SUBMARINERS of all ages gathered at HM Naval Base Clyde recently to help celebrate the 118th birthday of the Royal Navy Submarine Service.

On Wednesday, March 20, hundreds of members of the silent service held their annual “Gambit Dinner”, commemorating the anniversary.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) and this was the theme of the 2019 celebrations.

The dinner was attended by all ranks and rates as well as civilian staff and industry partners and it was an ideal opportunity to recognise and thank those who have contributed to this important defence capability.

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The oldest attendee this year was 99-year-old Harry Melling, who travelled to Faslane from his home in Wigan with his niece Elaine and his great-nephew Matthew.

Harry returned after being invited to the 2018 dinner following news that he had been robbed of his wallet in a raid on his own home.

He said: “I am delighted to be here again to celebrate the Submarine Service birthday and I am as proud today to call myself a submariner as I was when I first became one.”