Aircraft carrier HMS Invincible is to be the flagship of the Battle of the Atlantic commemorations to be held in Liverpool in May.

Organisers of the event, which marks the 60th and final such commemoration, said that the carrier’s presence will be a fitting tribute to the Battle of the Atlantic veterans who will gather on Merseyside from all over the world.

The ship is an appropriate choice, as one of her primary roles when she was designed was as an anti-submarine platform, though in practice she and her sisters have proved versatile in a number of roles, from conventional aircraft carrier to helicopter assault ship.

Although she will provide an impressive backdrop to the ceremonies, the 20,000-tonne ship – which has just emerged from refit – will not be open to the general public.

Other nations which took part in the campaign, the longest sea battle of World War II, intend to send ships to the event.

Among those expected in Liverpool from April 30 are ships from France, Germany, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland. The Merchant Navy will also be represented, as well as national and local politicians.

Commodore John Madgwick, Naval Regional Officer for the North of England, said: “The fact that Invincible will be the flagship is a tribute to the Royal Navy and merchant Navy veterans who will attend.

“She is one of the most impressive ships in the Royal Navy fleet, and will be a fitting centrepiece for the commemorations.”

Other events during the week include:

4 A service of thanksgiving followed by a march-past of veterans at the city’s Anglican cathedral

A battle of the Atlantic dinner at the Merseyside Maritime Museum and a celebration dinner at the Adelphi Hotel, both in aid of the King George’s Fund for Sailors (KGFS)

The unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the cenotaph by St George’s Hall

A concert by the Royal Marines Band at the Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Hall, also in aid of KGFS

A civic reception and civic luncheon, hosted by Liverpool City Council; Wirral and Sefton authorities will also host events.

The Western Approaches Museum will also stage a presentation on the battle, several ships will be open to visitors, and there will be a series of military displays.

Around 30,000 merchant seamen, 8,000 Allied servicemen and 6,000 personnel from Coastal Command died in the conflict, as did 29,000 German submariners.

Liverpool is hosting the commemorations as it was the wartime headquarters of the Western Approaches Command, which countered the U-boat threat in the Atlantic; 1943 was seen as the year in which the battle swung decisively in favour of the Allies.

For more details, see website www.battleoftheatlantic2003.com