The Battle of Britain

The battle begins, summer 1940
The battle begins, summer 1940

After defeating France in June 1940, Hitler assumed Britain would sue for peace but ordered his armed forces to prepare for invasion. Hermann Goering assured him that a sustained air assault would destroy the RAF, winning the air superiority needed.
A Heinkel He 111 bomber flying over London, September 1940
A Heinkel He 111 bomber flying over London, September 1940

July 1940 saw German planes target shipping in the Channel, drawing the RAF into combat, before radar stations, communications centres and airfields faced round-the-clock bombing in August. The battle reached a climax with attacks on London in September.
The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF)
The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF)

Joan 'Elizabeth' Mortimer, Elspeth Henderson and Helen Turner of the WAAF. All three received the Military Medal for courageous conduct during attacks on Biggin Hill airfield. Biggin Hill suffered a total of ten major attacks between 30 Aug and 5 Sept.
Non-British personnel in the RAF
Non-British personnel in the RAF

A group of pilots of No. 303 (Polish) Squadron RAF return from a sortie. The first Polish squadrons were formed in the summer of 1940. Pilots came from several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Czechoslovakia, New Zealand and the USA.
Sector 'G' Operations Room at RAF Duxford
Sector 'G' Operations Room at RAF Duxford

RAF Duxford was a Sector Station in 12 Group, responsible for defending the Midlands and East Anglia. As the fighting intensified, Duxford's squadrons were called on to support 11 Group's defence of London and the south-east.
Hawker Hurricane Mk Is of No. 85 Squadron RAF
Hawker Hurricane Mk Is of No. 85 Squadron RAF

Despite incessant attacks, the RAF's defences held. The Luftwaffe could not continue, and in the autumn switched to 'nuisance' raids and night operations. The failure to defeat the RAF convinced Hitler to postpone his invasion plans indefinitely.

HMS Belfast and the Korean War

An American helicopter flies over HMS Belfast in the Yellow Sea, 1951
An American helicopter flies over HMS Belfast in the Yellow Sea, 1951

The Korean War began on 25 June 1950. Communist North Korean troops invaded South Korea and rapidly advanced southwards. The UN was quick to respond, encouraging its members to support South Korea. Many countries sent troops.
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War, November 1951
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War, November 1951

HMS Belfast played an active role in the Korean War from 1950-1952 working with other Allied forces to support the retreating American and South Korean troops.
HMS Belfast during the Korean War
HMS Belfast during the Korean War

The Royal Marine Band from HMS Belfast entertains troops ashore in Korea, September 1952.
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War

In this photograph HMS Belfast approaches HMS Ocean prior to the transfer of Rear Admiral Scott-Moncrieff, Flag Officer, Second in Command, Far East Station from his flagship HMS Belfast to HMS Ocean to observe air operations against targets in NW Korea.
HMS Belfast during the Korean War
HMS Belfast during the Korean War

This photograph shows the transfer of South Korean Marines from HMS Belfast to a landing craft for the occupation of Sin Do, September 1951.
HMS Belfast during the Korean War
HMS Belfast during the Korean War

A South Korean naval craft coming alongside HMS Belfast during blockade patrols off Inchon.

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HMS Belfast
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HMS Belfast Seasonal and Special Offers

Celebrate Christmas in traditional naval spirit on board HMS Belfast.

Bring your friends and colleagues together to toast the festive season in true naval style. With each room historically restored and festively dressed, guests can indulge in a deliciousmeal and a tipple or two, whilst dancing the night away to the swinging music from our live ‘Sweethearts’ band. Enjoy spectacular 360 degree views of London at night from our decks and ensure your guests attend a truly memorable event.

Packages priced from just £82.50 per person

Click here for our Christmas Brochure

For more information call the sales office 020 3116 4457

For more information submit an online enquiry form or contact a member of our Events team:

Telephone: 44 + (0) 20 3116 4457
Fax: 44 + (0) 20 7407 0708
hms.belfast@sodexo.com

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