At dusk on Saturday, 24 September, the Reflections’ Flotilla was a spectacular tribute by the river communities and as boats and Livery cutters glided peacefully but spectacularly along the River Thames allowing those viewing an opportunity to remember the past and think positively about the future. Our Clerk and I, Deputy Master, Ken Cupitt, had the privilege to accept, on behalf of the Launderers, an invitation to take part in witnessing the River Thames Reflections Flotilla, 2022, from the vantage point of the decks of the HQS Wellington.
Built at Devonport in 1934, the now HQS Wellington, was previously titled HMS Wellington and served in the Pacific mainly on station in New Zealand and China before the Second World War. During WWII Wellington served primarily in the North Atlantic on convoy escort duties sharing in the destruction of one enemy U-boat and was involved in Operation Cycle, the evacuation of Allied troops from Le Havre. During 1943 she was briefly commanded by Captain John Treasure Jones, at that time a lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy Reserve, who would later be the last captain of RMS Queen Mary. After World War II, she was converted from being His Majesty’s Ship Wellington to Headquarters Ship (HQS) Wellington and arrived at her Victoria Embankment berth in December 1948 to continue service as the floating livery hall of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, and it was their current Master, Captain Robin Batt, who was our host for the Flotilla Review.
The illuminated flotilla comprised of a hundred and fifty, or so, vessels, both manpowered and motorised, all of which were decorated in white lights and Her Majesty The Queen’s Row Barge Gloriana was the flotilla’s centrepiece. Chris Livett, the King’s Bargemaster, was at the helm, and Gloriana was rowed by Ben Fogle along with past winners of the historic race for Doggett’s Coat and Badge. Doggett’s Coat and Badge is the prize and name for the oldest rowing race in the world. Up to six apprentice Watermen of the River Thames compete for this prestigious honour, which has been held every year since 1715.
The flotilla started by Albert Bridge and from there it sailed downriver through central London, passing beneath Chelsea Bridge at 19.00, Westminster Bridge at 19.30, and arrived at Tower Bridge at 20.15. The Reflections flotilla passed under the seven Illuminated River bridges that we saw beautifully lit up when we had the Launderers’ January dinner cruise.
Gloriana, The Queen’s Rowbarge, crew saluted us as she sailed past, and she is a lasting legacy of the now late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The Queen’s immediate realm was the River Thames and London, but Gloriana also celebrates the Commonwealth, which is why the crests of 16 Commonwealth countries adorn the outside of the craft. Gloriana is an inspiration for national pride, a showcase for traditional British boatbuilding and craftsmanship, and a means of encouraging people, especially young people, to engage with the River Thames and the sport of rowing.
The Reflections Flotilla culminated in the raising of Tower Bridge which was bathed in purple light at 20.15. The event raised £20,000 for the RNLI, supporting the construction of a new lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge.
London’s River Thames has played an important role in many Royal and State occasions over the centuries, and this memorable event continued this age-old tradition. Reflections is thought to be the first illuminated flotilla to be seen on the Thames for over three hundred years. Promoted as part of Totally Thames 2022, Reflections Flotilla was organised by Thames Alive together with a group of people who played a central role in the delivery of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.
