Hundreds of people gathered last night to commemorate the sinking of the HMS Hampshire and the loss of 737 lives off Orkney a century ago.
The warship was lost after striking a German mine on June 5, 1916.
Among the dead was the British secretary of state for war Lord Kitchener who was being carried on a secret diplomatic mission to Russia.
Around 100 descendants of the lost crew and members of Orkney community gathered for a poignant service of remembrance above the cliffs of Marwick Head last night, overlooking the waters where the Hampshire was sunk.
A new commemorative wall at the Kitchener Memorial was unveiled during the service, bearing the names of those who died in the disaster.
It also carries the names of nine servicemen killed when a smaller vessel, HM Drifter Laurel Crown, sank after hitting another mine in the same area less than three weeks later.
The Royal Navy’s newest warship, the destroyer HMS Duncan, was stationed over the wreck last night.
She fired a single gun salute at 8.45pm – the moment one hundred years ago the ship was lost.
A two minute silence followed, before another single gun salute.
A wreath was laid on the sea from HMS Duncan above the wreck site.
Wreaths and poppy crosses were placed at the Kitchener Memorial and commemorative wall before a lone piper played a lament.
Jim Foubister, vice-convener of Orkney Islands Council, said: “It was a memorable and moving experience to join relatives of the men who served aboard HMS Hampshire in commemorating the enormous loss of life a century ago.
“The new memorial wall stands high above the waters where the Hampshire and the Laurel Crown went down and is a very fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served on the two ships.
“The men who died deserve to be remembered and now their names will live on and never be forgotten.”
The service comes just days after Orkney hosted the national commemoration of the Battle of Jutland, held in Kirkwall last Tuesday.
HMS Hampshire had been involved at Jutland but escaped with light damage, before meeting its end just days later.
Naval regional commander, Captain Chris Smith, said: “The sinking of HMS Hampshire, with the loss of so many lives, including that of Lord Kitchener, came so close after the Battle of Jutland and was a black day for the Royal Navy.
“It was another reminder that in the Naval Service we all face the same threats together, irrespective of rank or rate. I’m delighted that the Royal Navy took such an active part in the events to mark the centenary of the tragedy.
“The wreath laying at sea, the service at the memorial and the unique new commemorative wall, are a fitting and lasting tribute to all who died.”