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Memorial
Chapel
The St
Nicholas Memorial Chapel at Fort Blockhouse
Fort Blockhouse, also known as HMS Dolphin until its decommissioning in 1998, had been home to the Submarine Service for almost a century. The memorial chapel was built in 1917 on the North Bastion to commemorate all the submariners lost in World War I. It is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors.
The chapel in earlier days 
The door is dedicated to Admiral Sir Claud Barrington Barry KBE, CB, DSO, Flag Officer Submarines 1942-1944. It was placed there by those who worked for him during the war.
The chapel as it looks today, beautifully decorated. There are stain-glass windows in memory of Lieut FRC Talbot (HMS Thames), Lieut EB Talbot (HMS Snapper) - the sons of Vice Admiral Sir Cecil Talbot, the first submariner to win the DSO whilst in command of HMS E6, Lieut Adlard (HMS Unique), Lieut-Cmdr Edward Philip Tomkinson DSO* and the officers and men of HMS Urge, Lieut-Cmdr John Hay Forbes DSO and the officers and men of HMS Spearfish.
Prayer books and kneelers have been presented by families in memory of their loved ones.
It is home to the Book Of Remembrance, which lists the name of every submariner lost since 1904. The memorial chapel is now under the custodianship of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. It is available to visit by appointment only. If you wish to do so then please contact Alexandra Geary, the Keeper of Artefacts, on 02392 510354 ext 227 or email artefacts@rnsubmus.co.uk. Please note that it is only possible to view the chapel during the working hours of 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Visits must be booked in advance as Fort Blockhouse remains a working military base, so visitor's details must be registered in advance. |
