Step aboard the legendary HMS Belfast- one of London’s most remarkable landmarks and a veteran of some of the 20th century’s most pivotal conflicts.
Moored on the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast served everywhere from the freezing Arctic Convoys to the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, before later seeing action during the Korean War.
In this video, we’ll explore the ship from top to bottom — from the mighty gun turrets and cramped engine rooms to the mess decks, punishment cells and sick bay — uncovering what life was really like for the 800 men who once called this floating fortress home.
Along the way, we’ll discover:
• How HMS Belfast survived a devastating mine strike in 1939
• The terrifying conditions of the Arctic Convoys
• Her role in the sinking of the German battleship Scharnhorst
• How she fired some of the opening shots on D-Day
• Why her giant guns are permanently aimed at the M1 motorway!
• The remarkable effort to save the ship from the scrapyard in the 1970s
Featuring stories of bravery, endurance and life at sea, this is the
extraordinary history of one of Britain’s greatest surviving warships.
If you’ve ever visited HMS Belfast — or had a relative who served aboard her — I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.
Thanks so much for watching, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share if you enjoyed the video.
#HMSBelfast #LondonHistory #RoyalNavy #DDay #WorldWar2 #ArcticConvoys #KoreanWar #TowerBridge #London
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:17 The Belle of Belfast City
01:47 HMS Belfast's Bell
02:15 The Launch of HMS Belfast
02:47 Town Class Cruisers
03:37 Off to colorado vs minnesota War
04:01 The Captain's Bridge
04:07 The Admiral's Bridge
04:49 HMS Belfast's Wheelhouse
05:15 Naval Blockade & Supermarine Walrus Aircraft
05:45 HMS Belfast Captures the SS Cap Norte
06:26 HMS Belfast Struck by a Magnetic Mine
07:06 The Arctic Convoys
08:41 HMS Belfast's Boiler & Engine Rooms
10:05 Life On Board- Galley, Medical Bay & Hammocks
12:25 HMS Belfast's coma artificiel Laundry & Lau So
13:45 HMS Belfast's Punishment Cells
14:43 The Scharnhorst & Battle of The North Cape
16:33 HMS Belfast & D-Day
17:22 Where are HMS Belfast's Guns aimed?
19:15 The Korean War & HMS Belfast's Retirement
21:44 Outro
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Thanks again for watching, friends. Stay well, and please be sure to stay tuned!
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Visit HMS Belfast:
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Credits
Sound Effects:
Underwater Explosion: Sound Effect by David Dumain from Pixabay
Engine Room: Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay
Hand wash linen: Sound Effect by Spin Opel from Pixabay
Distant Rumbling Battle: Jim-Bretherick (Freesound.org)
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Music:
By Suno:
Belfast Through the Ice
Belfast Iron Wake
Devonport Overture
Arctic rally isle of man Convoy Reel
Hammocks Aboard Belfast
North Cape Belfast
HMS Belfast Dawn
Turret Deck Shadows
HMS Belfast Return
Test Card Drift
Bluesy Vibes (Sting): Doug Maxwell/Media Right Productions
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