Wolverhampton's Standing and History
One of the greatest forms of civic pride that a town or city can possess is to have one of Her Majesty's ships being named after it. Throughout British Naval history every major British town or city has had received this honour, except our beloved city of Wolverhampton, although a HMS Wolves did exist during the Second World War. Of all the current 66 cities in the United Kingdom only five cities have never had the honour and, in addition to Wolverhampton, include the Northern Irish cities of Armagh, Lisburn and Newry and the English cathedral city of Ely.
So how does Wolverhampton join the list of towns and cities which have their names sailing on the ocean waves? Firstly the "Ships' Names and Badges Committee" (SNBC) recommends names, which the Controller of the Navy submits to the First Sea Lord. The First Sea Lord then writes to the Under Secretary of Sate (copied to the Secretary of State and other Ministers), informing him of his agreement to the names recommended, and seeking Minister's endorsement for submission to the Queen for her final approval.
The SNBC meets about two or there times a year and considers names on their merits. Their policy on naming Royal Navy ships is based on an number of guiding principles. For example, many ships have a long and illustrious heritage and names with a tradition are preferred, those with the most Battle Honours have the best chance of being chosen. Names can also be selected because they are associated with certain types of vessels and historically strong links between the navy and particular towns can also be marked by the naming of a ship. Names difficult to pronounce, or those which could have unfortunate nicknames, are normally ruled out, as are names with different meanings in foreign countries and those associated with other navies.
After approaching the government through Rob Marris MP about the possibility of HMS Wolverhampton being considered, we have been informed by the junior minister for Defence, Derek Twigg MP, that he has asked the SNBC to include Wolverhampton in the current "long" list of names for when a suitable vessel comes to be named in the future. This is a good start but it's important the SNBC carry out the naming of HMS Wolverhampton at the earliest opportunity.