New Museum Honoring WWII’s Longest Campaign to Open in 2026, Backed by Major International Partners
The Battle of the Atlantic, the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War, will soon have its own dedicated museum. Set to open in Summer 2026, the museum will be located at Woodside Ferry in Birkenhead, on the banks of the River Mersey. The project, led by award-winning heritage organization Big Heritage, has received support from major organizations such as the Royal Navy and United States Navy, as well as local partners like Cammell Laird at Veterans Launchpad.
As the first museum in the world solely focused on the Battle of the Atlantic, it will tell the full story of the campaign. This includes a reinterpreted presentation of U-534, now placed in the broader context of the U-boat conflict. The museum will also showcase never-before-seen artifacts and documents, shedding new light on one of history’s most significant struggles.
“The Battle of the Atlantic shaped the course of the Second World War, and yet its full story has never been told in one place – until now,” said Dean Paton, Director of Big Heritage, who also manages the iconic Western Approaches Museum in Liverpool where the campaign was overseen. “This new museum will not only honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served, but also connect that legacy to the communities who helped secure victory – including those still working on the banks of the Mersey today. From Cammell Laird apprentices preserving U-534, to veterans helping bring exhibits to life, this is history built by the people, for the people. We are telling a global story, but it will very much have a Merseyside accent.”
The museum will be located next to Cammell Laird, whose shipyards played a crucial role during the Battle of the Atlantic. The company is now actively supporting the initiative. In addition, the museum has partnered with Veterans Launchpad, a charity that assists British Armed Forces veterans facing mental health, addiction, or economic challenges.
A team of veterans will directly contribute to the museum’s creation, working across exhibits, collections, and site development.
“We’re incredibly grateful to be part of this remarkable project,” said Rob Lockyer, Independent Living Coordinator at Veterans Launchpad. “The chance to contribute to the creation of a museum honoring military history – especially one with such deep naval significance – means a great deal to our veterans. It’s more than just a job and it’s a meaningful way to reconnect with their identity and continue serving in a new way. There’s a lot of work behind the scenes on this and it justifies why Big Heritage earned their Gold Level award from the Ministry of Defence for their support of veterans and their families.”
Weekly updates on the scheme will be made available on the Western Approaches Museum social media accounts starting in August.
The museum has been partially funded by a grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.
For media inquiries, interviews, or images, please contact:
DEAN PATON
DEAN@BIGHERITAGE.CO.UK
More information on Veterans Launchpad can be found here:
https://veteranslaunchpad.org.uk/
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.