More than 200 former sailors from HMS Cavalier joined First Sea Lord in a toast to their old ship as she celebrated her 60th birthday in Chatham Historic Dockyard.

Cavalier is the last surviving wartime Royal Navy destroyer, having been built at the Cowes yard of Samuel White in 1944.

Although a late entrant to the war, Cavalier still saw active service, escorting Arctic convoy RA64, which had to content with the worst weather of all convoys to Murmansk.

Most of the ship’s commissions were spent in the Far East, stationed at Hong Kong and Singapore, with occasional forays to Australia and New Zealand thrown in for good measure.

Cavalier also took part in the controversial nuclear tests at Christmas Island in the Pacific.

Countess Mountbatten was among the guests of honour at the 60th commemorative service and parade, and the Countess had the job of ordering ‘Splice the mainbrace’ for a tot of rum to be issued to all present.

The modern Fleet was represented by the Type 23 frigate HMS Kent, while the Sea Cadet Corps, Directorate of Naval Recruiting personnel and the Royal Marines Commando display team were also on hand to support the event.

The Royal Marines put on a dramatic rescue scenario, with the hostage played by model Nell McAndrew.

The day ended with a tattoo and Beat Retreat by the massed bands, including the Royal Marines Band Portsmouth.