St. George's Chapel. Sheffield Cathedral
Just inside Sheffield Cathedral is a small chapel called St Georges Chapel which commemorates the York and Lancashire Regiment. When the Regiment disbanded there was a fence built out of their swords and bayonets meant as a symbol of peace.
This chapel holds the ensign from HMS Sheffield which was raised when the ship was in battle. There is also a plaque on the wall which was fixed to the ship. Next to the font there is a brass plaque off the ship and also the ships bell. The brass plaque which is built into the floor was fixed to the side of the ship and the reason why the bell is next to the font is because years ago when people went off on their long sea voyages, if for example, a child became ill, they used to turn the ships bell upside down and baptise the baby before it died. Also included someone who served on HMS Sheffield during WW2
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H.M.S. Sheffield was launched by H.R.H. Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent on 23rd July, 1936. She was the first ship of the Royal Navy to bear the name of the City whose industries contributed much to her building by Vickers of Newcastle. A close link existed between the city and the ship.
The ship, a cruiser of the 'Southampton' class with a main armament of twelve six inch guns was first commissioned in August, 1937.
Her Battle Honours during the Second World War were:
- 1940: Norway and Spartivento
- 1941:'Bismarck'. Mediterranean, Malta Convoys
- 1941-43: Atlantic, Arctic
- 1942: North Africa, Barents Sea
- 1943: Biscay, Salerno, North Cape
The silk white Ensign and Union flag were flown on ceremonial occasions and the ensign which was made and presented by the ladies of Sheffield, was flown at the peak as the Battle Ensign whenever the ship was in action against the enemy.
When H.M.S.Sheffield went out of active commission these flags were presented to the City of Sheffield and were received by the Provost at a Ceremonial Service on 23rd June, 1963 for safe keeping in Sheffield Cathedral.
Probably escorting an Arctic convoy to Russia
Russian Convoy
Americans taking passage to Algiers
More Information about Sheffield Cathedral
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