Eternal Father, Strong to Save - British Hymn

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"Eternal Father, Strong to Save" is a British hymn traditionally associated with seafarers, particularly in the maritime armed services. Written in 1860, its author, William Whiting, was inspired by the dangers of the sea described in Psalm 107. It was popularised by the Royal Navy and the United States Navy in the late 19th century, and variations of it were soon adopted by many branches of the armed services in the United Kingdom and the United States. Services who have adapted the hymn include the Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, the British Army, the Royal Australian Navy, the United States Coast Guard, United States Marine Corps and the United States Space Force, as well as the navies of many other Commonwealth realms.

Performed by the Choir of Trinity College, Melbourne.

The first image is of Captain Loxley of the Royal Navy with his terrier Bruce by his side, giving his last order to another ship, warning of the danger of torpedoes. Captain Loxley was in command of the HMS Formidable which was struck by a torpedo in the English Channel in the early hours of New Year's morning, 1915. The Captain remained on the bridge as the ship sank, eventually giving the order that the crew evacuate. He remained there, his faithful dog by his side, and was last seen with arms folded as the boat sank beneath the water by C M Padday.

The second image is of the evacuation of Dunkirk by Norman Wilkinson.

The third image is of HMS Sheffield after being struck by a missile in the Falklands War.

The fourth image is of the Portsmouth Naval memorial.