Halcyon Class Ships
Warship Weeks

 

During the Second World War, cities, towns and villages organised “warship weeks” to raise money to meet the cost of providing a particular naval ship. The aim was that cities would raise enough money to pay for the battleships and aircraft carriers, and towns for cruisers and destroyers. Small towns and villages were set a figure relative to their size, and would attempt to raise the required funds.

Once enough money had been raised for the ship, the local community would adopt the ship. The Admiralty would present a plaque to the town, and the ship would also carry a plaque commemorating its adoption. Local organisations, women’s institutes, churches and schools would also provide additional comforts for the crews of the ship they had adopted. This was usually in the form of woollen socks, gloves and balaclavas. Children would often write letters and send cards to the crew. When possible, officers and men from the adopted ship would visit the local community, and to celebrate their visit, there would often be a parade.

Source: http://www.royalnavalmuseum.org/info_sheets_Warshipweeks.htm