Photo. Royal Navy

A vital piece of World War II history has been given a lifeline after HMS Wellington secured a £225,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The ship, which has served as a lasting reminder of the longest battle of the war, is now set to be preserved for future generations.

Currently moored at Temple Stairs on the Victoria Embankment in London, HMS Wellington was originally commissioned in 1934 as a 1,200-tonne Grimsby-class sloop.

She played a crucial role during the Battle of the Atlantic, completing 103 convoy missions and saving more than 400 lives. The ship's involvement in key operations like the evacuation of Dunkirk and the invasion of North Africa further solidified her place in maritime history.

The ship was purchased in 1947 by the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, which has continued to maintain her as a symbol of the wartime efforts of both the Royal and Merchant navies.

However, with the future of the vessel under threat, the Wellington Trust stepped in to launch a revitalisation project in 2023, aimed at ensuring the ship's survival both physically and financially.

Thanks to the new funding, the trust has outlined several key projects to increase access to the ship and expand its role in community engagement. In addition to opening the ship to the public, the trust plans to offer educational opportunities, telling the story of HMS Wellington and the thousands who served on her.

"We are so pleased to receive this grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund," said Dominic Tweddle, chairman of the Wellington Trust. "It means a great deal to us," he said. "Ultimately, this will lead to the trust becoming financially self-sustaining, so we can conserve this important vessel for everyone to enjoy and learn from."

The trust is also focusing on expanding the ship's role as a venue for events and a film location.

Launched in October 2023, this new business model is designed to generate the revenue needed to ensure the ship's upkeep and ongoing preservation.

Source: forcesnews.com