New Book

[herakles]

A new book has been published that will be of interest to members here.

It is a collection of naval paintings made by Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Kitson KBE, CB and published by his son - Gen Sir Frank Kitson GBE, KCB, MC, a former commander of UK Land Forces.

Sir Henry had a remarkable career. He was a snotty under sail was by 1927 captain of the world's biggest naval vessel, Rodney. From there he took command of the 3rd Battle Squadron in the Atlantic Fleet. In 1931 he became Admiral Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard and helped set up what is now the National Maritime museum at Greenwich.

Recalled from retirement he was put in charge of sea defences in Cornwall during WW2.

He painted throughout his career.

The picture I have attached is one of his showing Swiftsure under attack in the Dardanelles.

I have gleaned this information from a Daily Telegraph article.

[cissystar650]

Thanks for that info Herakles... it looks like it will be a good book. One to put on my birthday list :D

[The Sailor]

Nice post Herk.
I had a look at old Swiftsure on your behalf.

HMS Swiftsure was launched on 12th January 1903. She served in the Home Fleet until July 1906 when she joined the Channel Fleet until October 1908. She moved to the Mediterranean between March 1909 and May 1912, returning to the 3rd Fleet at Portsmouth in May. Swiftsure went into refit September 1912 to March 1913. After refit, she became the flag ship to the East Indies Squadron and during August 1914 began Red Sea patrols and escorted Indian troop ships to Aden. November 1914, HMS Swiftsure became the flag ship to the navy forces defending the Suez canal. She went to the Dardanelles in March 1915 and took part in the bombardments, staying until after the evacuation and returned to Chatham in December 1915 when she went into reserve. After the first World War, HMS Swiftsure was used as a target ship, being broken up in June 1920.

[Batstiger]

A few more of HMS Swiftsure.

[herakles]

Thanks Sailor, Bob, for posting extra info. on Swiftsure.

I'm glad the thread proved useful.

[romft1945]

The book by the way is "When britannia Ruled The Waves" published by Halsgrove Books,
ROM

Amazon books can get it at the reduced price of £17.49p a saving of some £7 off the normal price.