul 13

We are today 100 years on from the Westminster Abbey Funeral of Admiral Fisher - 13th July 2020.

Admiral John ‘Jacky’ Arbuthnot Fisher was laid to rest on this day in 1920. He was given a National Funeral at Westminster Abbey, his coffin was drawn on a gun-carriage through crowded streets of London by bluejackets. There were admirals as pall-bearers and there was an escort of Royal Marines, their arms reversed, to the slow beat of muffled drums, Admiral Jellicoe who was Principal pall-bearer, wept freely.

It was an emotional day for the British Nation, saying a fond farewell to a remarkable man who dedicated his life to serving in the Royal British Navy.

“His ageless eyes burned with unsquandered power; His countenance, when that magic smile came o’er it, Was like a sea-crag breaking into flower Though all the tempests gore it….

And I behold him still – though but in dream:

Fighting the thunderous battle his fate denied him:

Fighting for England her dread fight supreme, With her great soul beside him”

By Sir William Watson

Penelope Fisher
13/07/2020

Images copyright P Fisher