HMS Mersey will 'come home' when she docks in the city this month.
Launched in 2003, the ship is among the busiest in the Royal Navy Fleet, averaging 220 days at sea every year. She is based in Portsmouth but will be making a trip to Merseyside this month to be awarded the Freedom of Sefton.
Members of the ship’s company will be invited to join councillors for a formal ceremony in Bootle Town Hall on April 13. On April 16, the 'Freedom Scroll' will allow HMS Mersey’s sailors to march through the streets of the borough 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.”
Mersey is a patrol ship which has spent the bulk of her career operating around the UK. She has also 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.
She will arrive on Merseyside fresh from a maiden deployment to the Baltic, a six-week stint working with regional navies to assist and support security and build up the UK’s ability to operate seamlessly with Britain's allies and partners, including the Estonian Navy.
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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