The German navy made headlines this week when it played Darth Vader’s theme song, the Imperial March, from one of its warships as it cruised down the River Thames in London. The navy clarified that there was no deeper message behind the song selection and that the commander of the warship had chosen the music freely. The ship, named the Braunschweig after a city in Germany’s Lower Saxony, was in the area for training and a normal supply stop. It was part of the country’s newest class of ocean-going corvettes.
Upon its arrival in London, the Braunschweig also played “London Calling” by The Clash. This song’s title references the BBC World Service station identification from World War II and features lyrics that include the line, “London calling to the zombies of death/Quit holding out and draw another breath.” The warship’s departure from London was marked by a tugboat pulling it down the river near Tower Bridge, with sailors standing on the deck. The Germany Embassy in London mentioned that the warship’s commander is a big “Star Wars” fan and a fan of the musical scores by John Williams, choosing a different Williams tune whenever the ship visits a foreign harbor.
The choice to play the Imperial March and other music from “Star Wars” was a deliberate one by the warship’s commander, who is known to be a fan of the legendary musical scores composed by John Williams. The embassy mentioned that the commander selects a different Williams tune whenever the ship is visiting a foreign harbor, making each visit unique. While the song selection did not have a deeper message behind it, it did draw attention from bystanders and social media users who shared videos of the spectacle.
The Braunschweig’s visit to London marked its second trip to the British capital, showcasing the ship’s capabilities and the camaraderie among its crew members. The warship’s departure was captured in videos that went viral, depicting the tugboat pulling it down the River Thames with sailors on deck. The playful choice of music, including “London Calling” and the Imperial March, added a fun and unexpected element to the warship’s journey, showcasing the commander’s personal interests and creating a memorable moment for all those who witnessed it.
Overall, the German navy’s use of “Star Wars” music on its warship in London was a lighthearted and entertaining moment that captured the attention of bystanders and social media users alike. The choice to play iconic themes such as the Imperial March and “London Calling” added a playful touch to the ship’s departure and showcased the commander’s personal interests. While there was no deeper message behind the song selection, it created a memorable and fun experience for those who witnessed the warship’s journey down the River Thames, highlighting the camaraderie and spirit of the crew members aboard the Braunschweig.
