The grand HMS Mersey has arrived "home" for five days to be awarded the Freedom of Sefton.
The ship, first launched in 2003, is among the busiest in the Royal Navy Fleet averaging 220 days at sea each year. She is based in Portsmouth but has arrived on Merseyside ahead of the formal ceremony at Bootle Town Hall.
Members of the ship's company will first join councillors tomorrow, Thursday, April 13. On April 16, the Freedom Scroll will allow HMS Mersey's sailors to march the streets of Sefton with bayonets fixed, colours flying and led by a military band.
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The route will begin and end at the Town Hall, going via Trinity Road, Stanley Road, Merton Road and Oriel Road. Freedom is being granted in part in recognition of Bootle and Sefton’s long standing links with the Navy, particularly during WWII when legendary sailor Captain ‘Johnnie’ Walker operated from Gladstone Docks. The Town Hall possesses memorabilia connected with Walker and his men, including a small display open to the public.
Mayor of Sefton Clare Carragher said: "Our Borough – and Bootle in particular – is synonymous with the heroism and dedication of our Royal Navy. It is poignant that just a few hundred yards from our council chamber still stands the former house of Captain Walker and battle worn ensigns from dozens of naval ships hang proudly within Bootle Town Hall.
"I am humbled by the sacrifice of those who have gone before us and those who serve today across our armed forces. To be the mayor who bestows the Freedom of the Borough upon HMS Mersey is an honour."
The patrol ship is currently docked at Liverpool Cruise Terminal after arriving on the Mersey earlier today. She has just been on a six-week stint in the Baltic, working with regional navies to assist and support security and build up the UK's ability to operate overseas.
She has previously been deployed to the Caribbean, providing disaster relief support to British communities during the hurricane season, and the Mediterranean for an extended period on humanitarian duties rescuing migrants.
Lieutenant Commander James ‘Mitch’ Mitchell, the ship’s Commanding Officer said: "I am delighted that HMS Mersey is returning to spend time ‘at home’ – the first time we’ve been able to do so in more than three years. Receiving the Freedom of the Borough makes our return especially memorable. Everyone is looking forward to seeing the people of Sefton – and Liverpool."
Mersey will be berthed at Liverpool’s Pier Head Cruise Terminal between April 12 and 17 for the visit. The Navy will also open the gangway for those interested in looking around and chatting with the ship’s company, while ashore there will be a Royal Navy ‘village’ with a host of activities and stalls from local Sea Cadets, University Royal Naval Unit and Royal Navy Recruitment.
Anyone wishing to tour the ship on Saturday 15 should book in advance via this link. Tours run every 15 minutes between 10am and 3.45pm. Visitors should wear sensible clothing/footwear and be prepared to climb several flights of stairs.
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