Navy landing craft wrapped in Pride colours to recognise role of gay personnel

A Royal Navy landing craft which was used in the Falklands War is being wrapped in Pride colours to mark the 25th anniversary of the lifting of the ban on gay people serving in the UK armed forces.

Members of the public will be able view and take trips onboard Landing Craft Foxtrot 8 (F8) which is based at Portsmouth Historic Quarter.

It has become the first war vessel in British history to be wrapped in the Pride rainbow colours with the aim of “celebrating progress” and recognising the experiences of LGBTQ+ personnel during the time of the ban and up to the current day.

The project to put the colourful vinyl wrap on the F8 has been organised with the charity Fighting with Pride ahead of Portsmouth hosting UK Pride on June 7.

Until January 2000, LGBTQ+ people were banned from serving and faced dishonourable discharge, loss of medals, surveillance and interrogation which caused veterans to become criminalised because of their sexuality.

Veteran Roly Woods, a former sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy who served on HMS Leeds Castle during the Falklands War, said that he had chosen to lie when challenged by his commanding officer about his relationship with another man.

He said: “My captain accepted it and I got away with it but it was an extremely difficult situation to deal with both professionally and personally and I wrestled with it for many years.”

Former master at arms in the Royal Navy and volunteer at Portsmouth Historic Quarter, Gavin Moulds, served in the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) from 1994 to 2003 and was involved in investigating criminal offences within the navy, including the ban on homosexuality.

He said: “The ban, the way it was enforced, and to the level it was enforced, was never something I agreed with. However, I cannot help but still feel a degree of guilt for my involvement – an apology would not be enough.”

In December 2024, the Ministry of Defence announced the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, which enables anyone impacted by the ban whilst serving in the armed forces between 1967 and 2000 to apply for recognition payments up to £50,000.

Mr Woods, who is the memorial officer for Fighting with Pride, said: “We estimate that hundreds of LGBTQ+ veterans are yet to come forward for compensation or to have their medals returned. It’s our mission to support all LGBTQ+ veterans in receiving the reparations they deserve, and we urge all those who are yet to come forward, to do so.

“Given the historic sacrifices made by the LGBTQ+ armed forces community in service of their country, it’s important we mark this anniversary in a special way.

“The unveiling of Landing Craft F8 in her Pride colours is a celebration of real progress for the LGBTQ+ community in the armed forces, and it is an extremely proud moment for both LGBTQ+ veterans and for those serving today.”

Hannah Prowse, chief executive officer of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, said: “To those under the age of 40, it seems astonishing that men and women who served with courage and were willing to risk their lives for their country, were punished for their sexual orientation. They deserve our gratitude and respect.

“In wrapping Landing Craft F8 in this manner, we’re celebrating the inclusivity now present in our armed forces, celebrating the men and women who serve and have served our country with honour, and celebrating the bravery of those who fought to overturn the ban.”

Landing Craft F8, which is no longer a serving Royal Naval vessel and which is now owned by Portsmouth Historic Quarter, will be on display in Pride colours on the pontoons at Boathouse 4 and available for charter or walk-up rides from May 15 until the end of September.

Published: 15/05/2025 by Radio NewsHub