The fighting ship that remains vigilant on the River Thames
HMS Belfast
About 70 years of age, and twenty-six years of combat experience, HMS Belfast is a living monument to the British Empire.
The challenge
Responding to the faster and larger cruisers of the United States and Japan, the Admiralty ordered the modification of the existing Southampton class cruiser to improve secondary and anti-aircraft weapons.
Meeting the new design seemed impossible as the Admiralty requested that the ship remained as close to speed with other ships in the modified Town, or Southampton, Class Light Cruisers, while adding more firepower.
HMS Belfast was the second of two ships of the new Edinburgh class designed to meet these new specifications of improved weaponry and demand for speed. With four steam engines and moving at 32 knots, HMS Belfast??s primary function in the Royal Navy was the protection of merchant vessels and their trade routes.
In service
In times of war, HMS Belfast served in many capacities. During the Second World War, she saw action against the German fleet in the North Atlantic as the flagship of the 10th Cruiser Squadron, as well providing artillery support during the Normandy invasion on beaches Gold and Juno. During the Korean conflict, HMS Belfast was one of the first British ships to fire artillery, supporting troops on the ground.
By the 1950s, however, seaborne heavy guns were becoming redundant as the role of shipping in war was transformed into that of carrying aircraft, troops and supplies.
On tour
After seeing her last days of combat, HMS Belfast continued touring the globe as a symbol of the British Empire. As the 'wind of change' swept over the Empire, HMS Belfast was present when the Union Jack was lowered in many British colonies as they became independent nations.
Submitted by: Anthony Tiscia, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 20 January 2007
