HMS VICTORY

[The Sailor]

HMS Victory is a first rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built between 1759 and 1765. She is the oldest naval ship still in commission. She sits today in dry dock in Portsmouth as a museum ship.

Last time I was in England I visited the ship and spent a wonderful couple of hours back in time whilst on board.
I was interested to find out that only six cannon remain on board today. All the rest are made of wood.
During WW2, as a testament to how scarce metal had become for the war effort, most of the cannon were removed and melted down. Victory was still playing her part during the war.
Another reason to remove the cannon was the state of the old hull. They say that the cannon would have gone through the hull into the mud below if their weight was still aboard.
I was interested to visit the Nelson's Great cabin. I don't know if Nelson would have approved of his big table in the great cabin being used for small boys birthday parties today.

[Alan B]

I think he would keep an eye on them and think them armless;)

[tim lewin]

think we might "blind-eye" that one! here is a pic that my father used a lot when he was CinC there, very arty!

[Batstiger]

That's a great picture Tim I haven't seen that one before!
As regards to the Victory I was told that the masts passed directly through the hull and are secured to the bottom of the dock, I don't suppose the tourists are told that though.

[The Sailor]

Didn't know that Bob. LOL.
It sure is a great tourist attraction though, as only the Brits can do it.
One massive amount of interesting things to see in one place.
Like going back in time in some time machine or something.

[herakles]

I too was most impressed when I visited Victory during a visit to England.

I never realised until now that she was a first rate ship. I suppose that's obvious now I come to reflect on it.

I was very impressed by the quality of the guides and that the supporting guide book was available in several languages. And how low the space was below deck. Children's parties in the great cabin? OMG!! What would Nelson think? What would Aubrey think!!!

The other huge buzz I had on that trip was to go over Tricomalee up north. Somewhere just south of Sunderland. Hartleypool I think. A most impressive display. And fascinated to learn just how long she was in commission. I recommend a trip to this impressive site.

;)

[The Sailor]

Your trip to England Herakles? I thought you were from there. Where are you from then? I see you passed your Subs exams. Promotion comes fast here. Take me for instance. If they make me a Commander, they'd promote anyone.

Wish Kc would crank up that nationality flag thing he said he'd get around to soon.

[herakles]

You should know that I'm an Aussie too! Hail from Ballaarat. But not in he country now. Right now I am living in Thailand.