Six Members attended this year’s parade with a wreath provided by the Association to remember those who lost their lives on Jupiter F85 in the Java Sea in 1942.
2022 REUNION AND AGM REPORT - PORTSMOUTH
The weekend started off in the RMC Bar with old and new members getting to know each other. Our new Slops Man JD was very enthusiastic in selling his gear even modelling some of the clothing on offer, not the prettiest sight but he achieved record sales, plus a couple of very dubious offers of further modelling! Some stayed in the Bar while others renewed memories in the local pubs, returning at the end of the night with a banjo singing/playing the usual matelot songs. Saturday morning was the AGM presided over by our President Commodore Barry Bryant; a report will be available at a later date. In the afternoon some went into the dockyard to see an uckers match being played, others chose to go to the heights of the Spinnaker Tower, whilst others relived memories of taking the Gosport Ferry and quaffing a few jars in the local Witherspoon’s.
Saturday night started early with the Portsmouth Sea Cadets using the Bosuns Calls to attend Tot Time, UP SPIRITS, and then later to send us to lunch. A parade led by our Standard and followed by our President and 4 other Ex Commanding Officers marched in, to the music of ‘Hearts of Oak’, This was immediately followed by our Padre saying Prayers for our F85 Shipmates and of course in memory of HM Queen Elizabeth II, a welcome for King Charles II was also given. A two-minute silence, the Standard lowered, began and ended with a RBL Bugler with all due ceremony, a very poignant period remembering our shipmates who were lost on F85 in the Java Sea in 1942, the 80th Anniversary.
The Gala Dinner was attended by 43 shipmates, partners and 1 special guest as allowed for the first time. After the very scrumptious meal, the Vice President called to toast the King with our Port and the Raffle was done by the Secretary, a huge amount raised for the Association and a donation from it made to the Sea Cadets. This year for the first time we had entertainment, 2 x 45min. sessions, which resulted on occasions with the Padre and wife taking over the dance floor with their particularly impressive moves. I think we may look at organising a similar session for next year, the venue yet to be found but somewhere in the Midlands would be good. All together a good weekend with new members attending and renewing old friendships from 30+ years ago.
Death of HM Queen Elizabeth II today 8th September 2022
A letter of condolence will be sent to King Charles III, our Patron, on the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, a copy of which will be posted here.
Letter sent to King Charles III by out President as below:-
As the President of the HMS JUPITER Association and on behalf of its Officers and Members, it is with the deepest sorrow that we received the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and it is also with undying gratitude that we remember the life of this country’s greatest public servant. Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, her support for the Royal Navy and its veteran communities was unwavering and her strength and sense of duty was an example to us all. We have been deeply grateful for your time and interest, as Prince of Wales, as the Patron of our Association and all our thoughts are with you and your family as we enter the next chapter in our nation’s story.
We have taken the liberty of presuming that His Majesty’s Patronage will cease upon his accession, but we shall of course wait for official notification. God Save The King.
Anniversary of the Loss of Jupiter F85
The Association will be attending the NMA on Sunday 27th February to remember the loss of Jupiter F85 in the battle of the Java Sea.
The Association Standard together with a Bugler will be in attendance at the Remembrance Tree for a short Service. Anyone wishing to attend please meet up at the NMA Café at 1000hrs, we will then attend the Chapel at 1100hrs and after make our way to the Tree.
2022 Reunion and AGM - Royal Maritime Club Portsmouth.
The 2022 Reunion and AGM will take place on the weekend of October 28 - 30th with the Dinner on the night of the 29th and the AGM on the morning of the same day. We will also be commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the final Decommissioning of F60 and the 80th Anniversary of the sinking of the previous Jupiter F85 in February 1942..