Pocklington, Alexander HMS Belfast

This special edition of the Naval History series focuses on HMS Belfast, a ship whose long and eventful career began shortly before World War II and included numerous decisive battles. During the war, she hunted German battleships and took part in the largest amphibious landing the world had ever seen on 6 June 1944. HMS Belfast was among the first ships to open fire on D-Day, and Winston Churchill himself had planned to be on board to witness the Normandy landings until King George VI intervened. Years later, during the crucial weeks when the future of Korea was at stake, the Belfast held her position and ultimately survived long enough to become Britain's largest museum ship. HMS Belfast is the last full-size British battleship, a designation that ended with its construction due to the restrictions of the Second London Naval Treaty. In 1938, shortly after entering service, the Belfast's career was almost cut short when it was severely damaged by a German magnetic mine. However, due to her brand-new status, she was given a reprieve and underwent extensive repairs in dry dock. Her survival is largely due to these repairs, which further enhanced her unique capabilities. At the time of writing, HMS Belfast is set to be replaced before the end of the decade by a modern Type 26 frigate of the same name.