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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’.

Dunfermline and HMS Malcolm

Dunfermline is a town and former Royal Burgh in Fife, on high ground on the north Bank of the Firth of Forth, three miles from the naval base of Rosyth. HMS Malcolm was larger than a standard V & W Class destroyer with the extras facilities required by a Flotilla Leader. She was one of eight Admiralty Class Flotilla Leaders with Scottish names, often referred to as the "Scott Class", built by Cammel Laird at Birkenhead. In April 1942 HMS Malcolm was based at Liverpool as an escort for the Atlantic convoys which kept Britain fed and later that year took part in Operation Pedestal which brought relief to Malta. I  am hoping that a naval enthusiast or local historian in Dunfermline will take up the challenge of researching the history of HMS Malcolm from her first commission in 1919 to going to the breakers yard of TB Ward at Barrow in 1945. For further  details see the guidance given here then contact Bill Forster for more information.

Warships Week in Dunfermline
  28 March - 4 April 1942