Our proud naval history can unite a divided nation

British maritime preeminence enabled a small, weak offshore island to develop into the world’s greatest power and enhance the wealth and security of not just our population but of the entire planet. Our position today as the fifth richest nation, permanent member of the UN Security Council, focus for global shipping and scientific excellence is down to our maritime history.

It is therefore surprising how patchy is the nation’s willingness to preserve key ships that were part of that heritage.

This week, the Telegraph highlighted the sad state of the RRS Discovery, which was used by Scott and Shackleton on their first trip to Antarctica – now rotting at her berth in Dundee. She is a physical reminder of the amazing scientific work carried out in the Arctic and Antarctica.

We led the world in this regard, as we did in global oceanography, hydrography and other scientific studies, most of it used for the general good of mankind. Ships such as this must be properly looked after so that future generations can see a physical manifestation of what our nation has achieved.

It is not all bad news. The Cutty Sark, a nineteenth century tea clipper exemplifying the importance of global trade, has been wonderfully restored and is being looked after by Royal Museums Greenwich. The SS Great Britain, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel – restored and cared for in Bristol – was the first iron and screw driven ship, setting the pattern for vessels that remain the sinews of our global village.

But the ambivalence by some of those in power to this heritage is exemplified by Nelson’s iconic flagship HMS Victory in Portsmouth dockyard. The victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 ensured Royal Naval dominance of the oceans for the next hundred years. One consequence was the Royal Navy’s suppression of the abhorrent slave trade

– at a time when most nations in the world, including France, still tolerated it.

Losing many sailors in its fight against human trafficking, the Royal Navy, and modern Britain, should be proud of what we achieved, and at a time when British history seems to be constantly on trial HMS Victory is a tangible example of something we unquestionably did right. It should be a proud rallying point for the nation.

Her future is now secure thanks to a major refurbishment, but she was only saved because of a large donation from Sir Don Gosling. The Government was thinking of selling her to Disney!

We must, of course, be selective with what we try to preserve and sentimentality must not rule our heads, but some ships stand out.

The ex-Thames paddle steamer Medway Queen, lying at Chatham, rescued over 7000 men from Dunkirk in 1940, and is being revived by a band of enthusiasts – a reminder of the “miracle” of the wartime operation that is so essential to our identity.

Then there is the exlightship Juno lying on the mud at Neath in South Wales – an unlikely candidate for preservation at first sight, but she is the only remaining example of the large array of navigational aids that were so crucial to much of the shipping getting to France for D-day.

This craft was the last friendly thing seen by our troops as they passed safely through the minefield and landed on “Juno” beach. Now slowly rotting, she could easily be saved – and she should be.