HMS Belfast

[Portsmouth Bill]

HMS Belfast, as built, in 1939. On November 21st of that year she was returning to her base along the Firth of Forth, when she triggered a magnetic mine on the sea bed, between 80 and ninety feet from the hull. This broke her back, and she was out of action for three years, during which time she was rebuilt. The next drawing in this series will show the Belfast as she appeared in 1943, at the battle of North Cape, when participating in the sinking of the Scharnhorst.

[Gollevainen]

looking really good. I love to see how the drawing of canvas has improved along...
RN seems to live magnificent renesance here in the bucket lately

[rifleman]

Portsmout Bill I could Hug you its been one ship I've been waiting to see and she is superb.

[Bombhead]

Oh yes,classy lookink drawing there Bill.

[Hood]

Very impressive work Bill. She looks great, I've often felt Belfast was the best looking of the 6in cruisers of the late 1930s early 1940s. Sleeker than a Town and not as stubby as a Colony. Can't wait to see the 1943 version!

[KimWerner]

Very beautiful drawing Question: I'm a bit confused about RN badges. I thought warships have round badges and the other shapes to support vessels and so? Anyone having a simple explanation?

[Portsmouth Bill]

WhyMe or Bombhead are the oracles on this, but I beleive the shape used here is the wartime one

[Bombhead]

As originally conceived in 1919 battleships and cruisers had round badges,carriers diamond shaped,and destroyers a shield.Nowadays all warships are round,fleet auxilliaries pentagon and shore stations diamond.

[erik_t]

A fine drawing. The only real criticism I can offer up is that the rudder shading feels a bit heavy.

[KimWerner]

As originally conceived in 1919 battleships and cruisers had round badges,carriers diamond shaped,and destroyers a shield.Nowadays all warships are round,fleet auxilliaries pentagon and shore stations diamond.

Thanks!