Q&A · 3:04:59-3:08:07

Saving HMS Lion as a memorial

The fate of a preserved HMS Lion depends as much on politics and commemorative purpose as treaty compliance.

Question

If HMS Lion were preserved under treaty rules, would she be encased in concrete and where would she be placed?

Short answer

Under the assumed Mikasa-style treaty arrangement she would be encased in concrete, with Portsmouth or a Plymouth/Tamar site depending on the sponsor's purpose.

Notes

Lion is assumed to be retained as a memorial under a Mikasa-style Washington Treaty arrangement and therefore encased in concrete. Her location depends on who secures her preservation and why. A Royal Navy project suggests Portsmouth, while political sponsors could choose a site serving their own interests. Devonport construction makes Plymouth and a site on the Tamar plausible alternatives, with the Devon side suggested later. The subsequent river and gunnery jokes do not settle an exact berth.