11/06/2024

Calne and District Week 1942

Newspaper reports put the week
in March, rather than February.
During Warship Week in March 1942, Calne and District proudly adopted the HMS Dunnet, a British Boom Defence Vessel. 

Warship Weeks, held nationwide, were National Savings campaigns organised by the National War Savings Committee. The campaigns aimed to raise funds for the Royal Navy and support the war effort by encouraging communities to invest in war bonds. 

Admiral A.V. Campbell performed the Opening Ceremony of Calne Warship Week, and to kick off the event, the Calne and Chippenham Rural Council invested £500 on 2 March 1942.

The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty presented the above plaque in response to the generosity of Calne and District (plaque held at Calne Heritage Centre). 

However, it wasn't until 26 August 1944 that the plaque celebrating this adoption, was passed over to the ship.

 

The ship's company of HMS DUNNET with Calne's adoption plaque, it is being held by the Commanding Officer, Skipper C O Knight, RNR. (https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205157091)


Dunnet Close also commemorates the adoption of the ship.