Next week marks a significant military anniversary, and lots of military things will be happening along the Thames as a result.

And details have finally been confirmed — including public tours of HMS Illustrious.

As part of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, three military ships will visit London, including the ex-aircraft carrier, HMS Illustrious, and there will be an aircraft flypast over London.

The agenda is:

Tuesday (7th May)



HMS Blyth arrives and moors next to St Katherine’s Dock (noon-1pm)

HMS Edinburgh passes through Tower Bridge and moors up next to HMS Belfast (1-2pm).

Wednesday (8th May)

HMS Illustrious arrives in Greenwich (12:30pm)

Royal Navy Parade from St Paul’s Cathedral to Mansion House (6pm)

Thursday (9th May)

Fleet Air Arm flypast over Greenwich (7pm) Warning – not on main website, but still on secondary page, might be a mistake as main page lists Saturday.



Friday (10th May)

Ship’s company at Tower of London for Ceremony of the Dues (12:15pm) This is visible to the public who are inside the Tower.



Saturday (11th May)

HMS Illustrious Open to Visitors at Greenwich (10am-2pm) Likely queuing by the Greenwich visitor centre — arrive early! Also, I see this so often at these things – it’s an aircraft carrier, its not really suitable for prams.

Merchant Navy Memorial Service at Trinity Gardens (1pm)

HMS President and HMS Blyth — both at Wapping will be open to the public (10-2pm)

Fleet Air Arm flypast over Greenwich (7pm)

Sunday (12th May)

HMS Illustrious Open to Visitors at Greenwich (10.30am-2pm)

HMS President and HMS Blyth — both at Wapping will be open to the public (10-2pm)

Monday (13th May)