A model of HMS Taku, a British T Class Submarine, has been presented to Ayscoughfee Hall by the Spalding Branch of the Royal Naval Association.
The model was previously on loan to South Holland District Council and was on display in the Priory Road offices.
On Wednesday 21 May, the model was moved from the council offices to Ayscoughfee Hall, which will become its permanent home.
The submarine was launched on May 20, 1939, a few months prior to the start of the Second World War. HMS Taku saw action during the war, in British waters and the Mediterranean, until it was heavily damaged in 1944 when it was struck by a mine. She returned to active service a few months later and was retired in June 1945.
While in the Mediterranean Sea, the submarine damaged and sunk several Italian and German vessels.
In 1941, it was involved in a wartime campaign where towns and villages were invited to adopt a warship, Spitfire, tank or other vessels to support the war effort. In one week, the people of Spalding raised over £350,000, the equivalent today of raising around £15 million.
This amount funded the building of a new submarine, and as a result Spalding officially ‘adopted’ HMS Taku.
In June 1942, some of the crew visited Spalding and stayed with local families. There were many local events to celebrate the link, and today that continues through Taku Footbridge – the bridge over the River Welland next to High Bridge in Spalding’s Town Centre.
Councillor Elizabeth Sneath, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, conservation and heritage, said: “It has been an honour to have the model of HMS Taku at our offices in Spalding.
“The submarine is an important part of Spalding’s history and that of the nation, having played a role in the Allied victory during the Second World War. HMS Taku continues to have local significance, having lent its name to one of the many footbridges over the River Welland.
“I am certain that the model will be received very positively by the people of Spalding, and those from further afield, at its new location within Ayscoughfee Hall Museum.”
