The Cold War was the open yet restricted confrontation that developed after the end of WWII in 1945 between the West and the Soviet Union across many fronts of the globe; it ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. For the United Kingdom it involved a secretive underwater competition and submarine rivalry in the North Atlantic involving RN ships and submarines with RAF maritime patrol aircraft. Yet there is no museum dedicated to this historically and strategically important period, nor to the 1,000s of personnel involved whose stories deserve to be told.

A campaign to preserve the late 20th century nuclear powered submarine HMS COURAGEOUS has expanded to include a Cold War Museum located, we hope, in part of the Oceansgate regeneration project of South Yard, Devonport. The proposal is gaining momentum with several leading industry figures, many retired naval personnel and other potential partners coming forward to support the concept both financially and in kind.

The Museum will have a strong theme about Plymouth and the role played by the city in supporting submarines, ships and crews during the Cold War, with HMS COURAGEOUS at the heart of the project on permanent display in its own dock.

Oceansgate architects have created for us a concept design for the proposed museum which can be seen here Concept video . A short video outlining the current COURAGEOUS visitor experience is here Visitor intro .

Combining modern technology with Cold War artefacts the museum will tell a story about how technology and innovation was and is used in the maritime domain. An exciting and unique proposition that combines STEM with a window to career developments in the Southwest, it also promotes Plymouth as the UK’s Ocean City with a rich maritime history.

If our vision can be achieved it will explain the importance of maritime power to the UK, raise public awareness of Plymouth and offer a number of other specific benefits. The objectives of this project are to:

• Illustrate the history of the Cold War through recorded testimonies, and artefacts - ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft and their crews.

• Open to the public the preserved nuclear-powered submarine, HMS COURAGEOUS so that they may understand the life and experience of submariners of all nations.

• Explain the unique role Plymouth played during the Cold War in supporting ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, their crews, training and families.

• Explain the significance of maritime power for an island nation like the UK.

• Support the Plymouth Oceansgate regeneration project of Devonport dockyard, by aligning 20th C technology with the planned 21st C Maritime Technology Innovation Centre.

• Promote the Southwest as a central hub in the UK for STEM, innovation and technology.

• Demonstrate the capabilities of industry and businesses in the Southwest.

• Promote tourism in Plymouth and the Southwest.

The first phase of this ambitious project is to complete a rigorous feasibility study in 2021 to determine practicality, costs and timelines. To deliver this will cost an estimated £40K which, with your help, we hope to raise by Christmas 2020. With contributions made directly to our bank the fund now stands at over £30,000 - every contribution, great or small, will help us make this ambition real.

Your support in being able to tell the unique underwater Cold War story with the maritime history of Plymouth and the Submarine Service, before it is lost, is greatly appreciated.

The RNRMC have kindly agreed to support this project and handle all initial donations. The Feasibility Study Fund is managed by the Royal Navy Royal Marine Submarine Fund (RNRMC SMF).

Should there be a surplus left in the fund after commissioning the Feasibility Study it will be donated, via the RNRMC, to appropriate charities, including the Submariner Memorial Appeal. If we are unable to reach our target we will aim to carry out as much of the feasibility study as possible, liaising with the others to maximise 'value for money'.