A BATTLESHIP will be launched in York this weekend, as a group of veterans gather for their "last voyage".

The special launch onto the waters of the River Ouse is of an eight-foot model of HMS Rodney, which served throughout the Second World War, and took part in the famous hunt for the Bismarck.

The event, at the floating jetty of the Moat House Hotel, will be one of the centrepieces of the 16th and final annual reunion of the HMS Rodney Association, which takes place from today until Sunday.

Other events include a "get together" on the Friday evening hosted by the York branch of the Royal Naval Association. The annual, and final, general meeting of the HMS Rodney Association takes place on Saturday morning, followed by the model launch, with the reunion dinner that evening.

Just before the dinner a traditional naval ceremony will take place, with the call of "Up Spirits" and the issue of tots of rum.

Reunion organiser, Allan Snowden, said the guest of honour for their dinner, the Sheriff of York, Coun Janet Greenwood, had also asked to be present at the model launch.

He added: "The young men of York Sea Cadet Unit have offered to man their boat to see that no harm comes to our 'ship' - once again we have to thank the local Royal Naval Association Branch for their help in arranging this."

The association, which consists mainly of Second World War veterans, was formed 16 years ago.

But its members, which still include some who served in the pre-war years, are mostly in their late 70s, with some in their early 80s.

"It has become more difficult as the years pass to fill the vital positions to keep the association going," said Mr Snowden.

"Consequently, it has been decided that this coming reunion will be the swansong of our organisation."

Many of those scheduled to attend this weekend's final gathering served during the action against the Bismarck in 1941, when shrapnel penetrated HMS Rodney in several places, but no direct hits were sustained.

Updated: 11:00 Friday, September 07, 2001