Every day until Friday 22 Dec 2023
HMS Belfast
Families
Free with general admission
Lookout shipmates! Some mischievous mice and crafty cats have snuck on board HMS Belfast, and are after the sailors’ jobs. Pick up a free family trail guide and see if you can find all ten of the crafty cat and mouse crew hiding in the ship.
This activity is recommended for families and children aged 7 and over. For more information on accessibility on the ship please see here.
Meet some of the crafty crew:
With a crew of nearly 1,000 men, HMS Belfast was like a floating city with its own chapel, radio station and bakery. Discover the stories and the roles and responsibilities of the crew, who helped keep everything ship shape.
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IWMNAAFI Staff
NAAFI stands for the Navy Army and Air Force Institute, which provided entertainment and provision services to HMS Belfast and the armed forces since 1921. Find the NAAFI canteen on board to see where the crew would have bought a variety of goods- from toothpaste to chocolate.
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IWMShipwright
The Shipwright on board could be found in the workshop and was responsible for making repairs to the inside and outside of the ship.
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IWMDoctor
The ship had a sophisticated medical centre including a sick bay, dental surgery, dispensary and examination room to help treat casualties and keep the crew fighting fit.
Cats in wartime
Throughout history cats have played a vital role on board Royal Navy and merchant ships, hunting for rats and mice to protect food stores. Frankenstein the cat was a particular favourite on HMS Belfast, and even had her own specially made hammock. See if you can find her hammock on board the ship today.
Learn more about how cats and other animals have helped the war effort from the First World War to the present day here.
