University Alumni step up to fund unveiling of HMS Captain flag

The University of Wolverhampton is proud to announce the successful restoration and casing of the lost flag of HMS Captain, an historic naval ensign that will be unveiled at a landmark event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 23 September 2025.

This national gala will bring together distinguished guests including HRH Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and historian Dan Snow MBE, alongside leading academics, alumni, and supporters of maritime heritage. The event marks the first public display of the restored flag, which has been carefully conserved by a specialist textile expert in Bristol and housed in a bespoke protective case funded by University Alumni donations.

Dr. Howard Fuller, Project Manager of Find the Captain, said:

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment. The unveiling of HMS Captain’s flag is not only a tribute to those lost at sea, but a celebration of the University’s leadership in historical research and preservation.”

Tickets for the unveiling are available via the Royal Museums Greenwich website, and early booking is strongly encouraged due to high demand.

The restoration was made possible through the University’s Centre for Historical Research (CHR), the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences (FABSS) Small Grant Scheme, and the Find the Captain campaign. Among the donors was Michael Admiraal, university alumnus who studied for an MA in Military History via distance learning. He shared:

“The online MA Military History course reconnected me with the academic world after some 40 years, thanks to the commitment of my supervisors, especially Dr. Howard Fuller.

“In today’s climate of budget cuts and political aggression against universities, alumni support is more vital than ever. Projects like Find the Captain - which connect directly with academic study - can be realised through small donations. As a military historian now pursuing a PhD, it’s fascinating to be involved in discovering a real part of history.”

The unveiling coincides with an imminent marine survey expedition, which is using advanced scanning technology to locate the wreck of HMS Captain off the coast of Spain. If successful, the discovery will mark a historic moment in naval archaeology and further elevate the University’s role in preserving maritime heritage.

A forthcoming book, Finding the Captain, will document the journey of the project and the University’s pivotal role in bringing this lost piece of naval history back to life.

For tickets to the event at the Royal Geographical Society please visit HMS Captain: Technological Triumph to Tragedy | Events London