Short Summary
HMS M.33 is a unique survivor. Launched in May 1915
this vessel is the sole remaining British veteran of that year’s bloody
Gallipoli Campaign, and also of the Russian Civil War which followed. Only
three British warships from the First World War still exist and HMS M.33 will
be the only one open to the public on August 6th, in time for the Gallipoli
centenary.
In order to avoid such an important ship to be
forgotten, a project dedicated in bringing M33 to life in under way. The main
objectives are to conserve and repair, so that this amazing vessel can be
appreciated and understood by future generations.
The ship will be made physically and intellectually
accessible. New interpretation and activities will engage people of all ages
and backgrounds with M33’s history, the stories of the men who served on board,
and the history of Gallipoli – one of the key campaigns of the Great War.
What We Need
We are planning to raise the symbolic amount of
£19,150 - 1915 being the year HMS M.33 was built and launched. This represents
just under 10% of the remaining amount, £250,000 to be raised by the Museum for
the completion of the fundraising campaign.
The pledge will contribute to the restoration work
and creating the amazing M33 interactive experience which will take you in time
to the WW1 reality and connect you will the stories of the past.
What You Get
·
£5 x 100 - E-Certificate acknowledging your
donation
·
£10 x 40 - Social media shout-out (specially
designed graphic) plus an e-Certificate
·
£25 x 110 - Entry tickets to M33 (single attraction
tickets) plus an e-Certificate
·
£100 x 50 - Unique limited-edition specially
designed postcard of M33 by a Portsmouth-based photographer and entry tickets
to M33 plus an e-Certificate
·
£500 x 4 (each perk for two people) - Exclusive
preview of the Gallipoli Exhibition with a curator talk and entry tickets to
M33 (adult all attraction ticket)
·
£1000 x 3 (each perk for two people) - Private tour
of M33 with a curator after the ship has been opened to the public and
exclusive preview of the Gallipoli Exhibition with a talk. Refreshments
available.
·
£3000 x 2 (each perk for two people) - VIP Private
behind the scene tour of the M33 with a dedicated curator and exclusive
preview of the Gallipoli Exhibition with a talk. Refreshments available.
Most importantly though, you have the unique
opportunity to contribute to saving a fantastic piece of our naval heritage
that will be open to visitors for many, many years. HMS M.33 is a little
ship with a big history and the beauty of this campaign is that you
don’t need to contribute large amounts to ensure she is safe for the future.
The Impact
‘Commemorating Gallipoli – the HMS
M.33 Project’
HMS M.33 was designed as a ‘Monitor’ of 568 tons, a
ship with a shallow draft allowing it to get close-in to shore and fire at
targets on land. The small ship carried two powerful and oversize 6” guns, but
was a basic metal box lacking in comforts. The 72 officers and men who sailed
for the Gallipoli Campaign were crammed inside and away from home for over 3
years.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) and
Hampshire County Council (HCC) have worked as partners to develop the £2.4m
project to conserve, restore and interpret M33 to the public in time
for her centenary. With a grant of £1.8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund
(HLF) the ship will be made physically and intellectually open to all for the
first time. The warship sits in No.1 Dock alongside HMS Victory in Portsmouth
Historic Dockyard, and uniquely visitors will start with a 6 metre descent into
the bottom of the dock before stepping aboard. New interpretation and
activities will bring alive HMS M.33’s history, the stories of the men who
served on board, and the bloody history of the Gallipoli
Campaign. The Campaign claimed over 100,000 lives of personnel from
all round the world, and the ship will be a focus for national commemorations
when she opens in August this year.
‘Commemorating Gallipoli – the HMS M.33 Project’ is
part of the NMRN’s wider ‘Great War At Sea 1914 – 1918’ programme to mark the
Royal Navy’s First World War. It will be accompanied by the special exhibition,
‘Gallipoli: Myth and Memory’ opening in March 2015.
Other Ways You Can Help
Spread the word!
Share our indiegogo page on your social media,
and tell your friends and family about our project.
There is a unique opportunity for volunteers to get
involved in all areas of the project, from Conservation, Exhibition and
Interpretation Research to Learning and Outreach.
To get involved or find out more about the
opportunities we have available contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Alice Roberts or call 023 9272 7591.
Thank You!
