2018 saw a range of commemorations in Orkney to mark the end of the First World War.

The Lone Piper – 11/11/2018

St Magnus Cathedral

The closing ceremony and the bells ring out

The cathedral had been lit up with images marking the Armistice

2018 also saw ceremonies to mark the sinking of the Opal and the Narborough and we published the wonderful story of the only survivor William Sissons.

Letter from William Sissons written whilst on board the hospital ship, courtesy of his family. It is only now we know the actual number of those who died

William Sissons, photo courtesy of his family

Credited to Orkney Islands Council Photo by Kenny Armet .

Fredrick James Rotchell credit:http://www.kbrady.com/opal.html

Frederick James Rotchell credit:http://www.kbrady.com/opal.html

Credit: http://www.kbrady.com/opal.html

HMS Narborough Orkney Library and Archive

Orkney Library and Archive

William Sissons – Orkney Library and Archive

Stromness Museum hosted a talk on work being done to survey and better understand the wrecks in Scapa Flow, including HMS Vanguard.

Pages of the Sea – Orkney came together on Scapa Beach to say a final farewell to those who never came home.

Just a small selection of some of the events. Use our search engine to find out the stories related to these images.