The Royal Naval Patrol Service Association (RNPSA) Museum is dedicated to honouring the history, service, and sacrifices of those who served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service during the Second World War. Located within some of the last remaining original buildings of HMS Europa at Sparrow’s Nest, Lowestoft, the Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the men and women of the RNPS.
What’s Inside the Museum?
Explore displays and stories that mirror the online reference layout.
📜 Historical Artefacts & Memorabilia
Photographs, models, uniforms, shields, flags, and personal items from RNPS service members.
🌍 Photographic Displays
Images of RNPS crews on duty around the world, including Lowestoft and beyond. Help us identify the faces.
🚢 Wheelhouse Mock-Up
Step inside a recreated WWII ship’s wheelhouse and experience a glimpse of life at sea.
📖 Reference Library & Research Materials
Additional documents and artefacts are available for research and study.
Museum Location & Layout
The museum is spread across two key areas.
The Stannard Room (First Floor)
A wide collection of wartime artefacts, photographs, uniforms, and personal memorabilia — plus the Slops Shop with RNPS-related items. Please note: access is via a flight of stairs only.
The Europa Room (Ground Floor)
A tribute to the achievements and honours of the RNPS, featuring 17 commemorative boards listing nearly 850 wartime honours including the Victoria Cross and over 200 mentions in despatches.
Honouring Gallantry & Bravery
Stories of RNPS heroes highlighted in the reference layout.
🎖️ Lieutenant Richard Stannard, VC — Awarded the Victoria Cross for extraordinary courage between 28 April and 2 May 1940 during the Narvik campaign aboard HMT Arab. He fought fires near ammunition dumps, set up an armed resistance camp, withstood 31 enemy bombing attacks, and shot down a bomber while leaving the fjord. His junior officer Sub-Lieutenant E.T. Lees, RNVR received the DSO and three other crew members were decorated.
🎖️ Commodore Daniel de Pass, CBE — Recognised for his exceptional leadership at HMS Europa during the war.
Support the Museum
📢 Volunteers Needed! We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help run the Museum, assist with archival research, and support our efforts in preserving history. Full training is provided.
💙 Support Our Work — the RNPSA Museum operates entirely through donations and volunteer support. Contributions help us maintain the collection and improve displays.
Address
RNPSA Headquarters, Sparrows Nest, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1XG
Contact
Opening Hours
Mon, Wed & Fri — 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Europa Room
Museum - Europa
The Europa Room is the original location of the museum and showcases the Honours Boards that were recovered from under the stage of the old theatre before its demolition. Although a few boards suffered damage from damp, the remainder have been preserved and now line the walls.
Built into the foot of the cliff, the room itself has faced damp issues. Remedial work in 2019 and pandemic closures in 2020 allowed volunteers to complete an extensive internal refurbishment while the site was closed to the public.
These images show the result of this work:
