A First Sea Lord Sends Good Wishes for Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre's Forthcoming Erebus Exhibition

A modern-day maritime hero is thrilled to hear about the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre's plans to commemorate the launch of HMS Erebus from our dockyards two centuries ago.

Admiral Lord West has congratulated the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre on learning that they have secured funding for their forthcoming exhibition, “HMS Erebus: from dockyard to discovery”. 

He said:“I am delighted to send my warmest good wishes for the HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery exhibition. With strong family links to Pembroke Dock, it is wonderful to see this remarkable maritime story being celebrated and shared with new generations. I wish everyone involved every success with what promises to be a truly inspiring and fitting tribute.”

Admiral Lord West, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 2002 to 2006, has had a long and distinguished naval career. In 1982, aged 34, he was the commanding officer of the frigate Ardent when it was sunk by the Argentinians during the Falklands War. He was last to leave the sinking ship, earning him the Distinguished Service Cross. On retiring, Lord West advised UK governments on defence and foreign policy.

The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre’s forthcoming exhibition, named “HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery”, will mark the 200th anniversary of the launch of HMS Erebus, built and launched in the Royal Dockyard on 7th June 1826, through the exceptional skill of Pembrokeshire’s 19th-century shipwrights and Welsh maritime craftsmanship.

Erebus went on to play a pivotal role in some of the most important explorations of the age, including the pioneering Ross Antarctic Expedition, and was tragically lost in the ill-fated Franklin expedition to the Arctic. Her rediscovery below the icy waters of the Canadian Arctic in 2014 reignited worldwide interest in the mystery and legacy of polar exploration.

The exhibition will include recovered artefacts never before shown to the public, as well as high-tech interactive displays and video footage.

“HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery”, will open to the public on Monday 8th June 2026, thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Trust.