Replica ship honours Woodslee, Essex veteran

Essex County residents are paying tribute to those who served to protect their land and freedoms.

Debuted around Remembrance Day was a recently purchased, scale replica of the HMS Victory. The HMS Victory was launched by the British Government in 1765 and the 186 foot ship featured 104 canons and was remembered for the contributions and important role it played during the Napoleonic Wars and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The vessel was also used as a naval school in the early 1900’s and is still afloat in Portsmouth, England, as a museum. 

Chief Petty Officer Arthur Plant served on board the HMS Victory in England. Arthur was the son of Edwin and Elizabeth Plant, who lived in Woodslee. Returning home from the war, Arthur would live in Essex, where he became a lawyer.

 “We have Petty Officer, Arthur Plant’s complete collection of uniforms, his bootlocker, all of his personal items,” said Victoria Beaulieu, museum president.

“It’s one of our pride and joy collections, we do have. So, having the uniforms from the HMS victory from WWI, we felt it was really necessary that we buy a replica of the Victory.”

 

Beaulieau said the vessel shows the craftsmanship and puts into perspective how impressive the tall ship is and hopes that it is something people of all ages can appreciate. She thinks that it will be something special for the kids to see something like the scale replica up-close. 

Beaulieau said they hope to have a display case built for the scale replica to be on a full time display in the near future. She adds they are optimistic and hope to continue to grow the museum and honour those who have served and are serving