Veterans present model of HMS Taku to Spalding museum

Veterans have presented a model of a Second World War submarine which has a close association to South Holland to the area’s museum.

Members of the Spalding Branch of the Royal Naval Association have handed over the model of HMS Taku to its new home at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum in Spalding after previously being on display at the South Holland District Council offices.

The British T Class Submarine was officially adopted by the people of South Holland after the area raised £350,000 - the equivalent of raising around £15 million today - in one week after the launch of a wartime fundraising campaign.

Coun Elizabeth Sneath, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage, said: “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.”

HMS Taku was launched on May 20, 1939, - just a few months before the Second World War broke out - and sunk several Italian and German vessels during its career.

The people of Spalding officially adopted the submarine following the fundraising campaign in 1941 and some of the crew members came to visit the town in June 1942.

The submarine was heavily damaged in 1944 after it was struck by a mine but was brought back into service a few months later. It was finally retired in June 1945.