The ashes of a distinguished figure in Dundee’s naval history have been committed to the English Channel in the week of commemorating D-Day of which he was part in 1944.
The solemn occasion in honour of Captain Andrew Robertson Mackie took place on the day he sailed to protect Allied ships from German U-boat attacks 70 years ago.
A casket with his ashes was committed to the sea from a naval tender at Spithead in the Solent in a ceremony attended by his family.
Retired Commander Pat Barron of HMS Camperdown, the Tay division of the Royal Naval Reserve which Capt Mackie led, was also present.
Added significance came from the following event, a reception on board HMS Duncan, the destroyer named after Admiral Duncan of Camperdown.
Capt Mackie died last year at the age of 92. It was his family’s wish for his ashes to be committed to the sea.
His granddaughter Jessica Patrick said: “My grandfather was at D-Day and we are so grateful to the navy for arranging for the committal to take place this week, and for a reception on a ship with such a special connection with Dundee.”
The wartime HMS Duncan also sailed at D-Day and the crew of its modern incarnation, a type 45 destroyer, will compete annually for a trophy in Capt Mackie’s name presented by his family.
Capt Mackie was educated at Morgan Academy and when war broke out he joined the Royal Navy. Thrown into the thick of battle on escort duties, he criss-crossed the Atlantic in the corvette HMS Pimpernel.
He also saw active service in the Mediterranean and in the perilous Arctic convoys under constant threat of attack by German U-boats and aircraft.
Shortly before his death he received news that he would be eligible for the Arctic Star medal.
After the war, Capt Mackie became 1st Lieutenant of HMS St Angelo, the naval headquarters in Malta, and in 1952 he was promoted to lieutenant with Tay Division RNR then based onboard HMS Unicorn.
He served with the division’s minesweeper HMS Montrose and a promotion to Lieutenant Commander followed in 1958.
Awarded Volunteer Reserve Decoration, he was appointed executive officer Tay Division RNR in 1965, and five years later promoted to captain and Commanding Officer.
He later took command of HMS Camperdown, the new shore headquarters for the division.