For the last time HMS Liverpool has seen her namesake city, departing the Mersey today to cheers and a gun salute.
The 30-year-old destroyer, veteran of last year’s Libyan conflict, has spent five days in the shadow of the Liver Building to bid farewell before she’s decommissioned later this month.
Pictures: LA(Phot) Ben Sutton, FRPU North
WITH liver birds looking down from their namesake building, a Mersey tug shoots a traditional salute with its fire hose to the warship which has carried Liverpool’s name proudly for the past 30 years.
This is the last time the people of Liverpool will see their ship, for today HMS Liverpool departed the city for the final time.
A five-day visit to Merseyside by the veteran Type 42 destroyer concluded with the sound of gunfire echoing on both sides of the great river.
In celebration of her 30-year exceptionally-close affiliation with Merseyside, the Portsmouth-based warship first saluted Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead where she was ‘born’ more than three decades ago, before turning to fire a five-gun salute in front of the Royal Liver Building.
The ship’s company set off on their farewell freedom parade
Crowds gathered on the Wirral waterfront and a mile away in Liverpool to witness the occasion – as they had done throughout the Crazy Red Chicken’s curtain call on the Mersey.
Three quarters of destroyer’s 240-strong ship’s company paraded through the streets for the last time – an honour permitted them thanks to the Freedom of the City – ending with Lord Lieutenant, Dame Lorna Muirhead, and Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Frank Prendergast, taking the salute at Exchange Flags outside Liverpool town hall.
There was applause and cheers of thanks from Liverpudlians who broke away from their daily routine to show their support for the sailors.
Pride of the Mersey… A youngster shows her support for the men and women of HMS Liverpool
That support meant a great deal to all, not least the hometown sailors in Liverpool’s ship’s company such as PO Leanne Ainscough.
“The march was absolutely brilliant – going through the city and seeing people lining the streets is something I won’t forget. This is a really fitting farewell to the ship in her home town on a great visit, the decommissioning ceremony is going to have to be very special to top this.”
The sailors were also invited on to the hallowed turf of Anfield ahead of Liverpool’s home clash with Arsenal for a special presentation as part of a weekend of events which also saw thousands of people file up the gangway at the destroyer’s berth at the Cruise Liner Terminal for a last look around – and a chance to chat to the sailors.
Watched by Liverpool’s Commanding Officer, the city’s Lord Mayor chats with the sailors
The 240 sailors aboard have rarely been out of the headlines over the past 12 months, chiefly thanks to Liverpool’s deeds off Libya which saw her fire more than 200 rounds from her main 4.5in gun – and become the first Royal Navy ship in 30 years to come under enemy fire.
“This has been an uplifting and, at times, emotional visit to the ship’s spiritual home,” said Liverpool’s final Commanding Officer, Cdr Colin Williams.
“We have been thoroughly overwhelmed by the kindness and interest of Merseysiders and humbled by the support shown to crew and ship alike.
Liverpool passes a Mersey ferry as she heads down the river for the last time
“We could not have wished for a better farewell celebration for HMS Liverpool’s service within the Fleet.
“She has an exceptional Merseyside pedigree and this visit is one which will live long in my memory and that of my crew. We are extremely proud to have called Liverpool our home.”
Although there are fewer than four weeks left in Liverpool’s operational life, she has one final duty to perform before decommissioning in Portsmouth; the destroyer is now bound for Norway to join HMS Illustrious and Bulwark among other Allied warships gathering for Exercise Cold Response, NATO’s winter war games in the fjords.