Author Archives: David Arkwright

HMCS Protecteur – new Joint Support Ship (based on German navy’s Berlin class) rolled onto heavy lift vessel ahead of float off at Seaspan shipyard in Vancouver.

The ship can carry 6,875 tonnes of marine diesel and 1,037 tonnes of aviation fuel for issue as well as solid stores for replenishment by heavy jackstay.

Today, 50 years ago in 1974 Gunnery in the Submarine Service came to an end as HMS ANDREW fired her last 4″ shell from her deck gun in the ranges off Portland. The gun itself is preserved at the RN Submarine Museum in Gosport.

Even before the defence review has begun, five Royal Navy warships are to be scrapped, not good news, all five ships to be axed have already been inactive for some time and this does not actually weaken the frontline strength of the RN right now any further.In some ways, this announcement is simply about being honest that ships officially listed as part of the ORBAT, (in some cases for years) should no longer be considered part of the fleet.

On this day 110 yrs ago in 1914, HMAS Sydney won the Australian Navy first battle honour destroying the German ship Emden in the Indian Ocean. Her Royal Navy Captain, John Glossop, ran Emden aground after the battle. Sydney’s mast and Emdens deck gun are now Australian monuments.