"I'm a Jolly-'er Majesty's Jolly-an' sailor too" (c) HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast was launched on St Patrick's Day, 17 March, 1938 by the Prime Minister's wife, Mrs Anne Chamberlain, and was finally commissioned into the Royal Navy on 5 August 1939.
One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during World War II. Serving Britain for 32 years, she played an important role in both World War II and the Korean War, as well as performing peacekeeping duties throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Saved from destruction in 1971, HMS Belfast is now part of the Imperial War Museum and is the first ship to be preserved for the nation since Nelson’s Victory. The vessel has been moored on the River Thames since 1971.
Last HMS Belfast celebrates the 75th anniversary of its launch last weekend.
One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during World War II. Serving Britain for 32 years, she played an important role in both World War II and the Korean War, as well as performing peacekeeping duties throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Saved from destruction in 1971, HMS Belfast is now part of the Imperial War Museum and is the first ship to be preserved for the nation since Nelson’s Victory. The vessel has been moored on the River Thames since 1971.
Last HMS Belfast celebrates the 75th anniversary of its launch last weekend.