Date published: 2024-05-02 | Category: Bath, Communities and volunteering, Delivering for local residents, Heritage
A bell mounted on two historic brass dolphins from the sloop of war HMS Dolphin 1882 has been officially unveiled at the Guildhall in Bath to mark the city’s long relationship with the Royal Navy.
For many years the Dolphin Bell was the mascot of Bath’s White Ensign Old Comrades Association, formed in 1932, but was passed to the Bath Submariners Group in recent years.
The two dolphin mounts were presented to the White Ensign Association in 1941 by David Luce, whose father John Luce had commanded HMS Dolphin as a sail training brig at the Coronation Naval Review in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII.
The bell is now on permanent display at the Guildhall and commemorates not only the City of Bath’s long-standing relationship with the Royal Navy, but also the granting of the Freedom of the City to the Royal Navy 25 years ago. Its full history is displayed alongside the bell.
It was unveiled by Commodore Andrew McFarlane OBE, the president of the Bath Submariners Group, and Councillor Kevin Guy, Council Leader.
Commodore Andrew McFarlane OBE said: “We are thrilled that the council has agreed to display this historical mascot in the Guildhall, as a reminder of both the history and the enduring friendship between the Royal Navy, including the Submarine Service, and the people of Bath. We hope that many people will be able to see it and read its fascinating history.”
Councillor Kevin Guy said: “This remarkable mascot is an important tribute to the naval community and the Royal Navy’s connection to our wonderful city. As a former member of the Royal Navy this continued connection with the senior service and Bath is something I am personally very proud of. I am therefore delighted that the Dolphin Bell has a permanent home in the Guildhall where residents and visitors can learn from and enjoy it.”
The Bath Submariners Group is an active association for serving and retired submariners in the Bath area, linked to the Submarine Family.
ENDS
Photo L-R (front): Councillor Kevin Guy and Andrew McFarlane OBE, President of Bath Submariners Group, with members of the Submariners Group and the Bath White Ensign Association