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HMS Grafton salute under the Orwell Bridge

Passing under the Orwell Bridge

On board HMS Grafton

By Graeme McLoughlin

In July 2005, HMS Grafton sailed into Ipswich for her "final" visit. But, like Status Quo, she's come back again and docked in Suffolk's county town in January 2006 for what we're assured is definitely her final farewell.

The eighth vessel to bear the Grafton name has been spending one more weekend at Ipswich Waterfront before she's decommissioned by the Royal Navy in the spring of 2006.

Commander Robert Bellfield. Pic:Royal Navy

The end of an era for the town's adopted warship is understandably an emotional occasion for its Commander, Robert Bellfield.听 He went to school at Farlingaye in Woodbridge and Framlingham College "When I joined the ship just over a year ago I was determined that the final act of Grafton's life would be a trip to Ipswich.听 That's now been achieved and it's a really special time for myself and for all of the crew on board."

It was a special time also for myself. New to Suffolk. New to the history of the Grafton.听 But it has quickly become clear to me that this is more than just a ship. This is a member of the family.听 And a popular one at that -听 that much was made apparent by the hundreds that gathered in groups along the banks of the River Orwell on Thursday afternoon to wave a fond farewell.听 I and other privileged guests had earlier set sail from Felixstowe on a smaller vessel, the St Nicholas, before catching up with the Grafton, en route from the London Boat Show.

HMS Grafton sails into Ipswich

Once the Type 23 frigate was in sight, it's safe to say we were all overawed by its size and presence. Who wouldn't be?听 Grafton stole the show in the capital, but it didn't stop there.听 Not one to bow out of Navy action quietly, the ship arrived at Ipswich waterfront to rapturous applause, followed around an hour later by some members of the crew who had decided to cycle the 85 miles from London to raise money for charity.

They eagerly boarded again for a final time - keen to walk the decks and see as much of their relative as possible before she embarks on another journey which will see the warship travel to South America as it's been adopted by the Chilean Navy.

But HMS Grafton won't be forgotten by her friends in Ipswich - she's leaving her ship's bell as a reminder.听听 The name will also be adopted by Ipswich Borough Council, which is to call its new headquarters Grafton House.

last updated: 26/11/2008 at 14:32
created: 20/01/2006

Have Your Say

Luke
Just thought I'd say, apparently, when a ship gets decommissioned, the bell goes to the first child christened aboard her. I was the first child christened aboard HMS Grafton, So does that make me entitled to the ships bell?

eleanor
daddy looks great in the pictures!It's my daddy!I was in the small boat @ the back.

Goldie
It is sad to see the ship go she had many years to go

Gaffa
What a Kool Ship Been on twice was good too see it on the waterfront will be sadly missed!

?
The captin is mt Daddy!

JOHN RICHARDSON
I was lucky enough to serve in GRAFTON and although at times thought of being a million miles away from her, now she has gone its very sad. She was and always will be part of me.

John Dent ex RN
It is pathetic, one of the reasons for the Grafton being sold was ,I understand, because it was going to need a refit, so why refit it before it is sold? and I suspect we will have to train the Chilliens to use it also. Blair its time you went and take all the others with you.

Tommo
Yet another nail in the coffin for our Royal Navy, when will this stupid government realise we need stronger armed forces ,losing an asset like this is a blow to the moral of our servicemen and women,blair will be happy when we have nothing to defend ourselves with ,and our once proud country is completely overrun....

Lynne, 麻豆社 Suffolk website
Hi Mark, HMS Grafton was moored at Cliff Quay. That area is not accessible to the public - you would only have been able to see her from a distance. On previous occasions, when they arranged visits for members of the public, special buses were laid on from Suffolk College car park to the ship. Hopefully you will enjoy the pictures in our various Grafton galleries.

Mark Sones
I was disappointed again - but it's my own fault. On the last 2 times Grafton has visited Ipswich, I have attempted to find the ship to no avail. I know the ships was not open to visitors this time, but I would still like to have seen her from a distance. Just so that I know, and to reclaim my sanity, can someone describe where she was moored, and how to access that area?

Gilly
sad to see the grafton go, but after the norfolk (who was first of the class) it was inevitable. norfolk stopped off at ipswich also as we couldnt get into norfolk itself, and the people of suffolk made us very welcome, even as much as to give us a civic reception. hoorah for the RN, good luck to Jack !

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