Honouring lives lost in Great War sinking

An evening of words and music commemorated 100 years since the Lusitania was sunk during the First World War.

The one-off event took place on Friday, 8 May in Glasgow's Tall Ship by the Riverside.

Backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, it was organised by military charity Glen Art in association with the University of Edinburgh-led project Scotland’s War.

Significant event

The event marks the centenary of the sinking of the Clyde-built ship, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat on 7 May 1915.

The sinking off the south coast of Ireland, cost the lives of 1,195 people - 128 of whom were American.

The ensuing international outcry is thought to be one of the major factors leading to the United States participating in the First World War.

Fitting tribute

We look forward to sharing stories from the Lusitania and feel it is a fitting tribute to those that lost their lives.

Edinburgh historian and Director of Scotland’s War, Yvonne McEwan, opened the evening, telling the stories of those that lost their lives on the Lusitania 100 years ago.

The programme included songs by composers who lost their lives in the First World War. They will be performed by McOpera - members of the Scottish Opera orchestra - led by Tobias Ringborg, who is currently conducting Il Trovatore.

Lament by Frank Bridge, was also performed, which was written for a nine-year-old called Katherine, who was killed during the attack.

Exhibition

An exhibition highlighting a number of those on board the Lusitania - including Albert Bestic, who was a Junior Officer on the Lusitania and survived the ship sinking - also opened on the night.

We are delighted with the support from Heritage Lottery Fund, which has enabled us to commemorate this internationally significant event. It has also been fantastic to work with Scotland’s War, which has proved to be an invaluable resource and a relationship we hope to continue in the future.

Consular representatives from German, France, USA and Ireland and the European Commission will attend the event, as well as members of the veteran community.

Ongoing partnership

Glen Art is a military charity, founded by opera singer Fiona MacDonald. It supports former members of the armed forces and their families, and aims to bring communities together.

Scotland's War is organised by historian Yvonne McEwen. Through the project, the University has worked with a range of organisations including the National Library of Scotland, the Scottish Military Research Group, local schools as well as Glen Art.