A Bridgnorth resident has started a campaign urging the Ministry of Defence to name one of the Royal Navy's new warships HMS Shropshire, honouring the historic cruiser that saw action in World War II.
Campaign Background
John Hill, a 67-year-old retired engineer from Bridgnorth, launched the petition after learning that the MOD is planning to build a new class of frigates. He believes naming one after Shropshire would be a fitting tribute to the county's military heritage and the original HMS Shropshire, which served with distinction.
The original HMS Shropshire was a County-class heavy cruiser commissioned in 1929. During World War II, it served in the Mediterranean and Pacific theatres, including the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The ship was transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1943 and renamed HMAS Shropshire.
Petition Details
Hill's petition on the UK Parliament petitions website has gathered over 1,200 signatures so far. He is calling on the government to consider naming one of the new Type 26 or Type 31 frigates after the county. The MOD has not yet responded to the petition, but a spokesperson said that ship names are chosen with careful consideration of historical and regional ties.
“I think it’s a shame that Shropshire hasn’t had a warship named after it for so long,” Hill said. “The old HMS Shropshire had a proud history, and it would be wonderful to see that name back in the Royal Navy.”
Historical Significance
The original HMS Shropshire was built by William Beardmore and Company in Glasgow and launched in 1928. It was armed with eight 8-inch guns and had a complement of over 700 officers and men. After the war, HMAS Shropshire was decommissioned in 1949 and sold for scrap in 1954.
Shropshire has also been associated with other military units, including the Shropshire Yeomanry and the King's Shropshire Light Infantry. A new warship bearing the county's name would continue this tradition.
Public Reaction
The campaign has received support from local politicians and veterans. Shropshire Council has expressed interest in the idea, and some residents have taken to social media to back the petition. However, some critics argue that the MOD should focus on other priorities, such as defence spending and equipment.
Hill remains optimistic. “I think it’s a great way to honour our county and the people who served on the old ship. I hope the MOD will listen to the people of Shropshire.”
The petition will remain open for six months, and Hill plans to submit it to the House of Commons Petitions Committee if it reaches 10,000 signatures.
