Singapore Directory Submit Link Latest Top Hits Sitemap

Travels

Date: 19-05-2007

HMS Belfast - Floating War Museum

Writen by: Peter le Roux

HMS Belfast

Like a hot knife through butter she sliced her way through the dark, deep waters of the icy Abyss. A Behemoth of hardened steel, like a hunter prowling for prey.

Indeed a magnificent "Royal Lady Of The High Seas", a masterpiece of craftsmanship designed to ferociously defend her master's trade routes. Though a powerful surface fighter she had frequently rendered support with amphibious landings, pulverizing the opposition into submission. Her eighty thousand shaft horsepower providing a top speed of thirty-two knots enabled her to keep pace with the fastest Man of War of the day. Built in Belfast by Harland and Wolff Shipyard the ship was one hundred and eighty-nine meters long with a full displacement of 11,553 tons. By late 1942 she was arguably the largest and most powerful Cruiser of Britain's naval Armada. With twelve deadly accurate six-inch guns, high speed and overall blue-water capability she maintained an overall advantage over her adversaries.

The ships compliment fluctuated between 750 to 850 crewmen when needed, most of whom were well-seasoned war veterans. She became the Flagship of the Tenth Cruiser Squadron and spearheaded Britain's naval war in the Atlantic. The great ship readily partook in Arctic convoy duties, and was most instrumental in the annihilation of the huge German Battle Cruiser Scharnhorst at the Battle of Northern Cape.

Perhaps most memorable of all were the Normandy D-Day landings of 6 June 1944. This was the biggest amphibious landing that had ever taken place in History. This fine lady was of the first to open fire upon the Nazis strongholds on Gold and Juno beaches.

Looking up at the massive superstructure and conning tower above the ships bridge I wondered if any floatplanes were to be seen on board .The vast array of weaponry and antiaircraft batteries was absolutely mind-boggling. As a new conscript to the navy this was my first assignment to a ship. On arrival I had been hastily ushered below deck and until now had not been at liberty to explore my new home away from home. The crisp salt air was fresh and invigorating as I strode the main deck. I felt as safe and secure as an infant held in its mother's arms, a far cry from the realities of war-torn England with its bombed out cities and murderous air aids. I could sense the gentle vibration of the huge vessel as it continued the long haul further out to sea. I wondered how many thousands of previous shipmates and ratings had walked this way before me. I entered the bridge and overheard the Captain discussing gunnery rangefinders with the Fire control officers. The radio jockeys had received a high priority warning of U-Boat activities in the area. Nazi Germany waged a ruthless war of unrestricted submarine warfare, resulting in numerous convoy losses.

Countless ships had met their end and lay scattered about like rag dolls, across the ocean floor having taken with them the souls of men to their pitiful watery graves. The Coxswain continued to hold the cruiser on course while the First officer informed the Chief Engineer telephonically to prepare for full steam ahead. Nature calls in various ways, and the volcanic rumbles of an empty stomach cannot be ignored. I decided it was chow time and promptly set course for one of the dining hall. Very often the quality of food can vary quite considerably from ship to ship and so too amongst the various navies. Though facing wartime rations the food served was a far cry from the days of hardtack and salted pork, or some sludge tossed up by the duty Chef.The large mess areas were often filled to the brim with hungry seaman.

Authour: Peter le Roux has tremendous love of old battle-ships, and has visited this one, HMS Belfast, while in London. He has graciously accepted our invitation to write this article on this floating museum for our readers. You can read more on his blog World of Peter.

Part 1: Switzerland - Chateau de Chillon (Part 1)
Part 2: Switzerland - Chateau de Chillon (Part 2)
Part 3: Switzerland - Chateau de Chillon (Part 3)

Tips to find a Good Travel Agency
Belgium - Brugge
Switzerland - Wo gibt es Bier
Switzerland - Wo gibt es Bier Part 2
Switzerland - Wo gibt es Bier Part 3
Check out SgSmallBiz's Listing: Singapore Tour/Travel Agency Listings