The Wellington Trust Board of Trustees announced on 3 September that HM the King has approved the name change from HQS Wellington to HMS Wellington (1934). HMS Wellington is the Grimsby class sloop moored at Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment, London.
Reverting to her name when Wellington was a commissioned Royal Navy warship between 1934 and 1947 is a recognition of both her original identity and her significance today. She is the only dedicated surviving Battle of the Atlantic warship in the UK and is of local, national and international historic importance.
The Battle of Atlantic was the longest battle of the Second World War and was fought between 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945. During this period, HMS Wellington conducted an incredible 103 convoy escorts protecting vital maritime supply lines and merchant navy vessels making these dangerous voyages. Wellington also saved hundreds of lives while conducting her convoy duties.
Today, as the 85th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Atlantic is being marked, Wellington Trust Chairman Professor Dominic Tweddle commented on His Majesty’s approval:
“We are greatly honoured that His Majesty the King has graciously approved our proposed name change from HQS Wellington to HMS Wellington (1934).
“This change of name in her 90th anniversary year is a true testament to her heritage as the sole surviving dedicated Battle of the Atlantic warship in Europe.
“There is no better day for HMS Wellington (1934) to adopt her new name, on the 85th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Atlantic.”
The Wellington Trust is steward for the conservation and preservation of the newly renamed HMS Wellington (1934).
HMS Wellington survives today thanks to the Honourable Company of Master Mariners. She was purchased by the Company from the Admiralty in 1947 and thus rescued from the breaker yard at Pembroke Dock.
Wellington then steamed for the last time to Chatham, where her engine was stripped out and the space was converted into a beautiful wood-panelled courtroom, along with other major modifications.
Wellington was then towed to her current berth at Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment where she remains as a place of learning and as a unique event venue.
In this 90th year since her launch in 1934, the Trust launched a 90th anniversary fundraising campaign to help secure Wellington’s future for the nation to enjoy. All funds raised will both support Wellington’s conservation and preservation and implement a new business plan to make her more accessible to the public as a visitor attraction.
