The bell tolls for Cumberland

With dark clouds looming, the White Ensign was lowered for the final time on HMS Cumberland as the frigate formally bowed out of service.

The ship’s bell resounded three times before sailors hauled down the Royal Navy’s standard on the Type 22 frigate with the solemn tones of the Band of HM Royal Marines echoing around Devonport.

Around 100 guests, families and friends of the Fighting Sausage, and crew members past and present were invited to attend the poignant last act in Cumberland’s proud career.

The ship, and her three sisters – Campbeltown, Chatham and Cornwall – were all axed under last year's Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Cumberland's most recent duty – a mission which reverberated around the world – was to rescue civilians caught up in the Libyan Civil War, plucking them from danger in Benghazi just a matter of weeks ago.

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