Tour of HMS Belfast, London

On a splendid sunny 1st October day, a select band of fellows and guests had a fantastic private tour of HMS Belfast which is moored on the Thames close to Tower Bridge.
Built by Harland and Wolff, HMS Belfast, a light cruiser class, was launched on St Patricks Day 17th March 1938, and commissioned into the Royal Navy on 5th August 1939 just a few weeks before WW2 began. The ship was sent to protect trade routes in the northern waters when disaster struck after only 2 months at sea when it hit a magnetic mine. The damage was so severe that it was 3 years before it returned to action, this time fitted with the most advanced radar. It then played a crucial role in allowing safe passage of provisions to the Soviet Union. Notably it played a leading part in the Battle of North Cape, which saw the sinking of the German battleship, Scharnhorst, in December 1943. In 1944 it spent 5 weeks supporting D-Day landings, initially from 7 miles out bombarding the German fortifications protecting the beaches where British troops subsequently landed (Gold and Jumo beaches). After WW2 HMS Belfast played an active role in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. The ship was withdrawn from service in 1963, and subsequently thanks to the Imperial War Museum was opened to the public on Trafalgar Day 21st October 1971 where it remains today as a marvellous attraction.
Our private tour took us to parts of the ship that the general public would not see and our guide, Stuart, provided a running commentary and made the day so special with his deep knowledge of the ship and sharing a number of interesting anecdotes. Our tour involved climbing and descending a number of metal ladders – just as well we are all so fit!! We saw just about every part of the ship from the crew’s quarters to the Admiral’s rooms, the sickbay, the chapel, as well as a close up look at the gun decks.
Our massive thanks goes to Fellowship committee member, and ex Royal Navy sub-Lieutenant, David Lansdowne for organising this wonderful event which concluded with a most enjoyable lunch at a nearby Italian restaurant where, as usual, fun and fellowship ensued. Another memorable day.
Peter Cottle