(July 2000)

Warship Preservation Hopes

The Liverpool Echo reports that plans are underway to preserve two vessels that served with the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

Merseyside based enthusiasts would like to see the former Z class destroyer HMS Zenith and the Black Swan class sloop HMS Whimbrel brought back from Egypt to Canning Dock in Liverpool, where they would serve as a tourist attraction and as a memorial to the City's role in the Battle of the Atlantic.

During the conflict Whimbrel was part of Johnny Walker's legendary U-Boat hunting flotilla. She also saw service in the Russian convoys, D-Day landings and with the British Pacific Fleet and was present in Tokyo Bay for the Japanese surrender.

Following service with the Royal Navy Zenith and Whimbrel were sold to Egypt and renamed El Fatah and Tariq. They currently serve as accommodation vessels off Alexandria.

The Echo reports that Mohammed Al Fayed, the Egyptian born owner of Harrods, has been approached in relation to the project, as has the British Naval Attaché in Alexandria. The next step will involve a formal approach to President Mubarak of Egypt by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool.

The original story can be read here.