The Worshipful Company of World Traders began its Royal Navy affiliation in the millennium year when, as Master, Sue Hughes forged a link with HMS Manchester, a Type 42 Destroyer. The ‘Mighty Manch’, as she is affectionally known, had at this time been in service for eighteen years and was to see another ten years in an active role before being decommissioned in 2010.

The ship’s last deployment was a seven month exercise in the North Atlantic and Caribbean playing a major role in helping
devastated islands that had suffered badly from hurricane damage together with apprehending drug smugglers. Also, the ship’s company in visiting some 16 countries supported Independence Day
Celebrations, helped in many community projects and attended official receptions flying the flag for Great Britian.

The last Commanding Officer of ‘Manchester’ was Commander Rex Cox, now Rear Admiral retired, who kindly invited the Master World Trader of the day, Michael Wren, to join the ship on its return journey to Portsmouth from the Azores for the final five days of active service.

After spending 71505 hours underway and sailing a total distance of 860337 nautical miles under the command of 18 Commanding Officers, HMS Manchester was decommissioned on 24th February 2011 at a ceremony in Portsmouth attended by a wide range of past and active sailors together with many affiliates including those from The Worshipful Company of World Traders.