Crest of the V&W Destroyer AssociationCrest of the V&W Destroyer AssociationHMS VALOROUS





Warship Weeks

Dewsbury adopts HMS Valorous

Warships Week 8 November 1941


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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 Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer
 Thursday, 8 January 1942
It was reported at the meeting of the Dewsbury National Savings Committee yesterday that street groups and industrial savings groups covered 50 per cent of the population of the town. It was also announced that as the result of Dewsbury's achievement during the recent Warship Week the Admiralty had granted permission for a plaque from HMS Valorous, which Dewsbury adopted, to be sent to Dewsbury.
 
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer
 Tuesday 31 March 1942
In front of Dewsbury Town Hall last night, the Mayor (Mr. J Chadwick) presented a plaque to a representative of HMS Valorous, which Dewsbury adopted by raising over £550,000 in Warship Week.  Lt. W. C. Bergius who is on sick leave, accepted the plaque and said ‘Valorous is a lucky ship, and has been involved in a number of actions against the enemy.’

Town Crest of Dewsbury presented to HMS Valorous
 Crest of Valorous presented to Dewsbury on adoption of ship

The crest of Dewsbury presented to HMS Valorous (left) and the crest of Valorous presented to Dewsbury by the Admiralty



If you want to find out more about the wartime service of a member of your family who served on HMS Valorous you should first obtain a copy of their service record
To find out how follow this link: http://www.holywellhousepublishing.co.uk/servicerecords.html
If you have stories or photographs of HMS Valorous you would like to contribute to the web site please contact Bill Forster


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