90TH ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS AND WELLINGTON@90 CAMPAIGN SUPPORT RECEIVED FROM MOD CDS

The Wellington Trust is delighted to receive congratulations from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) on the occasion of HMS WELLINGTON’s 90^th anniversary.

Admiral Radakin congratulated the Trust on the ship’s 90^th anniversary, underscoring the significance of WELLINGTON as Britain’s last surviving Second World War convoy escort and the importance of conserving and preserving her for all to learn and enjoy:

“WELLINGTON epitomises the resilience of an island nation having completed 103 escort missions during the Battle of Atlantic.  Today she stands a memorial to those who served and died in the longest campaign of the Second World War.

Her conservation and preservation are crucial to maintaining a visible representation of this pivotal time in our history, and as a reminder of Britain's continuing resilience on the sea for our security and prosperity.

I wish this 90^th-anniversary fundraising campaign well.”

Campaign Director for the Wellington Trust’s Wellington@90 fundraising appeal, Trustee Professor Dominic Tweddle thanked Admiral Radakin:

“On behalf of the Wellington Trust, my thanks to Admiral Radakin for his congratulations on this important 90^th year for WELLINGTON.

We are also thankful and very encouraged to receive his backing and good wishes with our fundraising appeal, Wellington@90, to raise funds for crucial conservation and preservation work.  Campaign funds will also support us with the development of our business plans to secure HMS WELLINGTON’s future, to make the ship accessible to the public, and as a living testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who took part in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Conservation and preservation of HMS WELLINGTON are supported by a small group of dedicated volunteers and staff who have worked hard over the last 12 months enabling us to celebrate this important 90^th anniversary. These words of support will mean a lot to them too.”

All funds raised will both support WELLINGTON’s conservation and preservation and develop a new business plan to make her more accessible to the public as a visitor attraction.