One of the only historic war ships left on the River Thames from the Second World War is raising money for repairs in honor of its 90th anniversary.
The Wellington Trust set up a GoFundMe with a goal to raise £50,000 to repair the HMS Wellington, a relic representative of the efforts of the Royal Navy is moored at Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment.
Built in 1934, the war ship turned truly immersive educational institution and museum stationed on the River Thames in 1948 currently hosts tours of the ship, educational events for schools, heritage exhibitions, and more.
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Board lead marketing and development chairman Jenny Moseley said: “She’s (the HMS Wellington) such an important and unique craft, she’s the only one of her kind.”
She added: “We don’t want to see any more ships disappear from the Thames.
“We intend to be there for a long time to keep reminding everyone of where we come from in terms of our democracy and our search for freedom.”
A Grimsby Class Sloop, the war ship is the only UK ship that survived the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest battle at sea during World War II.
Responsible for escorting over 100 merchant ships home to the UK during World War II, the HMS Wellington rescued those at sea and safely carried British citizens back to UK shores.
The Wellington Trust has stated that they will host a 90th anniversary celebration for those who contribute to the anniversary appeal on GoFundMe.
Moseley emphasized the importance of preserving heritage amidst changing times.
She added: “She holds the heritage in her hands and because heritage is fast disappearing, we feel that since she’s the only one of her kind afloat in Europe, we must try our absolute hardest to keep her in her rightful position on the Thames.”
The Wellington Trust was founded in 2005 with the aim to preserve the HMS Wellington.
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