The Service’s task as peacekeeper has been 100 years in the making - it celebrates its centennial in 2001. But its millennium role as the most powerful arm of the Royal Navy is a huge leap from its conception -when men serving in submarines were viewed as pirates, and submarining was considered ‘no occupation for a gentleman’.

The transition from pirate to peacekeeper has been driven by world events. The submarine has created the breed ‘submariners’ - with a language and culture all their own. Together man and machine have successfully risen to every challenge the modern world has thrown at them.

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum, a charitable trust, is charged with the task of protecting the heritage of this most silent service, its men and machines. It must mark the qualities of dedication, innovation and sacrifice, for they have become bywords for the submariner and have underpinned the world reputation of the Royal Navy.

With more than one million visitors, the Royal Navy Submarine Museum has grown in historical stature and relevance. It has a world class collection and has generated interest from submariners and their families, scholars, historians, schools and tourists - all of whom have come to experience first hand the exhibits the museum has to offer and sample life as a submariner over the last century.

A tour of HMS Alliance, a 1940’s A class submarine -a gem from her era -is enhanced by ex-submariner guides who breathe life into this historic "boat" for its visitors.

After 70 years on the sea bed the Royal Navy’s first ever submarine, HM Submarine Torpedo Boat No.1, a 1901 British Holland Class, was recovered and the Museum team set off on the long road to restoration. She is, in effect, the only surviving example of the ‘mother’ of all submarines.

The Museum also boasts the only remaining example of a 1943 British X Craft which saw service in WWII .

The collection, established in 1963, is home to a staggering 50,000 documents, 120,000 photographs, 2,000 books and 300 works of art together with 800 medals and 40,000 original ratings service cards. The collection grows on a daily basis and, with it, the importance of the museum.

A tour of HMS Alliance, a 1940’s A class submarine -a gem from her era -is enhanced by ex-submariner guides who breathe life into this historic "boat" for its visitors.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE - A MUSEUM IN MILLENIUM HEARTLAND

More than £80 million is to be invested in Portsmouth and Gosport and The Submarine Museum is located in a critical position in this investment - the southern book end to the much publicised Gosport Millennium Promenade - and as such is an essential destination for visitors to the region and the Millennium project.

Our vision for the museum is exciting, challenging -and achievable.

It is ambitious, for the stature of our plans must hold a mirror to the massive changes transforming the region into a high profile, prestigious tourist centre. We must ensure that the Submarine Museum plays its part - presenting the service in the light which it undoubtedly deserves.

The potential for the museum is extraordinary. But there can be no doubt that without the Centennial Appeal we cannot even begin to maximise this potential. We have the essentials firmly in place - a world class collection, a successful track record, a dedicated and enthusiastic professional team. But our facilities must be of the same quality as the content of the museum if we are to secure our vision.

So we have launched our Centennial Appeal to raise £1.5 million as matched funding for Heritage Lottery Fund support.

Funds raised from the Appeal will enable us to present the history of the Submarine Service in the way it deserves. The Museum will embark on an exciting programme of refurbishment and expansion.

The development will encompass all areas of the museum - its buildings, exhibitions, collection and research functions, its highly important memorial role and its education facilities.

Enhanced conservation and exhibition of the historic HM Torpedo Boat No 1 (Holland 1), the Royal Navy’s first submarine and the blueprint for all future submarines.

Enhanced access to, and conservation of, HMS Alliance, a World War II vintage submarine, the ‘tour de force’ of the Ministry of Defence’s collection and the museum’s star attraction.

Development of a new Historical and Memorial Wing.

The creation of two new galleries. One to improve the area in which we commemorate the men who lost their lives in the name of the service. The other to house the historic WWII mini-submarine X-24 (currently exposed to the elements) and to trace the history of the RN Submarine Service.

Development of the Submarine and Science Wing.

The refurbishment of the current Museum building, the enhancement of the present Modern Gallery, and the introduction of an educational gallery which deals with submarine technologies and its oceanographic environment. Together they will lead to a better understanding of many aspects of modern technology and the world’s oceans.

Development of a new Visual Art and Exhibition Wing. The creation of two new galleries. One to house large artefacts (currently in a temporary gallery) and the other to display the Museum’s significant collection of fine art. This gallery will also provide desperately needed temporary exhibition space.

Improvements to visitor services such as improved reception area, cinema, the restaurant, café and gift shop. Create facilities for visitors reflecting the quality of the Museum including a new building for a restaurant and gift shop overlooking the stunning views of Portsmouth Harbour and its yacht marinas, and enabling the Museum to maximise potential for corporate hospitality

a refurbishment of the former cafeteria building to enhance reception, ticketing and cinema facilities. It will also create room to put the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel, LR3, under cover.

Development of a Research and Archive Centre.

A new construction, built to the highest environmental standards, that will house the Museum’s growing written and photographic archive and replace an obsolete building. It will contain an auditorium and other educational facilities.

Remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, sustaining their dependants and those who have survived, is a vital part of the work of the Submarine Museum. The Submarine Memorial Fund, administered by the Royal Navy Benevolent Trust, stands to benefit from the Centennial Appeal in two ways: Firstly, the anticipated increase in visitor numbers, following completion of the project, will enable the Trustees of the Museum to enhance significantly their support to the Memorial Fund. Secondly, if the Centennial Appeal’s target is exceeded, all surplus donations will go directly to the Memorial Fund. Your donation and support will therefore assist the Trustees to help those who have already made their contribution.

My grateful thanks for your support.

Admiral Sir "Sandy" Woodward GBE KCB President of the Centennial Appeal Admiral Sir "Sandy" Woodward is a very distinguished submariner and former Flag Officer Submarines. He is, perhaps, most widely known for his achievements in command of the South Atlantic Task Group in the campaign to liberate the Falklands in 1982, for which he was knighted.