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What do we have here?
Oh, just a MEGA Egham-based Twitter thread. No biggie
What's it about?
Erm, that time the people of Egham adopted HMS Orestes in March, 1942
Well, colour us intrigued ....
Oh, just a MEGA Egham-based Twitter thread. No biggie
What's it about?
Erm, that time the people of Egham adopted HMS Orestes in March, 1942
Well, colour us intrigued ....
To avoid you all having to squint, the wording of the plaque says:
'Presented by The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to EGHAM to commemorate the adoption of HMS ORESTES during Warship Week March 14th 1942'
'Presented by The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to EGHAM to commemorate the adoption of HMS ORESTES during Warship Week March 14th 1942'
HMS Orestes was an ‘Algerine’ Class minesweeper built by Lobnitz and Co. Ltd. of Renfrew, Scotland 
She was launched on the 25 Nov 1942 and was ready for service in April 1943
HMS Orestes carried one 4 inch naval gun and 4 single oerlikon cannons.
WHAT A BEAUTY
She was launched on the 25 Nov 1942 and was ready for service in April 1943
HMS Orestes carried one 4 inch naval gun and 4 single oerlikon cannons.
WHAT A BEAUTY
On entering service, HMS Orestes was attached to the 18th Minesweeping Flotilla, part of the Orkneys and Shetland Command
(we knew there'd be an @OrkneyLibrary & @ShetlandLibrary link somewhere)
As was common with minesweepers, HMS Orestes was often on convoy escort duty,
(we knew there'd be an @OrkneyLibrary & @ShetlandLibrary link somewhere)
As was common with minesweepers, HMS Orestes was often on convoy escort duty,
In the collection, we've a letter from Jim Fisher, recalling his war-time service on the ship. Jim wrote:
“These convoys were certainly an experience of which I shall always remember 40ft seas and she used to roll around like a cork.”
Anyone else feeling sea-sick?
“These convoys were certainly an experience of which I shall always remember 40ft seas and she used to roll around like a cork.”
Anyone else feeling sea-sick?
This still doesn't really answer why Egham - some 42 miles from its nearest beach - adopted HMS Orestes in 1942 though!
Well, during the Second World War, The National War Savings Committee began an initiative to raise money for the Admiralty, through ‘Warship Week’ campaigns.
Well, during the Second World War, The National War Savings Committee began an initiative to raise money for the Admiralty, through ‘Warship Week’ campaigns.
The campaigns were designed to help raise money to build ships to replace early war losses, to protect Atlantic convoys from the German U-Boat campaigns, and to expand the Royal Navy.
As part of ‘Warship Week’ campaigns, cities would raise money to ‘adopt’ battleships and aircraft carriers while towns and villages were set the challenge to raise enough money to support cruisers and destroyers.
A bit like adopting an animal - just with more metal and guns!
A bit like adopting an animal - just with more metal and guns!
If towns raised enough money, they could ‘adopt’ the ship and its crew. Hip-Hip, Hooray!
The ship’s crew would visit the adopting town or village, with a parade and some form of entertainment typically taking place in their honour.
The ship’s crew would visit the adopting town or village, with a parade and some form of entertainment typically taking place in their honour.
The total amount of money raised nationally was over £955 million. A total of 8 battleships, 4 carriers, 49 cruisers, 301 destroyers, 25 submarines, 164 corvettes and frigates and 288 minesweepers, including Egham’s H.M.S Orestes, were adopted
Well done Egham! Good Work!
Well done Egham! Good Work!
After its adoption by the wonderful people of Egham, HMS Orestes was transferred to the Channel and took part in the Normandy landings, clearing an approach for the assault at Asnelles.
June 1944 saw HMS Orestes heavily involved in military action.
June 1944 saw HMS Orestes heavily involved in military action.
Following the end of the war in Europe, Lieutenant-Commander D.H. Coughlan DSC., RNVR. Officer Commanding, together with six of his officers, one Midshipman and about 60 Ratings visited Egham on 24th April 1945.
They were met by representatives of Egham Urban District Council.
The party marched to Egham Fire Station, led by a band from the Feltham Sea Cadet Corps, and on arrival the ship’s Battle Ensign was hoisted on the fire station flagpole, where it remained throughout the visit.
The party marched to Egham Fire Station, led by a band from the Feltham Sea Cadet Corps, and on arrival the ship’s Battle Ensign was hoisted on the fire station flagpole, where it remained throughout the visit.
Entertainment for the visitors included a film show at the Savoy Cinema, a high tea at the Literary Institute and, in the evening, a dance at Great Fosters.
The visitors stayed in Egham overnight and returned to their ship the following day.
The visitors stayed in Egham overnight and returned to their ship the following day.
In 1947 the Orestes was reduced to the Reserve Fleet and briefly assigned to the Fishery Protection Squadron 
In 1963, it was finally sold to the British Iron and Steel Corporation and scrapped
But we suppose all good things must come to an end, even for our HMS Orestes
In 1963, it was finally sold to the British Iron and Steel Corporation and scrapped
But we suppose all good things must come to an end, even for our HMS Orestes
So next time someone asks you:
'Why did Egham adopt a Minesweeper in 1942?'
You'll all be able to say:
'Sit down, and we'll tell you all'
'Why did Egham adopt a Minesweeper in 1942?'
You'll all be able to say:
'Sit down, and we'll tell you all'
