Cruisers Collection

HMS Suffolk, heavy cruiser, the ship that shadowed the Bismarck by maintaining radar contact from the evening of 23rd May 1941 for 31 long hours until the early morning of 25th May

John Jack Travers Cornwell, Battle of Jutland
John Jack Travers Cornwell (1900-1916), posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery on HMS Chester during the Battle of Jutland

HMS Hood, British battlecruiser
HMS Hood, a British Admiral-class battlecruiser, launched 1918, served before and during the Second World War, sunk 24 May 1941. Seen here from above. Date: 20th century

Lion Leads in Jutland
HMS Lion leads the battle- cruisers into the fray at the Battle of Jutland

British Royal Navy Fleet
The British Empire on the Sea - the Royal Navy depicted en masse during the reign of King George V (1910-1936). Date: circa 1912

British battle cruisers HMS Tiger and HMS Lion, WW1
Two British battle cruisers at sea, HMS Tiger (left) and HMS Lion (right), at sea during the First World War. Date: 1914-1918

The Last Shot by Matania
A group of British seamen gunners straining to fire a final shot at a German ship as their own ship sinks beneath them. The caption notes that this was a common occurrence with light cruisers

HMS Norfolk, British heavy cruiser, WW2
HMS Norfolk, British County-class heavy cruiser, launched 1928, served throughout the Second World War, decommissioned 1950. Date: circa 1940s

HMS Lion hit, Battle of Jutland, WW1
Scene during the Battle of Jutland, in the North Sea near Denmark, during the First World War, showing the British battlecruiser HMS Lion being hit on the Q turret

H. M. S. Cressy
Lead ship of the Royal Navy Cressy class of armoured cruisers, the Cressy was launched in December 1899. Soon after the outbreak of World War One, the Cressy and two of her sisterships

HMS Arethusa, British light cruiser, with destroyers, WW1
HMS Arethusa, British light cruiser, launched 1913, served in various locations during the early part of the First World War, damaged by a mine off Felixstowe and wrecked 1916

Card commemorating Zeebrugge and Ostend raid, WW1
Card commemorating British raids on German shipping at Zeebrugge and Ostend, 23 April 1918. Date: 1918

HMS Leviathan, Drake-class armoured cruiser
Royal Navy - HMS Leviathan, a Drake-class armoured cruiser. HMS Leviathan was one of four Drake-class armoured cruisers built for the Royal Navy around 1900

USS Pensacola, American cruiser
USS Pensacola (CA24), American heavy cruiser. Date: 1930s

H. M. S. Devonshire
The lead ship of the Royal Navy Devonshire class of armoured cruisers. The Devonshire formed part of the Grand Fleet for the first two years of World War One

World War I 1914-1918. Battle of the Falkland Islands, South Atlantic. Decisive British naval victory over German Navy, 8 December 1914

HMS Arethusa, British light cruiser, WW1
HMS Arethusa, British light cruiser, launched 1913, served in various locations during the early part of the First World War, damaged by a mine off Felixstowe and wrecked 1916

Ships of the P&O, Cunard, Orient, Union and Guion Lines, 188
Engravings of the steamships Lusitania, Khiva, Mexican, Australia, Arizona, Zambesi, Poonah, Nepaul, Ganges, Geelong, Rosetta, Umbria and Etruria (left to right, top to bottom)

Kenya / Mombasa 1875
Island off the coast of Kenya, East Africa, captured by British cruisers, 20 January 1875

HMS Norfolk a County-class heavy cruiser Circa 1939

HMS Lion and HMS Princess Royal, WW1
Two British battlecruisers at sea during the First World War. On the left is HMS Lion, and on the right is HMS Princess Royal. Date: circa 1916

HMS Kent, British armoured cruiser
HMS Kent, British Monmouth-class armoured cruiser, launched 1901, served during the First World War, decommissioned 1920. Date: early 20th century

Scapa Flow: German Ships
Surrendered battleships and cruisers of the German fleet at Scapa Flow

The German submarine U9 receiving a heroes welcome on her return to Wilhelmshaven, WWI (litho)
3252892 The German submarine U9 receiving a heroes welcome on her return to Wilhelmshaven, WWI (litho); Private Collection; (add.info)

City cruisers
Marc van Oostrum

World War I:Sinking of British armoured cruiser
3781960 World War I:Sinking of British armoured cruiser; (add.info.: World War I: Sinking of British armoured cruiser HMS Monmouth, November 1914)

The British destroyer HMS Fury refuels from the cruiser HMS Trinidad despite heavy seas and falling snow whilst on patrol in the North Atlantic. 9th March 1942

Operation Pedestal. A general view of the convoy under air attack showing the intense anti-aircraft barrage put up by the escorts

HMS Sheffield C24 was one of the Southampton sub class of the Town-class cruisers seen here at anchor in the Firth of Forth. Circa 1946

