HMS Bristol decommissioned after nearly half a century of Royal Navy service

This week, HMS Bristol’s White Ensign flag was lowered for a final time during a ceremony at Whale Island – ending an era which began in March 1973.

The Type 82 destroyer was originally constructed to defend a class of aircraft carriers which were never built.

Representatives of Navy Command, the HMS Bristol Association and ship's company were all in attendance for the small service on her upper deck. Major Theo Hogg, of the Royal Marines and grandson of Lady Hogg who launched the ship, were also in attendance.

During the Falklands conflict in 1982 HMS Bristol led a group of two destroyers, five frigates and one Royal Fleet Auxiliary supply ship sent as reinforcements to support the war effort. The ship later joined the carrier battle task group to fulfil her role as an air-defence destroyer.

In 1993, after 20 years at sea, she was re-commissioned and converted into a harbour training ship based at Whale Island. For nearly 30 years HMS Bristol has played a crucial role in training the next generation of Royal Navy seaman, engineers and medics.

During this period the vessel has also enabled navy Sea Cadets to get an insight into what like is like on board a warship.

Speaking at the ceremony her final commanding officer, lieutenant commander David Price, said: ‘We knew the day HMS Bristol decommissioned from the fleet would come, so it is my privilege as her final commanding officer to lower the White Ensign for the last time on behalf of the thousands of sailors and cadets for whom this ship has been an invaluable training platform, and also for all those who served on board during her first commission.’

HMS Bristol will remain in Portsmouth until her final fate is decided. Many thousands of people who signed a petition calling on her to become part of the historic fleet at National Museum of the Royal Navy will be hoping this is not the end for the iconic vessel.

SEE ALSO: Royal Navy's newest hi-tech patrol HMS Spey sets sail for Portsmouth

Former Sea Cadet Matthew Hutchinson, who started the petition, said at the time: ‘As a former Sea Cadet and an amateur naval historian it saddens me to see such a great piece of British maritime history have an uncertain future and knowing that I had many joyous experiences onboard her while as a cadet.

‘The purpose of this petition is to ask the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) or the Royal Navy directly to ensure that she Is preserved, restored and turned into a museum ship so future generations can learn about the Falklands War and her contributions to the lives of so many people; past and present.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as our new Puzzles section.