Saving HMS Alliance Appeal Launched with Royal Approval

Ambitious plans to restore and conserve the iconic World War II era submarine HMS Alliance have been announced by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, in Gosport, Hampshire where the vessel has been on display to the public since 1982.

With royal approval from patron HRH Prince William, the Saving HMS Alliance Appeal which will raise the funds required for the Alliance Conservation Project was launched with a World War 2 flypast from the RN Historic Flight and a display of red flares that showed that HMS Alliance is in distress and needs urgent help. The crew of the Navy’s newest submarine HMS Ambush mixed with the Rear Admiral Submarines, Mark Anderson, former Commanding Officers and crew of HMS Alliance and World War 2 veteran submariner Captain “Tubby” Crawford.

The Alliance Conservation project is the First Sea Lord’s top naval heritage priority. 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. 

Rear Admiral Roger Lane-Nott, Chairman of the RN Submarine Museum said, “HMS ALLIANCE requires urgent action to conserve her for future generations and it would be tragic if this historic submarine was not saved for the nation as a symbol of the heroism of all those who were lost and served in submarines in both World Wars."

HRH Prince William, patron of the HMS Alliance Appeal said, “I find the Submarine Museum’s ambitious plans for this famous warship truly heartening and inspiring.  The programme of conservation that the Appeal will enable assures HMS Alliance’s future, promising to bring the peerless story of Britain’s submariners, past and present, to fresh audiences over the years ahead. It will remind us all of the debt we owe to the brave men and women who serve in our submarines.”

Rear Admiral Mark Anderson, Rear Admiral Submarines said, “Submariners have always been known for their comradeship, bravery, competence, endurance and of course, their sense of humour. These human qualities are the legacy that Alliance represents and of which I am so proud to be the current custodian.”

“Through preserving the past, we help to ensure the future.  I am extremely proud to say that this project is recognised by all those that serve in and support today’s submarine service as representing this enduring ethos.”

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.

Captain Michael ‘Tubby’ Crawford, World War 2 submariner said, “HMS Alliance is our memorial to all the submariners that have served this country in the silent service” 

The Saving Alliance Appeal 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.

Vice Admiral Sir Tim McClement, Chairman of the Alliance Appeal and second in command on HMS Conqueror, the submarine that sank the Belgrano in the Falklands Conflict said ‘The outer skin of Alliance is deteriorating at such a rate that we haven’t a moment to lose, so funding for the work must be found as quickly as possible.’

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.