Monument for the Windrush Generation — Relaunch 2026
Recovering the anchor. Raising a memorial. Honouring a generation.
On 22nd June 1948, HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks carrying hundreds of Caribbean passengers who would help rebuild Britain after the war — and transform it forever. The name "Windrush" has since become synonymous with generations of immigrants and their enduring contribution to British life. That famous photograph of the ship in port, anchor prominent at its bow, has become one of the most iconic images in modern British history.
We are the Windrush Anchor Memorial Foundation, and we are bringing that anchor home.
What we're raising £2 million for
The anchor of the Empire Windrush lies on the Mediterranean seabed, approximately 2,800 metres deep in international waters off the coast of Algeria, where the ship sank in 1954 after an engine room fire. With the expert guidance of marine scientist and shipwreck recovery specialist David Mearns — who brings four decades of professional experience — the Foundation has confirmed the operational feasibility of recovering the 1.5-tonne anchor and returning it to the UK.
Your donations will fund:
- The anchor recovery expedition — locating and safely raising the wreck from the deep Mediterranean
- Conservation work to preserve the anchor for permanent display
- A national memorial in London, with design to be selected through a public jury competition
- A replica anchor for schools, exhibitions and outreach events across the UK
- A nationwide education programme — curriculum-aligned resources, community workshops, digital storytelling projects and partnerships with museums and cultural organisations
The ship's full story
The Empire Windrush carried a complex and sobering history before her famous Caribbean voyage. Built in Germany in 1930 as the Monte Rosa, she was requisitioned by the Nazi regime during the Second World War. In November 1942, she was used to deport 46 Norwegian Jews from Oslo — all but two were subsequently murdered at Auschwitz. This history is part of the story we are committed to telling honestly and in full.
As Foundation vice chair Marie van der Zyl, former President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, says: "The story of Windrush is a remarkable one to understand the cultural make-up of the UK, and we also need to understand the story of the ship pre-Windrush. This campaign aims to remember everyone involved in the ship's history."
Why this matters
Patrick Vernon OBE, Foundation Chair, says: "This project is about preserving an important part of British history for future generations. The anchor represents far more than a maritime artefact — it symbolises courage, hope, resilience and the contribution of the Windrush Generation to modern Britain."
Reverend Michael King, trustee and son of the late Sam King MBE — who served in the RAF during WW2 and sailed on the Windrush — adds: "The Windrush anchor will be the symbolic anchor for the Windrush generation, keeping us steady."
A project built by and for the community
The Foundation's work is guided by public consultation, developed in partnership with the Windrush 100 Network, to ensure the memorial reflects the values and experiences of the Windrush Generation and the wider British public.
The initiative is also supported by multi-award-winning journalist, author and film-maker Nadine White, who is leading public engagement, and by Focus Games, whose Windrush Board Game — available at £23.37 — donates 22% of all proceeds after Windrush Day to this project.
Help us make history
Every donation brings us closer to raising this anchor and honouring the generation that helped build modern Britain. Whether you give £5 or £500, you are part of this story.
Donate today. Share widely. Let's bring Windrush home.
Organizer and beneficiary
David Mearns
Beneficiary