HMS Kelly's Bell Returns to South Tyneside
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A key piece of British maritime history is making a triumphant return to Tyneside following a successful bid at auction by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums on Wednesday.
The bell is the last remaining part of HMS Kelly, the brave warship built at the shipyard of R & W Hawthorn Leslie at Hebburn in 1939. It will shortly be taking up residence at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery on Ocean Road, where it will become a centrepiece of the Tales of South Tyneside exhibition.
The inspiration for the 1942 film In Which We Serve, HMS Kelly had a turbulent beginning, surviving a collision with a mine, only to face attack from E- boats in the battle of Norway. At the time it was acknowledged that the exceptional quality of her design and craftsmanship prevented the ship from floundering.
The boat has always been the source of immense local pride: whole town is said to have turned out when those killed in this attack were buried, and a memorial was erected by the officers and men of the ship and the workmen of Hebburn yard.
The bell is the only remaining part of HMS Kelly, having been removed before the warship’s ill-fated voyage in 1941, when she was sunk in the Mediterranean during the evacuation of Crete.
Alisdair Wilson, manager of South Tyneside Museums says: “We are delighted to have secured such an iconic piece of South Tyneside’s maritime history.
“HMS Kelly remains an iconic name on South Tyneside, not only as a memorial to those who perished during her war service but also as a testimony to the workmanship and integrity of Hebburn-built ships.”
South Tyneside Councillor Tracey Dixon, cabinet member for Culture and Wellbeing says: “It’s fantastic that this important piece of our heritage is returning home to South Tyneside, where it can be accessed by the whole community.
“The bell has a fascinating story that will be shared with thousands of visitors through the Museum.”
The bell will be on display shortly, following a spell of conservation. Keep visiting the website for more information about the Bell's return to the North East and our exciting plans to display the bell in the Museum.