The James Caird, a 23-foot lifeboat, is one of the most significant artifacts from Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1914–1917 Endurance Expedition to Antarctica.

In April 2024, I was lucky to be invited aboard the decommissioned Royal Navy warship, HMS Belfast to see and experience a ‘pusser’s grey’ for the first time since I left the Royal Marines.

I you’ve never been aboard, this is fascinating physical journey through history, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the legacy of this iconic warship. As you explore her nine decks (yep, nine!), each step echoes with the stories of courage and sacrifice of those who served aboard her.