SS Canberra — A Gift of Maritime Heritage

Pictured above, from left to right: Andy Williams, Mark Field, Lionel Gresham, Andy Jackson MBE and Peter Mawer.

Artwork with a special connection to the Falklands Conflict has been donated to the Victory Services Club by the Royal Marines Association Portsmouth.

The print originally belonged to Peter Mawer, who sailed to the Falklands aboard SS Canberra in 1982 and returned with 3 Commando Brigade. More recently, Peter donated the artwork to a Royal Navy and Royal Marines children’s charity event organised by Andy Jackson MBE, where it was acquired at auction by Lionel Gresham.

Having stayed regularly at the VSC over the years, Lionel has always been impressed by the remarkable collection of military artwork and photographs displayed throughout the Club. So it seemed only fitting that a print with such a strong connection to the Royal Marines, and one of the most significant chapters in recent British military history, should join that collection.

Together with the Royal Marines Association Portsmouth, Lionel was therefore delighted to formally present the artwork to General Manager, Mark Field, at the VSC, where it can be enjoyed by serving personnel, veterans, members and visitors for many years to come.

The SS Canberra and the Falklands

Requisitioned by the British Government in April 1982, the passenger liner SS Canberra was rapidly converted into a troopship and sailed south as part of the British Task Force. Nicknamed the “Great White Whale” because of her distinctive white hull, Canberra carried thousands of troops to the South Atlantic and played an important role in the landings at San Carlos Water on 21st May 1982.

Following the Argentine surrender on 14th June 1982, Canberra was used to transport Argentine prisoners of war before embarking British forces for the journey home. Her return to Southampton in July 1982 became one of the enduring images associated with the homecoming of British forces from the Falklands.

The donation to the VSC ensures that this print – and the remarkable personal story that accompanies it – will remain a lasting reminder of SS Canberra and all those who served during the Falklands Conflict.