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HMS Eagle, British aircraft carrier, Beirut, Lebanon
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HMS Eagle, British aircraft carrier, Beirut, Lebanon
HMS Eagle, British aircraft carrier, off Beirut, Lebanon, 18 June 1956. The two smaller ships are the cruiser HMS Birmingham (left) and HMS Surprise (right). Date: 1956
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Media ID 14169574
© Mary Evans / Pharcide
1956 Battleship Battleships Beirut Birmingham Carrier Cruiser Eagle Lebanon Shore Surprise
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, the British aircraft carrier HMS Eagle gracefully anchors off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon, on 18th June 1956. The HMS Eagle, a powerful and versatile vessel, was commissioned in 1951 and served as the flagship of the British Mediterranean Fleet. With a displacement of over 22,000 tons and capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft, she was a formidable presence on the water. Two smaller ships can be seen accompanying the HMS Eagle in this image: the cruiser HMS Birmingham on the left and the frigate HMS Surprise on the right. The HMS Birmingham, a Daring-class cruiser, was also commissioned in 1951 and was known for her speed and agility. The HMS Surprise, a River-class frigate, was a newer addition to the fleet, having been commissioned just two years earlier in 1954. The photograph captures the ships' majestic silhouettes against the backdrop of the Beirut skyline, with the city's buildings and shoreline visible in the distance. The image transports us back to the 1950s, a time of political and military tension in the Middle East. The presence of these British ships in Beirut's waters was a reminder of the United Kingdom's continued influence in the region during this period. This photograph is a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a unique perspective on maritime history and the role of the Royal Navy in the Middle East during the mid-20th century. It is a reminder of a time when the world was a very different place, and the power and might of the British fleet were a significant factor in global affairs.
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