Warship's Week in Wilmslow, Cheshire

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’ and the county guide to towns which adopted V & W Class destroyers throughout Britain.

The main purpose of this web page is to remind the people of Wilmslow of their wartime links with HMS Winchelsea and to try and see that the plaques exchanged by the town and their adopted ship after the success of their Warship Week are treated with respect and can be seen by the public in an appropriare place such as the Town Hall or Museum. It is also my hope that it will encourage the families of the men who served in Winchelsea to visit Wilmslow. This can only be achieved with the support of the officers and councillors of the town and by enlisting the support of the wider community through publicity in local media. Please contact me if you would like to help.

Quarry Bank Mill at Styall, Wilmslow
Photographed by Martin Humphreys
Courtesy of Nstional Trust

a brief description of Wilmslow

HMS Winchelsea ....

a brief outline of the service of HMS Winchelsea as an interim measure until the ship has her own pages

I am hoping that a naval enthusiast or local historian in Wilmslow will take up the challenge of researching the history of HMS Winchelsea from her first commission in 1919 to going to the breakers yard. For further details see the guidance given here then contact Bill Forster for more information.

The adoption of HMS Winchelsea by Wilmslow
7 - 14 March 1942

Where are the Plaques today?

If you want to find out more about the wartime service of a member of your family who served on HMS Winchelsea you should first obtain a copy of their service record
To find out how follow this link: http://vandwdestroyerassociation.org.uk/Service_Records.html

If you have stories or photographs of HMS Winchelsea you would like to contribute to the web site please contact Bill Forster

Return to the Home Page for HMS Winchelsea

Return to the Home Page of the V & W Destroyer Association
Return to the Index Page for the 69 V & W Class Destroyers
Return to the Home Page for Warship Weeks