October 15, 2014



The last remaining British survivor of the First World War, and of the Battle of Jutland still afloat, is looking at a future as a floating museum.

HMS Caroline, a decommissioned C-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy, will be transformed into a visitor attraction in time for centenary commemorations of the 1916 Battle of Jutland off the coast of Denmark.

A total of £12 million, provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will be invested in converting operations.

BBC News quoted Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster as saying: “Today’s funding announcement is great news and the restored ship will be a tremendous asset for Belfast and will complement the existing tourist attractions in Titanic Quarter to give more for visitors to see and do.”

HMS Caroline was built in 1914 in Birkenhead and at the time was one of the fastest warships with a speed of up to 30 knots.

The vessel has been resting at Alexandra Dock in Belfast since 1923, where it was mostly used as a drill ship for the Royal Naval Reserve up until 2011.

Image: geograph.org.uk

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