The Windrush Anchor Memorial Foundation has launched a £2 million appeal on Windrush Day to recover the anchor of the HMT Empire Windrush from the Mediterranean seabed. The ship, which carried over 1,000 passengers from Jamaica to Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948, sank off the coast of Algeria in 1954 after an engine explosion killed four crew members.
Campaign Aims to Preserve Legacy of Windrush Generation
The foundation's campaign seeks to raise funds for the anchor recovery operation, conservation, installation of a memorial, and educational programmes. Sir Patrick Vernon, Chair of the Windrush Anchor Memorial Foundation, said: "The anchor represents far more than a maritime artefact — it symbolises courage, hope, resilience and the contribution of the Windrush Generation to modern Britain."
Marie van der Zyl OBE, vice chair of the foundation and former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, added: "The story of Windrush is a remarkable one to understand the cultural make-up of the UK, and we also need to understand the story of the ship pre-Windrush. This campaign aims to remember everyone involved in the ship's history."
Ship's Complicated History
Built as the Monte Rosa in Germany in 1930, the ship was requisitioned by the German Navy during World War Two. In November 1942, it was used by the Nazis to transport 46 Norwegian Jews from Oslo to Denmark, from where they were sent to Auschwitz. After the war, the ship was seized by the British and renamed HMT Empire Windrush.
On its famous 1948 voyage, the ship carried passengers from Jamaica who came to help rebuild Britain after the war, becoming known as the Windrush Generation. The ship later served as a troop carrier during the Korean War before its fatal engine explosion in 1954. All 1,494 passengers were rescued, but Royal Navy attempts to tow the ship failed.
Educational and Community Programmes
Donations are being collected via a GoFundMe page. A replica anchor is planned for outreach events, exhibitions, and school engagements across the UK. The Windrush Board Game, priced at £23.37, is being relaunched for Windrush Day, with 22% of proceeds after 22 June donated to the anchor project. Sir Patrick Vernon said: "Through this memorial and education programme, we want future generations to better understand the legacy of Windrush and the communities that helped shape contemporary British society."
