‘The Lucky Seventh’ – HMS Caroline and Belfast 1924-1945 By Will Heppa, Curator of Artefacts, National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN)

In January 1922, HMS Caroline limped into Portsmouth having sailed over 100,000 miles. The ship had seen action in the North Sea throughout the First World War and also sailed to countries in the Indian Ocean including Sri Lanka, Burma, India and the Maldives. This was the last time Caroline would use her engines – not worth the cost of repairs, it seemed the breaker’s yard would be her ultimate destination. Luckily, the soon-to-be-formed Ulster Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve required a drill ship and so Caroline was towed to Belfast arriving in February 1924.

Join us at HMS Caroline for a lecture to mark the 100-year anniversary of the ship’s arrival in Belfast. Will Heppa, NMRN Curator of Artefacts, will explore the early history of the Ulster Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and look at HMS Caroline’s crucial role in the Second World War. There will also be an opportunity to see some of the objects featured in the talk on display in the Pump House.

Please note that the Pump House will be open for the lecture, including the two exhibition galleries. The ship will not be open. Refreshments will be provided.

If you require a carer or assistance to attend the lecture, please email enquiries@nmrn.org.uk