Memorial dedicated to popular submariner Joe in Faslane

A memorial corner has been dedicated to popular submariner Lt Joe Wright in the base where he served – and sadly died.

The 26-year-old from Conyer in Kent collapsed on a run around Faslane in January last year. Despite the efforts of friends and paramedics, Joe, who was serving with HMS Victorious’ starboard crew at the time, was pronounced dead.

Despite his relative youth, Joe had a big impact during his time in the RN. A pub in Bournemouth held a fundraising day in his name, while six crew from HMS Talent rode from Plymouth to London in aid of the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, which supported his family after his sudden death.

And in Faslane, Victorious’ starboard crew, former shipmates from Joe ‘s previous boat Tireless and friends and family attended a service of celebration of Joe’s life in the chaplaincy before the Wright family – Joe’s parents Janice and ‘Shiner’, plus fiancée, Charlotte – unveiled the memorial corner.

Joe was the third generation of his family to serve in the Royal Navy and the ‘Wright corner’ in the Blue Room of Neptune’s wardroom – used by some of the highest-ranking officers in the Silent Service – features a picture of the submarine officer alongside a portrait of his grandfather together with a set of his grandfather’s numerous medals which have been lovingly restored.

“Joe was hard working, well liked by all ranks, kind and had an infectious sense of humour – he was a fine example of a Naval officer and he will be missed,” said Lt Dan McFarlane, Victorious (Starboard) correspondence officer.