France, Monaco, Yachts moored in Monaco Harbour, Port Hercule, and La Condamine

British, French, American and German battleships - British (HMS Kent), French (Leon Gambetta), American (USS Washington) and German (Prince Adalbert). Date: circa 1903

HMS Princess Royal, 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron, with inset portraits of Admiral Jellicoe and Lord Nelson - England expects that every man this day will do his duty. Date: 1914-1918

HMS Leviathan, Drake-class armoured cruiser
Royal Navy - HMS Hornet, an Acheron-class Destroyer that served during the First World War and was sold for breaking in 1921. She was the seventh Royal Navy ship to be named Hornet

Surrendered German ships at Scapa Flow, WW1
Surrendered German battleships and cruisers at Scapa Flow, First World War. circa 1918

The Naval programme announced by Alexandra, First of the Admiralty, giving details of reductions in the budget of 1929-30. Date: 1930

The Empires Safeguard, Some Recent Additions to the British Navy (litho)
1062954 The Empires Safeguard, Some Recent Additions to the British Navy (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Empires Safeguard)

The Indiana and New York Flanked and Guarded by Torpedo-Boats and Cruisers
LLM459888 The Indiana and New York Flanked and Guarded by Torpedo-Boats and Cruisers by Chapman, Carlton Theodore (1860-1925); Private Collection; (add.info)

Sinking of the HMS Hogue, Cressy and Aboukir (w / c on paper)
3244675 Sinking of the HMS Hogue, Cressy and Aboukir (w/c on paper) by Dixon, Charles Edward (1872-1934); National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Arrival of the French cruisers Kleber and Galilee at Tangier, Morocco (colour litho)
3097412 Arrival of the French cruisers Kleber and Galilee at Tangier, Morocco (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

US Navy, 2nd class cruisers, 1899 (colour litho)
6028797 US Navy, 2nd class cruisers, 1899 (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: US Navy, 2nd class cruisers, 1899)

US Navy, 1st class cruisers, 1899 (colour litho)
6028781 US Navy, 1st class cruisers, 1899 (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: US Navy, 1st class cruisers, 1899)

Plaque to Cruiser Montcalm, Port en Bessin Normandy
The Free French Ship Montcalm was one of the three Cruisers in Bombarding Force C which supported the American Landings on Omaha Beach. It later took part in Operations in the Mediterranean

Battleships and cruisers in the English Channel
Royal Naval battleships and cruisers at anchor in the English Channel, with cows grazing in the foreground. Date: circa 1904

Poster, Blue Star Line to South America, design by Norman Wilkinson. circa 1925

Poster, French Line, transatlantic cruise liner
Poster, French Line, Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, design by Albert Sebille. circa 1935

The Crisis in South Africa, British Fleet on the Cape of Good Hope Station (litho)
1604984 The Crisis in South Africa, British Fleet on the Cape of Good Hope Station (litho) by Jane, Fred T. (1870-1916); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Crisis in South Africa)

German cruiser squadron in the Far East (Jiaozhou), 1898 (chromolitho)
1094102 German cruiser squadron in the Far East (Jiaozhou), 1898 (chromolitho) by Stoewer (Stower) Willy (1864-1931) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Our Russian Naval Visitors, the Fleet bound for British Waters (litho)
1601289 Our Russian Naval Visitors, the Fleet bound for British Waters (litho) by Jane, Fred T. (1870-1916); Private Collection; (add.info.: Our Russian Naval Visitors)

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"Cruisers: The Mighty Backbone of the British Royal Navy Fleet" Step aboard the historical journey of cruisers, as we delve into their pivotal role in shaping naval warfare. From the legendary HMS Suffolk to the iconic HMS Hood, these vessels have left an indelible mark on maritime history. In World War I, the valiant HMS Arethusa led a fleet of destroyers, displaying unparalleled bravery and resilience. Their joint efforts during this tumultuous time exemplified the unwavering spirit of the British Royal Navy. The Last Shot by Matania captures a poignant moment in history when battleships like HMS Norfolk stood tall amidst raging seas and relentless enemy fire. These heavy cruisers played a crucial role in defending Britain's shores during World War II. Remembering heroes like John Jack Travers Cornwell, who bravely fought at the Battle of Jutland aboard HMS Chester. His sacrifice symbolizes the courage displayed by countless sailors who risked everything for king and country. Lion Leads in Jutland - an unforgettable image that depicts how HMS Lion fearlessly took charge amidst fierce combat during World War I. This battlecruiser bore witness to intense fighting but remained steadfast until victory was secured. Even amid adversity, British battlecruisers such as HMS Tiger and HMS Lion showcased their might on numerous occasions throughout World War I. They were instrumental in safeguarding Britain's interests across vast oceans. H. M. S Cressy stands as a testament to both triumphs and tragedies faced by cruisers during times of conflict. Its legacy serves as a reminder that even great ships can fall victim to enemy attacks while protecting our shores. A commemorative card honoring Zeebrugge and Ostend raid pays homage to those who participated in daring missions during World War I. Cruisers played an integral part in executing these strategic operations with precision and audacity.