Cork town to host commemoration events on anniversary of Lusitania sinking

The ceremonies have been organised on an annual basis, this year by Cobh Tourism, because many of those who survived or died after the Lusitania was struck by a German submarine’s torpedo 11 miles off of the Old Head in Kinsale (May 7, 1915) were brought to the town, then known as Queenstown.

The ship had been en route from New York to Liverpool with 1,962 people on board and 1,201 people were lost as the ship sunk in just 18 minutes after being struck by the torpedo, with most bodies never recovered.

Over 145 victims whose bodies were found were buried on May 10, 1915 in the Old Church Cemetery, just outside Cobh, and glass memorial headstones now mark the graves within the cemetery.

A special memorial ceremony will commence at the Lusitania graves in the Old Church Cemetery at 2.30pm and following prayers, musical honours by the Commodore Male Voice Choir and the laying of wreaths, proceedings will move to Cobh Town Centre.

There, a Colour Party from the O.N.E. and representatives of the Royal Naval Association and other maritime and historical groups will assemble at approximately 3.15pm at the Lusitania Peace Memorial in Casement Square.

Further ceremonies will take place here including a wreath laying ceremony which members of the public are encouraged to attend.

In addition, the Cruise Ship Norwegian Pearl will arrive mid-morning on Monday 6th May and is scheduled to sail at 8pm.

Musical performances take place every Sunday from now until September on the Victorian Bandstand in Cobh’s Promenade.

Those interested in finding out more about the Lusitania commemorations, visit www.visitcobh.com