Mod «HMS Belfast» for Ravenfield (Build 17)
HMS Belfast is a Town-class light cruiser that was built for the Royal Navy. She is now permanently moored as a museum ship on the River Thames in London and is operated by the Imperial War Museum.
Construction of Belfast, the first ship in the Royal Navy to be named after the capital city of Northern Ireland and one of ten Town-class cruisers, began in December 1936. She was launched on St Patrick's Day 1938. Commissioned in early August 1939 shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, Belfast was initially part of the British naval blockade against Germany. In November 1939, Belfast struck a German mine and, in spite of fears that she would be scrapped, spent more than two years undergoing extensive repairs. Belfast returned to action in November 1942 with improved firepower, radar equipment, and armour. Belfast saw action escorting Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union during 1943 and in December 1943 played an important role in the Battle of North Cape, assisting in the destruction of the German warship Scharnhorst.
There are rumours going around that she later found work as a maid for the Royal Navy but I cannot confirm or deny these.
Crew:
Captain:
- 6 × 6-inch (152 mm) Mk XXIII guns
Rear Gunner:
- 6 × 6-inch (152 mm) Mk XXIII guns
2 x Side Gunner:
- 4 x 4-inch (102 mm) Mk XVI dual purpose guns
AA Gunner:
- 8 x 40 mm Bofors
