In front of an audience of shipyard workers and family, the HMS Belfast slides down the ways at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Ireland. The Town class cruiser was launched on St. Patrick's Day 1938 and commissioned in August of 1939, just before the start of WW2. Damaged by a magnetic mine a few months later, it rejoined service in 1943 with radar and other upgrades. The ship had an active and distinguished career in WW2, including providing support for Canadian soldiers on the D-Day landings. After serving in the Korean war and put in reserve, the ship was slated for scrapping in 1963. A series of preservation attempts resulted in being chosen to be a part of the British War Museum and the ship was anchored in the Thames in London where it is today, a popular tourist attraction.
Below, the HMS Belfast at top speed during sea trials in 1939.
That top photo is kind of amazing. It's hard to believe a boat with this kind of build wouldn't just roll over, even my sailboat isn't this 'svelte'. Beautiful lines. No clunky old cruiser she! Talk about 'cutting through the water' - this blade would have done so with grace.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd love to be able see a large ship launched. It seems impossible that an empty hull like that wouldn't just capsize as soon as it hit the water.
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