Hitler’s Old Sail-Training Ship Arrives On Thames Flying US Stars & Stripes

A ship built for Hitler’s navy has sailed up the Thames and landed at Canary Wharf. But the former German sail-training vessel no longer flies the Kriegsmarine battle-flag. The 295ft long craft launched in 1936 at Hamberg as the ‘Horst’ has long since been flying the American Stars & Stripes, re-christened the US Barque Eagle in 1946. It was taken over by the Americans at the end of the Second World War and is now used for training by the US Coastguard, based at New London, Connecticut.The Eagle Barque sailed with its 23,500sq ft of sail and six miles of rigging in the week from New London to old London and arrived in the Thames this-morning on a weekend goodwill mission to celebrate its 75th anniversary, berthed at South Quay in West India Millwall Dock until Sunday. The permanent crew of six and 50 enlisted personnel who maintain the Eagle Barque have thrown open the cabin doors and decks to free public tours today (Fri) until 7pm, tomorrow 1-7pm and Sunday 1-5pm before they set sail again. Nearest Tube Canary Wharf, or South Quay.