Threads of Remembrance – Poppy Making
08 May - 31 Aug 2025
Create a poppy and be part of a moving tribute to those who served and sacrificed
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we are joining forces with Nucleus Arts to create a striking installation of 11,000 handcrafted poppies.
Threads of Remembrance will be displayed at the National Destroyer Memorial here at The Historic Dockyard Chatham during Salute to the ’40s (20 & 21 September 2025), and will remain on display until Armistice Day, honouring those who served and sacrificed during the War.
Poppies need to be handmade and can be:
- Knitted
- Crocheted
- Felt
- Sewn
The primary poppy colour is red, but we would also welcome purple (animals), white (peace), and black (BAME).
The project is kindly supported by Medway Council.
All poppies need to be with The Historic Dockyard by 31 August 2025.
Tutorial Video
Follow along with Vanessa from Nucleus Arts and learn how to create a simple knitted poppy.
Drop off locations
Drop your completed poppies off at:
- The Historic Dockyard Chatham Shop and The Ropery Shop
- Nucleus Arts (272 High Street Chatham)
- Any Medway library
We kindly ask for all poppies to be dropped off by 31 August 2025 to be part of the Threads of Remembrance installation.
The National Destroyer Memorial and the Role of Destroyers in the Second World War
HMS CAVALIER and Destroyers in the Second World War
Destroyers were essential to the war at sea, escorting convoys, protecting fleets and engaging in anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare. They played a crucial role in naval operations, making them prime targets for enemy aircraft and submarines, often sustaining heavy casualties.
HMS CAVALIER was one of 96 emergency destroyers ordered between 1940 and 1942. She joined the 6th Destroyer Flotilla and helped escort Arctic Convoys and defend troop ships in the Western Approaches, earning a Battle Honour for her service.
National Destroyer Memorial
HMS CAVALIER is the last surviving Royal Navy destroyer of the Second World War. Today she stands as a national memorial to the 142 destroyers lost and the 11,000 men who gave their lives in service.
Beside her stands a bronze sculpture and Roll of Honour paying tribute to these ships and their crews.
The Fastest Ship in the Fleet
Following a challenge set in 1970, a race was arranged between HMS CAVALIER and the frigate HMS RAPID to decide which ship was faster. Though both were aging by Royal Navy standards, they remained among its fastest vessels.
The race took place on 6 July 1971, with a national newspaper donating a trophy for the ‘Fastest Ship in the Fleet.’ After two hours neck and neck, RAPID lifted a safety valve giving CAVALIER a narrow win by just 30 yards, over a 64 mile course. Her average speed was an impressive 31.8 knots, which few modern ships could achieve.
Since then, CAVALIER has affectionately been known as ‘The Fastest of the Greyhounds.’
Life After the War
HMS CAVALIER served well beyond the Second World War, taking part in early nuclear tests in the Pacific and supporting Britain’s post-war decolonisation efforts. After a record 27 years of service, she was decommissioned in July 1972.
Rescued from scrapping in 1977 by devoted organisations, she found a permanent home in Chatham in 1999. Today she is one of the Historic Dockyard’s most popular attractions, continuing to inspire, just as she did 80 years ago.
