Model of World War II Submarine HMS Upholder (phosphor bronze/gold plate)

The first model of HMS Upholder is in phosphor bronze and gold plate and is set on a green slate plinth.  On the plinth are fixed a silver gilt and enamel coat of arms of the worshipful company of Upholders and a gilt and enamel badge of the submariners.  There are also two gilt plaques on the plinth.  The first is inscribed:  “HM SUBMARINE UPHOLDER lost in action 14 April 1942 Lt. Comm. MD Wanklyn RN VC DSO (2 bars).  The most successful British Submarine World War II.  Crew awards: 1 VC, 3 DSO, 2 DSC, 7 DSM, 11 Mentions in Despatches.”  The second is inscribed: “Presented to the Worshipful Company of Upholders on the fiftieth anniversary of her commissioning on 8 July 1940 by Alan C Fowler (Master, 1978/9) and Alan V Kinsey (Senior Warden, 1990/1).  Model maker:  John E Shrubsole (RN retired)”.

 The Upholders' Company established a link with the first HMS Upholder during the Second World War, sending the ship's company books, food parcels and many other comforts.  Following her launch on 8 July 1940, HMS Upholder had a short but illustrious career.  Under the command of Lieutenant Commander M D Wanklyn RN, she completed 24 patrols before being lost with all hands in April 1942.  During her 16 months of service with the 10th Submarine Flotilla, HMS Upholder sank or damaged 22 enemy ships, including three U-boats (sunk), two destroyers (one sunk one damaged) and one cruiser (damaged).  She also damaged or sunk 119,000 tons of enemy supply ships.

Model of World War II Submarine HMS Upholder (silver)

A second submarine named Upholder was launched on 2 December 1986 and commissioned on 9 June 1990.   The Company immediately adopted the new HMS Upholder and presented her Captain, Lieutenant Commander GAR McCready MBE RN, with this silver model of the first HMS Upholder.  It was displayed in the submarine's trophy cabinet until she was decommissioned at the end of April 1994, when it was returned to the Company.  The submarine now sails with the Royal Canadian Navy as “Chicoutimi”.