Warship Weeks
Tipton adopts HMS Versatile
Warships Week - 14 February 1942
Between October 1941 and the end of
March 1942, Warships Weeks were organised in cities, towns and villages
throughout Great Britain. The intention was to raise a sum by
investment or deposit in all types of war savings representing the cost
of building one of His Majesty’s ships ranging from the smallest to the
largest vessels. Once the target had been raised the community adopted
the vessel along with its crew and the bond was strengthened by
presentations in recognition of the money raised. Adoption plaques were
presented by the Admiralty to the community and a plaque presented by
the community to the adopted vessel. Links were maintained by the
writing of letters and the provision of comforts and whenever possible
visits were arranged to the adopting area.
Most of the V&W Class
destroyers in commission with the Royal Navy were adopted during the
Warship Week scheme and in a number of cases local sea cadet units
later took the name of the ship. To
find more about Warship Weeks see Peter Schofield’s article on ‘National Savings and Warship Weeks’.
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Birmingham Daily Post, Saturday 14 February 1942
Tipton’s Warship Week will open today, with a parade of military and
Civil Defence units. The town’s target is £250,000, for the
adoption of HMS Versatile.
Evening Despatch, Wednesday 25 February 1942
Tipton Warship Week, the object of which was £250,000 has realised £252,263, it was announced today.
Birmingham Mail, Monday 23 November 1942
Tipton has presented HMS Versatile with a plaque of the borough coat of arms. A portrait of ‘the Slasher’ figures in the centre we presume.
Birmingham Daily Gazette, Monday 23 November 1942
The first iron steamship made in this country was made in sections at
Horseley Works, Tipton. This was disclosed by the Town Clerk, Mr.
F. W. Madin, when Vice Admiral Sir Robert Harnell visited the borough
to present the badge of the destroyer HMS Versatile,
Tipton’s adopted warship. Tipton raised £254,184 in its warship
week and of this amount £20,000 was subscribed by the schools savings
groups, which Sir Robert described as a magnificent effort.
Representatives of the schools were present with special
certificates. (the amount raised varies from the one given on 25
February 1942)
Birmingham Daily Gazette, Tuesday 3 February 1948
In response to a request by Tipton Council for a souvenir from HMS Versatile
to commemorate the town’s association with the ship, a White Ensign has
been offered to the Corporation as a memento by the Admiralty.
Tonight the council will be asked to accept the gift.
