A remarkable chapter in Royal Navy history closed on 18 July, as more than 1,000 submariners, veterans, families, and supporters gathered at HMS Drake, HMNB Devonport, for a powerful and emotional send-off to the Trafalgar class submarines.
The official Royal Navy event, supported by the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and leading industry partners, paid tribute to over 40 years of silent service below the waves. For those who lived and breathed life aboard a T-boat, it wasn’t just a celebration — it was the end of an era.
The highlight of the day was the final decommissioning parade of HMS Triumph, the last of the Trafalgar class fleet, watched by VVIPs and crowds filled with former crewmates and loved ones. As the last salute was given, many in the audience stood in quiet reflection — some with tears in their eyes.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, HMS Drake was transformed into a space for reconnection and remembrance. Children played on bouncy castles, food vans served up hot meals, and live music echoed across the lawn. Old shipmates reunited, families laughed together, and stories flowed freely — some being told for the hundredth time, others for the very first.
Lieutenant Peter Reynolds, part of the organising team and a former T-boat submariner himself, reflected on the significance of the day:
This wasn’t just about saying goodbye to a class of submarines — it was about honouring the people who kept them running, who served silently and sacrificed more than most will ever know. Seeing so many faces from across the decades come together, from young ratings to retired captains, was incredibly moving. The pride, the grief, the laughter — it reminded us all what it really means to be part of the Submarine Family.
The Trafalgar class, introduced in the early 1980s, served during some of the Navy’s most critical global missions. Crewed by men who often went unseen and unspoken of, these boats operated in extreme conditions, far from home, with absolute dedication.
The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, which contributed funding to the event, said it was proud to help bring the Submarine community together for one final celebration.
As the sun set over HMS Drake and the final notes of the band faded, it wasn’t just the end of the Trafalgar class — it was a heartfelt reminder that even in silence, submariners never stand alone.
End of T Class Celebrations at HMNB Devenport
