1938-1954: The Greenhithe Years

 

 Cutty Sark alongside HMS Worcester, Greenhithe, around 1938

In 1938, Cutty Sark arrived in Greenhithe, Kent, as an auxiliary vessel for the cadet training ship HMS Worcester.  The ship continued her role in training officers for service in the Royal and Merchant Navies, which was soon to be vital with the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. 

In her early days at Kent, the ship was regularly used for sail-training drill and was lovingly maintained by cadets who were inspired by the ship’s record-breaking history.  However, by the early 1950s, the College acquired a newer training vessel and were unwilling to keep Cutty Sark.  A new home had to be found.

In 1951, the ship was sent to London, to be moored in the Thames as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations.  Returning to Greenhithe, it was not long before her plight became noticed by those determined to save her from the scrap-yard.

The Cutty Sark Society was formed by Frank Carr, Director of the National Maritime Museum, and patronised by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.  In a special ceremony, just before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip took possession of Cutty Sark on behalf of the the society.