Ambitious plans to restore and conserve the iconic World War II submarine HMS Alliance were announced today by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, where the vessel has been on display to the public since 1982.
The project is the First Sea Lord’s top naval heritage priority, and for good reason. Exposed to sea water over cradles by the Museum quayside, her outer structure has corroded so badly that parts are literally in danger of falling into the sea below, a rusting process that has proved hard to arrest due to difficulties of access. Without urgent action, Alliance’s future will be one of accelerating decay, which cannot be allowed to happen.
Vice Admiral Sir Tim McClement, Chairman of the Alliance Appeal said today ‘The outer skin of Alliance is deteriorating at such a rate that we haven’t a moment to loose, so funding for the work must be found as quickly as possible.’
The official memorial to the 5,300 men who fought and died in submarines, HMS Alliance is listed in the UK’s historic ship’s register, sitting alongside the Cutty Sark, the Mary Rose, and HMS Victory in the Core Collection list, and she is the only remaining WW II submarine in the UK that’s open to the public. Designed during the war for service in the Middle East, she was launched in 1945, as victory was achieved. She then began a distinguished 28 year career until she retired as the centrepiece of the Submarine Museum.
HRH Prince William of Wales is the Royal Patron of the HMS Alliance Appeal that aims to raise the £6 million that the conservation work is budgeted to cost. Over £4.6 million in funds and pledges has already been achieved, including £3 million pledged by the Heritage Lottery Fund. A further £1.5 million is required for a new Alliance gallery.
The preservation work has three main planks: repair, conservation, and a dry hard standing: the repair or replacement of rusted component parts, restoration to her pristine exterior condition, and facilities for a future maintenance regime.
To provide access for low cost maintenance, land underneath the submarine must be reclaimed. Using a cofferdam and backfill, a new, dry hard standing will allow access to the whole vessel for routine exterior maintenance and also give visitors the opportunity to view the underside of the hull.
Repair and presentation to HMS Alliance will be in a form as close as possible to when she entered active service, preserving some of her subsequent adaptations, while at the same time providing safe access for visitors. As much as possible of the original fabric of the boat will be preserved and like-for-like features and materials will be used.
Sir Tim McClement is calling on all sectors of the community to help raise the funds needed, from individuals to groups and societies, and from schools to businesses.
Please get in touch with the HMS Alliance Appeal Office on 023 9251 0354, or visit the Museum web site: www.submarine-museum.co.uk
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