HMS Caroline is an extraordinary and unique survivor. She was built in 1914 and has had an exciting career which has spanned across two world wars and a long and active life in Belfast.
Classed as a Light Cruiser, she is one of only three major warships surviving that served with the Royal Navy in the First World War, and the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland, arguably the greatest naval battle in history.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Dunkirk Evacuation which took place between 26 May and 4 June 1940. The rescue was co-ordinated by Vice-Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsey and was also known as Operation Dynamo, so called because it was planned in a former Dynamo Room underneath Dover Castle.
"their diversities of thought and upbringing were forgotten in the all-important task of helping the Navy in it's time of need..."
The National Museum of the Royal Navy, takes seriously its responsibility to support the local communities that are home to its four museum locations. The current situation has affected every one across the UK. In extraordinary times like these the British have always gallantly come together taking action to support each other and our allies wherever needed. With the United Kingdom always in the top 10 of the most generous countries in the world, the population’s generosity has benefitted both communities abroad and at home.
Since 2015, a dedicated and growing conservation team have been in place at the National Museum of the Royal Navy that look after the collection of historic vessels. The team has grown over the years to include all kinds of specialists whose skills are needed to manage the ships and submarines. Riggers, shipwrights, conservators, painters, shipkeepers, electricians, archaeologists, curators, apprentices and project and team managers all play a part in maintaining the vessels safely, preserving their historic fabric and presenting them to our visitors.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy has made the difficult decision to close its sites in response to the escalating COVID-19 situation. All of our sites in Portsmouth, Gosport, Belfast, Yeovilton and Hartlepool will be closed from 17.00 on 18 March 2020.
There have been no diagnosed cases of the virus on site, however we felt that like our colleagues across the Museum and Heritage sector, closure of the sites was now the best decision to maintain the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors.
© National Museum of the Royal Navy 2020
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