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HMS WARWICK

Warship Weeks

Warwick adopts HMS Warwick

Warships Week 20 - 28 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.

The framed photograph presented to Warwick in May 1930 in return for a silver replica of the Warwick Vase
The photograph hangs in the church of St Mary's and the windows of the church are reflected from the glass frame
See the report in the Warwick Advertiser dated 12 January 1940

Warwick Advertiser and Leamington Gazette Friday 12 January 1940 Admiral Sir Henry Harwood RN (1888-1950) was CO of HMS Exeter at the Battle of the River Plate on 13 December 1939 and was knighted for his part in the sinking of the Graf Spee. From August 1929 to April 1930 he was Commanding Officer, HMS Warwick and SO 9th Destroyer Division (Atlantic Fleet). The Warwick Vase is a second century marble vase discovered at Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli about 1771 by Gavin Hamilton and sold to Sir William Hamilton, British envoy at the court of Naples, who gave it to his nephew George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick. It caused a sensation when displayed in a specially constructed green house on the lawn in front of Warwick Castle. Many replicas in silver, bronze, cast iron and porcelain were made. The original is now in the Burrell Collection near Glasgow, Scotland (closed until 2020).

Warwick Advertiser and Leamington Gazette Friday 3 April 1942

Sunderland Echo and Shipping Gazette Wednesday 17 March 1943 A silver replica of the Warwick Vase presented to HMS Warwick in 1930 The brass badge of one of the ship's boats bearing the Arms of Warwick   presented to the town by Lt Dickinson in the Market Place in April 1942 to commemorate the adoption of the ship during Warships Week 28 February.

Coventry Evening Telegraph Friday 3 March 1944 The inscribed wooden plaque made for presentation to HMS Warwick after her adoption in Warship's Week. The ship was lost before the plaque could be presented and is now on display in the Council Offices in Warwick.

The ship's bell on the left of the fireplace in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall
The inscribed board in St Mary's Church, Warwick, beneath the white ensign flown by Vice Admiral Sir Roger Keyes from HMS Warwick, during the raid on Zeebrugge
The brass plate beneath is inscribed: "The above ensign flown by HMS Warwick at Zeebrugge on 23 April 1918 was laid up by Warwick Town Council on Sunday 20 February 1994 the 50th anniversary of the loss of HMS Warwick off Trevose Head, Cornwall, with a loss of 66 officers and men." 
Photographs courtesy of  Rick Thompson of "Unlocking Warwick"  and Zinat Bennett
Click on the Flag to view full size

The dedication of a tree in the National Arboretum presented by Warwick Council and Warwick RNA in May 2008
John Puddicome of the Warwick Family Association is on the left standing next to the son of Cdr Denys Rayner RNVR, her CO, with Lt Cdr John Herries RN on the far right
In 2013 the V & W Destroyer Association held its annual reunion in Warwick