Today’s defence related news includes continued coverage on WW2 shipwrecks in Indonesia and Malaysia, and recognition for HMS Daring crew on Gulf of Aden mission.
WW2 shipwrecks
Following on from The Mail on Sunday splash yesterday there has been further coverage of Gavin Williamson's response to reports that WW2 shipwrecks are being plundered for scrap metal. The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mirror, Daily Express, The Independent, Press and Journal, The Scotsman and The Sun all report on the story.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
The UK government absolutely condemns the unauthorised disturbance of any wreck containing human remains, and always has done. A military wreck should remain undisturbed and those who lost their lives on board should be allowed to rest in peace.
I am therefore very concerned to hear any allegations of incidents of Royal Navy wrecks being plundered in the Far East. We will work closely with the Indonesian and Malaysian Governments and local authorities to investigate these claims.
Recognition for HMS Daring crew
The Telegraph and The Sun both report on the new Gulf of Aden clasp that will be awarded to the crew of HMS Daring. Their mission began after an attack on a merchant vessel, the MV Swift, off the coast of Yemen In October 2016.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Maritime trade is the lifeblood of Britain’s economy and the Royal Navy plays a key role in protecting important trade routes.
The extraordinary achievements of HMS Daring’s company, under constant missile threat, is a testament to the skill and bravery of the men and women of the Navy.
Their award of the Gulf of Aden Clasp is thoroughly deserved, and they should wear it with pride.
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