I am indebted to Terry Grace who has conducted some interesting research into HMS Coltsfoot and Amesbury.

Terry writes: “In a corner of the Amesbury History Centre lies a somewhat forgotten and dusty plaque commemorating the adoption in 1942 of HMS Coltsfoot by the town of Amesbury. This plaque was shown to me shortly after my becoming a volunteer at the centre and the plaque is of ornate cast iron on an oak shield.”

Terry then provided this brief history: “In 1942 the government introduced a British National savings campaign in the form of ‘Warship Weeks’. Communities throughout the country were encouraged to raise enough savings to adopt a Royal Navy ship. Whilst larger cities would adopt larger battleships, the smaller communities would be asked to contribute towards smaller vessels. In addition to the important money raising, there was a social aspect where Women’s Institutes, churches and schools would provide knitwear for the crews of the vessels, and there was also correspondence between the communities and the crew. The crew would on occasion visit the towns which would be celebrated by parades.”

“There was a patriotic rivalry between the communities, and Amesbury like most other small rural towns was keen to do its bit, and a target of £55,000 was set. Terry continued, “Amesbury’s particular warship week was February 21st – 28th and a host of events took place including military processions, concerts, boxing displays, dances and football matches.”

Amesbury eventually reached its target resulting in this Salisbury Journal headline: Congratulations to Amesbury – telegram from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

“Amesbury adopted HMS Coltsfoot,” said Terry, “she was involved in the protection of the Malta supply; this was known as Operation Pedestal. At that time Malta was a base for British ships and was regularly attacked by submarines and aircraft. The association of HMS Coltsfoot with Amesbury is also remembered in the name of a residential road known as Coltsfoot Close.”