Peruvian Delegation Annual Commemoration Visit

Author: BRNC Public Relations Office

A delegation from the Embassy of the Republic of Peru, led by Rear Admiral Jose Antonio Regalado Defence Attaché Peru, made the annual visit to BRNC to commemorate one of their heroes, Vice Admiral Martin Guise.

Vice Admiral Guise, a Royal Navy Officer who served alongside Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar was a celebrated hero of the Peruvian War of Independence in 1820 and played a leading role in the formation of the Peruvian Navy.

Upon leaving the Royal Navy, Admiral Guise travelled to South America, going on to serve with Admiral Thomas Cochrane, both men being instrumental in the attack on the Spanish Flagship Esmeralda in 1820, guaranteeing independence for Peru.

The Commemoration ceremony and wreath laying took place in front of the portrait of Vice Admiral Guise. The portrait is a specially commissioned copy of the original hung in Peru. The painting was presented in 2017 during a visit by the Peruvian Navy’s tall-ship, Bap Union. This year, the impressive painting has a new home, the newly refurbished Wardroom Guestroom. Rear Admiral Jose Antonio Regalado said, “We will always respect the need to continue honouring Admiral Martin Guise for our future generations”. Captain Sarah Oakley added “It is a great honour to have such a lasting relationship with the Peruvian Navy…to honour Admiral Guise and celebrate his memory and the strength of relationship between the Peruvian Navy and Royal Navy.”

Image: Left to right, Captain O Garrido-Lecca, Captain Sarah Oakley RN, Rear Admiral J Regalado, Commander (Rtd) J Luna Bao