Doncaster and the HMS Lightning

Doncaster Chronicle March 12 1942.

In March 1942, the pages of the local Doncaster newspapers were full of articles about ‘Warships Week’. This national savings scheme encouraged areas to connect with the Naval fleet through an ‘adoption’ scheme. Doncaster, Adwick, Bentley and Tickhill banded together to fundraise and adopt the destroyer HMS Lightning, with a target set of £700,000.  

The people of Doncaster and the other participating districts took to the savings targets and sprung into action. Street groups pushed the savings scheme and there was a bit of local rivalry motivating local people – Doncaster wanted to beat Barnsley! Inspections, salutes, processions, services and talks were held, including an appearance from the famous actress Evelyn Laye! The £700,000 target amounted to around £6 per head of the population of the areas involved in the campaign. Eventually Doncaster not only hit but exceeded that target, raising over £140,000 on top. 

Doncaster Chronicle March 12 1942

Doncaster commemorated the adoption of HMS Lightning with the exchange of plaques at a special event in Doncaster Market Place in October 1942.

“[HMS Lightning] is a very good buy.. You ought to be just as proud of this ship as I am, and believe me, I am extremely proud of it..”

Commander Walter of HMS Lightning speaking at the plaque ceremony
After the plaque ceremony. Lieutenant E Parrish (C.O. Doncaster Sea Cadets), Commander C. C. Vacher representative of the Board of the Admiralty), the Mayoress, the Mayor (with the Lightning plaque), Commander H. G. Walters (with the Doncaster plaque) Mr J Dill (with the Adwick plaque) and Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Spence Lyne.
Doncaster Chronicle October 22 1942

A year later, news of HMS Lightning filled the pages of Doncaster newspapers again. This time for a more tragic reason. HMS Lightning was sunk by the German fleet in the Mediterranean on 12 March 1943.

The connection between Doncaster and HMS Lightning did not cease with its sinking. The plaque remained in place at Doncaster Mansion House. On Friday 12 March 1993 a commemoration event at the Mansion House marked the 50th anniversary of the sinking. Doncaster played host to survivors of the sinking who came from all over the country to attend.

HMS Lightning plaque, courtesy of Friends of Doncaster Mansion House

Thank you to the Friends of Doncaster Mansion House for their assistance.

All newspaper images from City of Doncaster Archives.