A replica of a submarine adopted by Spalding residents after they raised the equivalent of £15.2m in a week during World War II is to go on display in Ayscoughfee Hall.
In 1941 Spaldonians officially adopted HMS Taku, a British T-Class submarine, after raising £350,000 for it, enough to build a whole new submarine.
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 in Spalding’s town centre.
After serving in the Mediterranean and off the Scandinavian coast it was retired after the war.
The replica is owned by the Spalding branch of the Royal Naval Association and has been on display at South Holland District Council’s offices in Priory Road.
Last week though it was presented to Ayscoughfee Hall for display in the museum there.
Coun 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.”
