The last surviving Battle of the Atlantic destroyer of Captain Jonnie Walker's U-Boat Hunter-Killer escort group,based in Liverpool has moved a step closer to retuning to the Mersey as a permanent memorial to the Battle of the Atlantic.H.M.S Whimbrel is hoping to make a return in 2006. :cheers:

Whimbrel to Return (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=15440206%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26headline=whimbrel%2dhomeward%2dbound-name_page.html)

Great news. :cheers:

This is brilliant news, this ships' wartime service is exceptional, when you consider the millions of lottery pounds wasted on complete shite, this ship should be wrapped in cotton wool and brought home tomorrow!!!

http://img209.echo.cx/img209/6416/whimbrel1943013xc.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

http://img209.echo.cx/img209/1126/whimbrel1943027ti.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)


Check out this excellent site.
http://www.mikekemble.com/ww2/walker9.html (http://http://www.mikekemble.com/ww2/walker9.html)

I've been waiting for something to happen on this for years now so as you can imagine I'm well pleased.It'll look stunning on it's Waterfront location and be a permanent reminder of all those brave souls that kept this country fed,without them we would have crumbled.It will be restored to its original state and will add another tourist attraction/memorial to what's going to be a very busy place in the future.Roll on 2006.The longest running battle of WW2 will finally be recognised and honoured in an appropriate way but it's just a pity so many of the survivors won't be around to see this happen.

How about using this ship as the so called Fourth Grace.
It would look great in a dry dock next to the POL building.
It would look completely different but not out of place. :cheers:

So its not going to the Historic Warships museum in Birkenhead? :(

So its not going to the Historic Warships museum in Birkenhead? :(

If you have more that 2 brain cells, try and read up on the history of this ship and the historic warships over in Birkenhead. You might just realise the differances between the Battle of the Atlantic and the Falklands War and ponder on your stupid post . :bash:

What I would love to see is that German U-Boat over in Birkenhead also moored adjacent to HMS Whimbrel. The Johnny Walker Memorial should also be moved from the Pier Head to Canning Dock.

Lets hope that she is safely moored by 2006 and at long last we have a permanent memorial to all who fought at sea.

Sod that! Get her kitted out, re-arm the sonofabitch and whip her down the ship canal to bring those lovable Mancs down a peg or two!! :D

The Daily Post said that she is probably going to be transported to Liverpool on a heavy lift barge, rather than being towed all the way from Alexandria. On arrival in Liverpool, she will undergo some restoration in Canada Dock before being moved to a permanent home in Canning Dock. She should be returned to Liverpool next year.

She is presently owned by the Egyptian navy and is known as the Tariq. Apparently she is in good condition but will undergo a full survey before her return.

Great news anyway. The Battle of the Atlantic was probably the most important battle that Britain has ever fought. Without the Atlantic convoys, our country would have been starved into submission. It's terrible to think of how many people lost their lives in that battle and how many Liverpool ships went to the bottom.

The last surviving Battle of the Atlantic destroyer of Captain Jonnie Walker's U-Boat Hunter-Killer escort group,based in Liverpool has moved a step closer to retuning to the Mersey as a permanent memorial to the Battle of the Atlantic.H.M.S Whimbrel is hoping to make a return in 2006. :cheers:

Whimbrel to Return (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=15440206%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26headline=whimbrel%2dhomeward%2dbound-name_page.html)Thats great news, an important Liverpool ship back home, to Grace the Mersey. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: Three cheers for those people who fought for us.

Would be great if this ship could be restored to full sailing ability, so we could view ship whilst she sails the Mersey.

The Daily Post said that she is probably going to be transported to Liverpool on a heavy lift barge, rather than being towed all the way from Alexandria. On arrival in Liverpool, she will undergo some restoration in Canada Dock before being moved to a permanent home in Canning Dock. She should be returned to Liverpool next year.

She is presently owned by the Egyptian navy and is known as the Tariq. Apparently she is in good condition but will undergo a full survey before her return.

Great news anyway. The Battle of the Atlantic was probably the most important battle that Britain has ever fought. Without the Atlantic convoys, our country would have been starved into submission. It's terrible to think of how many people lost their lives in that battle and how many Liverpool ships went to the bottom.
Great news about the Whimbrel. I've (dodgy) access to Canada Dry Docks, so looking forward to taking a few piccies. Regarding the Battle of the Atlantic, why was the Mersey celebrations in 2003 the final one? I know it was the 60th Anniversary, but so what? Why not a 70th, 80th etc? It was a cracking day, with ships from the Netherlands, Belgium(!!), Russia, France, Germany, Norway and Poland on the Mersey. Shame the Whimbrel never made it in time.

