SWINDON sailors who fought bravely in one of the biggest naval engagements in history were remembered at a centenary coffee morning yesterday.

Veterans, friends and family members gathered at the Royal British Legion Pop-In Centre, Regent Street to remember the fallen.

At least eight sailors from the town fought bravely in the Battle of Jutland which was fought off the coast of Denmark in1916.

Jutland saw the British Grand Fleet face off against the German High Seas Fleet in a two-day battle, which involved 250 ships and tens of thousands of men.

More than 6,000 British lives were lost and more than 2,500 Germans.

This included town sailors Robert Joseph Goodman and Albert Edward Jew, who lost his life in the Battle.

Seaman Robert Joseph Goodman, who lived in Maxwell Street, signed up to the Royal Navy when he was just 22 years old, and earned praise from King George V for his achievements in the battle.

Sailor Albert Edward Jew died aged 38 with his entire crew aboard HMS Invincible.

Documents donated by his great niece were on display in the pop-in.

The Swindon Sea Cadets also served up tea and biscuits to decorated veterans at the coffee morning and commemoration event.

Navy veterans Tony ‘Tug’ Wilson and David Diston attended to show solidarity with their fallen comrades.

Tony, 72, a retired seaman gunner from Chiseldon, said his experiences gave him a greater understanding of the sacrifices made in the battle.

“You always feel a connection with the young lads in Jutland. Some were 15 and16 and in the Navy you just do what you have to do, no questions.

“Jutland Jack’s face and what he did in the battle is well-known in the Navy and we’ve been pleased to see how much spotlight has been shone on what he did.

David, 73, from Eldene, said he was delighted to show his support.

“We are all really proud of what they did, the Navy is tough, no question about it but it’s easy compared to what those lads went through, without a doubt. They just got on with it, they summed up the word brave and they fought for our freedom.

“I joined when I was 16 and it’s difficult but they did what they had to do and they did us so proud.”

Isobel Thompson from the Legion said:

“We have had a great turn-out today and more and more people seem to be aware of Jutland and Jutland Jack which is amazing.”

Tributes to schoolboy sailor John Cornwell, known as Jutland Jack were also displayed. The 16-year-old famously served and died in the battle with his heroism commemorated with the highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, posthumously awarded by King George V.