DOZENS gathered on Portland to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War’s Battle of Jutland.

Councillors, veterans and members of the public met at Portland Cenotaph to remember those who lost their lives during the campaign.

The Battle of Jutland took place on May 31, 1916, and is viewed as one of the worst days of the First World War for Weymouth and Portland.

The naval battle resulted in the loss of 15 men from Portland and 20 men from Weymouth.

The battle was between the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet and the Imperial German Navy’s High Seas Fleet.

Portland Town Council hosted a remembrance service earlier this morning, led by the Mayor of Portland’s chaplain the Revd Christopher Briggs.

Prayers were said during the service and hymns were also sung.

A two minute silence was held at around 11am. The Last Post and Reveille was performed by Cllr Rod Wild.

Prior to this, Mayor of Portland Cllr Sandy West read Sea Fever by John Masefield. Speaking after the service, Cllr West said: “I think [the service] went brilliantly.

"It’s lovely to see so many people here.

“I think there was a really good turnout today. I’m so proud.

“Chris and I - with Rod (Wild) - worked hard on the service. I think it reflected how we all feel.

"From the look of things it went down well.”

During the service, Cllr West read the names of men from Portland who had lost their lives as a result of the battle.

This included Francis Baker, William Brown, Francis Groves, Frederik Luker, John Milford, Sidney Milford, Trevor Sargent, Albert Slough, Vernon Standley, Henry Way, Lawrence Weakley, William White, Walter Witt, Bertie Ayres and William Lambert.

Cllr West also revealed Portlander Joseph Wright had lost his life serving in the battle.

After the service, she said: “We can never forget these people. We need our children to carry on the memory. No one should ever forget one man or woman who served our country.”

The service was also attended by South Dorset MP Richard Drax, Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell, High Sheriff of Dorset Sir Philip Williams, and Weymouth and Portland Mayor Cllr Richard Kosior.

Mr Drax complimented Cllr West and other organisers of the service.

He said: “It reminds us of the invaluable role of the Royal Navy and how important the Royal Navy has always had maintaining the safety of our nation.”