Great news about the Whimbrel. I've (dodgy) access to Canada Dry Docks, so looking forward to taking a few piccies. Regarding the Battle of the Atlantic, why was the Mersey celebrations in 2003 the final one? I know it was the 60th Anniversary, but so what? Why not a 70th, 80th etc? It was a cracking day, with ships from the Netherlands, Belgium(!!), Russia, France, Germany, Norway and Poland on the Mersey. Shame the Whimbrel never made it in time.
Think it was because they thought by the time the 70th came along everyone who took part in it would more or less be dead.....

Think it was because they thought by the time the 70th came along everyone who took part in it would more or less be dead.....
Never stopped the Orange Lodge celebrating the Battle of the Boyne :)

Never stopped the Orange Lodge celebrating the Battle of the Boyne :)
LOL!!! maybe it should!!!

http://img187.echo.cx/img187/9427/whimbrel200424us.jpg

Here's a picture of H.M.S Whimbrel from 2004. :cheers:

She certainly looks the part. She could easily become Liverpool's HMS Belfast but with more connection to her home port.

The last remaining warship from the battle of the atlantic has been declared in good enough condition to return to Liverpool.

H.M.S Whimbrel. (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16272293%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26headline=whimbrel%2dto%2dreturn-name_page.html) :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

The last remaining warship from the battle of the atlantic has been declared in good enough condition to return to Liverpool.

H.M.S Whimbrel. (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16272293%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26headline=whimbrel%2dto%2dreturn-name_page.html) :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Excellent news that an `Icon` against tyranny is to be saved!

If anyone has the time they should read the names of the ships etc on the "Official War Memorial / Monument" to the "Merchant Seamen" which is at the Pier Head and close to where the memorial to "Captain Johnnie Walker" was relocated to also at the Pier Head - having previously been in a small park along Great Howard Street - part of the "Atlantic gateway" redevelopment for North Liverpool and Bootle.

IMO "The Battle of the Atlantic" should always be celebrated - "Captain Jonnie Walker" and his men saved these Islands from peril even more than Lord Nelson......so lets here it for a postumus "Lord Johnnie Walker" although he may not thank us for the accolade even if it was offered.

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Well in Pie couldn't of said it better :applause: :applause: :applause:

Sod that! Get her kitted out, re-arm the sonofabitch and whip her down the ship canal to bring those lovable Mancs down a peg or two!! :D

:laugh:

it's great it's coming to Liverpool, it will really put Liverpool on the map as a great maritime tourist destination in the UK.

People love ships, especially one with such a history.

By the way, I also agree with everthing Pietari said.

Excellent news that an `Icon` against tyranny is to be saved!

If anyone has the time they should read the names of the ships etc on the "Official War Memorial / Monument" to the "Merchant Seamen" which is at the Pier Head and close to where the memorial to "Captain Johnnie Walker" was relocated to also at the Pier Head - having previously been in a small park along Great Howard Street - part of the "Atlantic gateway" redevelopment for North Liverpool and Bootle.

IMO "The Battle of the Atlantic" should always be celebrated - "Captain Jonnie Walker" and his men saved these Islands from peril even more than Lord Nelson......so lets here it for a postumus "Lord Johnnie Walker" although he may not thank us for the accolade even if it was offered.

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Agree 100%, Todays news is just brilliant, seaworthy and a free ride home ,lets see her moored in Canning Dock before 2007.
Well done Daily Post and many others who are involved in this very worthy project. Liverpool as a maritime city should still contiue to recognise "Battle of the Atlantic" Memorial Day, even if officialdom does not. :okay:

Agree 100%, Todays news is just brilliant, seaworthy and a free ride home ,lets see her moored in Canning Dock before 2007.
Well done Daily Post and many others who are involved in this very worthy project. Liverpool as a maritime city should still contiue to recognise "Battle of the Atlantic" Memorial Day, even if officialdom does not.

Hear Hear Woody!

Or should that be "hear hear, here here!! `Canning Dock`" and "Western Approaches - Secret HQ"

"Battle of the Atlantic" Memorial Day, Liverpool.

(Pity the "Western Approaches" is in the hands of a certain developer - although he did rename Derby and Sefton House (Exchange Flags) appropriately?)(Although they missed the `n & s` on the Nelson Memorial during restoration :bash: )

:runaway:

She certainly looks the part. She could easily become Liverpool's HMS Belfast but with more connection to her home port.

It certainly is good news to hear about this. The city has been crying out for something along these lines in that area. The Liverpool pilot boat just doesn't cut it as something that too many people would really go out of their way to tour.

It certainly is good news to hear about this. The city has been crying out for something along these lines in that area. The Liverpool pilot boat just doesn't cut it as something that too many people would really go out of their way to tour.

