600 years of the Royal Navy

ROYAL NAVY

THROUGH THE AGES

IN mid-May 23 Club members travelled to Portsmouth for a two-day tour around the Historic Dockyard and the Royal Navy Dockyard, for an insight into the development of warships, their firepower and living conditions.

From The Queens Hotel overlooking the Solent and Isle of Wight the party headed to the Mary Rose Museum, housing the remains of Henry VIII’s flagship, buried in mud off Southsea Castle for nearly 550 years.

The museum recounts the wreck’s discovery, mapping, 1982 raising and two decadelong preservation to stabilise the remaining timbers. The brand new museum has artefacts on one side corresponding to the decks of the ship on the other – most impressive.

In a different dry dock nearby members clambered aboard perhaps the most famous naval ship ever. HMS Victory, flagship of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, stands tall and proud near berths now accommodating the modern fleet’s new aircraft carriers.

The limited space between decks surprised many and anyone over 5ft 6in spent most of the tour hunchbacked! Nelson’s cabin, dining room, the spot he was fatally shot by a French sniper, were all points of great interest, as were the cramped living conditions of those who fought on her, often sleeping on their cannons or in hammocks just above – they lived, worked and slept at their stations.

A short lunch break was taken in No. 4 boathouse, which also housed an apprentice scheme to maintain the traditional art of boat-building.

Suitably fortified, the party moved to HMS Warrior. Launched in 1860 she was Britain’s first ironhulled, armoured warship. At a time of Britain’s dominance in trade and industry, she was the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet. Powered by steam and sail she was the largest, fastest, most powerful warship of her day and had a lasting influence on naval architecture and design for generations to come.

After a full day the party returned to The Queens Hotel to freshen up before dinner hosted by Chairman John Lee.

The following day the Club was exceptionally privileged to be granted access and a tour of the Royal Navy’s newest acquisition, the second of the Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales, at 70m wide and 280m long.

Greeted by Captain Steve Higham OBE, the Farmers Club party embarked on a tour of the Command Conference Room, Captain’s Quarters, the Lightening F35-B fighter aircraft hangars, a ride on the aircraft lift to the main flight deck, the forward bridge and Flight Bridge.

The Captain was on hand to answer questions throughout the morning and hosted the party to lunch in the Flag Dining Room. Our Chairman thanked Steve for his time, candour and enthusiasm, but also for the very rare opportunity that any civilians can have, in getting on board. A fine culmination to a trip that was thoroughly enjoyed by all who had the privilege of attending.

Andrei Spence

Club Secretary & CEO