H.M.S. BELFAST

In May 2004 we were honoured to be invited to attend an event on board HMS Belfast on the Thames as part of the D-Day celebrations.

As well as the 42 nd Field Hospital being invited there was also a group portraying WWII US Combat Photographers and another group portraying naval personnel.

It was probably the most unusual location for an event that we’ve ever been asked to do but it was certainly more than worth it.

We were lucky enough to be allowed to stay/sleep on board all weekend which was a novelty for us girls!

We were given permission to use the ships original sick bay for our display and wasted not time in getting friendly with the ships surgeon and anaesthetist (who we affectionately referred to as ‘Chas & Dave’!!). They were as good as gold bless them and didn’t give us any back-chat whatsoever!

The event seemed to be a huge success with the general public and we met a lot of interesting people over the course of the weekend, some of which had actually served on board HMS Belfast.

HMS Belfast is an excellent example of a World War II cruiser and is exceptionally well maintained. The staff on board are extremely friendly and accommodating. It really is worth taking the time out to have a trip to London to visit the ship. We can highly recommend it!

Naturally we couldn’t let the local River Police escape us so we commandeered one rather nice Sgt (along with his boat) who promptly took us for a run out! (not that he had much choice in the matter)! He was an excellent sport and it finished off our weekend rather nicely to say the least!

Don’t forget to pay HMS Belfast a visit – you won’t be disappointed!

Click to link to HMS Belfast Web Page (via imperial war museum)