The Maritime Museum`s internal exhibitions are brilliant, but it badly needs to get some boats in the water. Easier said than done I know, but Canning,Albert and Salthouse always look forlorn and desolate, a couple of "tall ships" and the old Royal Iris would be a start.

With HMS Whimbrel in Canning, this dock could become an home for a few de-commissioned Royal Navy ships.

All the NML need is a large pot of money, which it is unlikely to have for many years as it has to finance the new Museum of Liverpool and the new Slavery Museum in the soon to be refurbished Dock Office. It also has planning approval for a new dockside workshop building to be built in Canning.

I've always hoped for a load of sailing ships in most of those docks myself as that is what they were originally designed for and what would be most in keeping with the warehouses.
Canning is a bit further removed though so as you say would be a great place to put a few of the more modern vessels.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2005/09/30/capculfeatures_nelson_feature.shtml

Nelson Drawings On Display,

The Walker Art Gallery and Merseyside Maritime Museum are displaying fascinating objects from their collections linked to Admiral Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Friday 21 October 2005 is 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. To mark this important event in British history the Walker Art Gallery is highlighting the two Death of Nelson paintings by Benjamin West and Daniel Maclise.

Nelson Miniature:

Throughout October there is a small display of preparatory drawings of the two paintings. Due to conservation reasons these delicate drawings are rarely seen, so this display provides a unique insight into both artist’s working methods and attention to detail.

A miniature engraving of Nelson is included in the display. The wooden frame of this miniature is said to be made from Nelson’s Trafalgar battle-ship, HMS Victory.

Both of the paintings will be the focus in the regular Picture of the month events on Tuesday 11 and Thursday 20 October 2005 at 13.30pm.

There is also a talk commemorating the bicentenary of the battle of Trafalgar with art historian Paul O’Keeffe on Saturday 29 October 2005 at 14.00pm. Tickets are free from the Walker Art Gallery shop.

Walker Art Gallery William Brown Street, Liverpool, Admission FREE
Open 10am-5pm every day
Information 0151 478 4199

Merseyside Maritime Museum Albert Dock, Liverpool, Admission FREE
Open 10am-5pm every day
Information 0151 478 4499

Dakota to scatter poppies in tribute from the skies Nov 4 2005

Daily Post

100,000 petals to fall on Remembrance Sunday. Larry Neild reports

A WARTIME Dakota will fly low over Lime Street on Remembrance Sunday, scattering the city with 100,000 red poppy petals as a tribute to Liverpool's fallen.

The fly-past, on November 13, will form part of the traditional ceremony at the Cenotaph on St George's Plateau.

The Dakota, built in 1942, took part in D-Day as well as the airborne assualt on Arnhem. It is currently parked outside the hangar used by Liverpool Flying School at Liverpool Airport.

The Civil Aviation Authority has given its permission for the Dakota to fly across the city centre at a height of just 1,000 ft.

Dutchman Peter Kuypers, a commercial pilot with KLM, will be at the controls of the Dakota, one of only a small number still in service. The aircraft is owned by Yorkshireman Paddy Green, and until recently was stored in Arizona where the dry air ensures parked planes are preserved.

Liverpool Flying School owner Martin Keen said: "It will be a very spectacular and moving sight. The event has been arranged with the help of the city council as part of the Remembrance Day programme. The Dakota will make its flypast soon after the end of the 11am two-minute silence. Flying at 1,000 ft it will be quite a sight for those people on the ground."

The idea came from Liverpool Chamber of Commerce official David Tinsley, who holds a private pilot's licence.

He was speaking to the Dakota's owner who specifically asked to do a fly-past above Liverpool.

Mr Tinsley put in an official request to the town hall and civic chiefs welcomed the idea.

The original plan was to fly over the Pier Head with the petals falling into the River Mersey.

But the idea was changed so that most will now fall on St George's Plateau and Lime Street.

City council leader Mike Storey said: "When I heard about this idea I was happy to give my support. It will be a very memorable sight on a special day when we remember the thousands who sacrificed their lives."

A similar Poppy Run was performed in London earlier this year to mark the 60th anniversary of the ending of World War 2.

* ON THURSDAY, November 10, a small ceremony to mark the planting of the first remembrance cross takes place at midday in St John's Gardens (at the rear of St George's Hall). This ceremony, organised by the Royal British Legion, will be attended by The Lord Mayor, Cllr Alan Dean.

* FRIDAY, November 11: A Remembrance Service takes place at St George's Plateau., with a two minutes silence at 11am.

* ON SUNDAY, November 13, the traditional Service of Remembrance and Re-dedication takes place, with a parade and service, commencing at 10-30am.

larryneild@dailypost.co.uk