Historic Naval Operations and Aircraft

Black-and-white images depicting historical naval operations, including aircraft and ships in action during World War II, showcasing the maritime military heritage.

Dutch Destroyer H.M.L.N.S "Banckert" exercises with ***** Jervis Bay. February 24, 1951.

Anefo photo collection. Johan Maurits. November 17, 1947

Royal Air Force Bomber Command, 1942-1945. Douglas Boston Mark IIIs of No. 88 Squadron RAF based at Oulton, Norfolk, flying at low level over the North Sea, in order to avoid detection by enemy radar, while on a daylight bombing sortie. Beyond the four Bostons in view, are three escorting North American Mustang Mark Is.

Dutch Destroyer H.M.L.N.S "Banckert" exercises with ***** Jervis Bay. February 24, 1951.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Heavy seas seen astern of HMS SHEFFIELD during a voyage in northern waters.

Torpedo Boats - British Navy. January 2, 1943.

. The 1st Light Cruiser Squadron and seaplane carriers at sea, during the operation to bomb the German Zeppelin sheds at Tondern, 4 May 1916. Visible, from left, are HMS CORDELIA, INCONSTANT, PHAETON, ENGADINE, VINDEX and GALATEA. Phaeton, Galatea and Inconstant are Arethusa class cruisers. Engadine and Vindex are ferries converted to carry aircraft. Cordelia was a type 'Caroline' variant of the C class cruisers.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Two of the surrendering U-boats (left U 1109, right U 1305), in the background are three others. This was the biggest of the U-Boat surrenders, fifteen U-Boats in two columns and escorted by HM ships and aircraft of the Royal Navy headed into Loch Eriboll, Scotland.

The Sinking of HMS Ark Royal. 13 November 1941 View from HMS HERMIONE showing HMS ARK ROYAL after being hit by a torpedo, listing to starboard, while HMS LAFOREY closes the carrier.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War American landing craft, preceded by an American Submarine Chaser (SC 666) in the Ionian Sea as the invasion of Sicily begins. They were assisted by the big ships of 'Force H'. Photograph taken from the aircraft carrier HMS FORMIDABLE.

DN-SN-87-12466. Country: Unknown

The Royal Navy during the Second World War- Operation Overlord (the Normandy Landings)- D-day 6 June 1944 Glider borne troops passing over units of the Royal Navy on their way to the invasion beaches of Normandy. In the background are the battleships HMS WARSPITE and HMS RAMILLIES whilst an unidentified destroyer sails in the middle distance. Photograph taken from the cruiser FROBISHER, which had helped bombard the enemy coastal positions during the week before D-Day.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War This US built fighter the Chance-Vought Corsair throttled back too late and collided with the island on board HMS ILLUSTRIOUS. Note the self-propelled crane in background. Half of one of the aircraft's wing is missing and the engine is hanging from its mountings.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Some of the crew on board HMS VANITY run to their station after 'Action Stations' has been called.

Warranty section of HR. Ms. The Seven Provinces (1953-1975) from 6 April to 2 June 1954. Achter deck. Is part of the AVDKM 540216 to 540344 object series, portion AVDKM 540216 to 540225, excl. 540219.

AM-472 Valor , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

Anefo photo collection. Police, customs and marine rolls Haskiesjsmokkelnet on the sea; Helicopter and smuggling ship. 25 April 1974. North Sea

The Royal Navy during World War Two As seen from the Cruiser HMS SHEFFIELD during The Battle of Cape Spartivento an engagement off Sardinia. Splashes from the shells from vessels of the Italian fleet falling short of their target a British Southampton Class Cruiser.

German mine sweeps and landing boats at sea.

Anefo photo collection. Laenweger "casting" to reliance with the moon and Oerlemans. 17 February 1955

A New Angle on guns, taken on the Italian battleship the Aurora, during navy manoeuvres at Gaeta. September 11, 1934. (Photo by Keystone).

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Photos Liberation North Sumatra. Catalina flight lands at sea. December 19, 1948. Indonesia, Dutch East Indies

The Royal Navy during the Second World War A 20 mm Oerlikon anti aircraft gun crew at action stations as the battlecruiser HMS RENOWN ploughs through a heavy sea near Scapa Flow.

***** Patrol boats on evening patrol duty has an amazingly successful time in operating against Japanese barges, submarines and planes and in strafing villages held by the enemy. August 15, 1944. (Photo by D. of I. Picture).

A starboard view of the bow section of the Soviet Udaloy class guided missile destroyer MARSHAL VASILEVSKY underway. Visible on deck are two quad SS-N-14 Silex missile tubes, two 100 mm/21-inch gun mounts and the SA-N vertical launch missile cover plate. Country: Unknown

Fishing inspection in the North Sea with the frigate of predator class Hr.Ms. Wolf (F 817) (1954-1984) (EX-USS PCE 1607). On the way to England.

Japaneseanese Takanni Class Destroyer (With New Or Temporary Bow) Under Attack By North American B-25's Of The Air Apaches Group Off China Coast. April 6, 1945. 345Th Bomb Group.

The Frigate Hr.Ms. Van Ewijck (F 808) seen from the torpedo boat hunter Hr.Ms. Evertsen (D 802) during an exercise period (1956-01-12 to 1956-03-29) of Practenmaleel 5.

Anefo photo collection. Dutch mine sweeps. 1940-1945}

DN-SN-88-03149. Country: Unknown

A bow view of the guided missile combatant (hydrofoil) TAURUS (PHM-3) underway during sea trails. Base: Puget Sound State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

94' ARB , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

An SH-3 Sea King helicopter hovers over a smoke marker as crewmen from the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) operate a motor launch during a man overboard exercise. The INDEPENDENCE is conducting post-Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) operations off the Virginia Capes. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

With the Big Ships. April 1943, on Board HMS Rodney, in the Western Mediterranean. Fleet Air Arm pilot making a perfect landing, despite the heavy weather, on the roomy flight deck of HMS FORMIDABLE.

Flottenparade - Fleet Review.Eva Braun's Photo Albums, ca. 1913 - ca. 1944. These albums are attributed to Eva Braun (four are claimed by her friend Herta Schneider, nee Ostermeyer) and document her life from ca. 1913 to 1944. There are many photographs of Eva, her sisters and their children, Herta Schneider and her children, as well as photographs of Eva's vacations, family members and friends. Included also are photographs taken by and of Eva Braun at Hitler's chalet Berghof (or Kehlstein), photographs of Hitler and his entourage, visitors to Berghof and the scenery around Berchtesgaden, and some studio portraits of Eva and members of her family.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War At Scapa Flow, an armed trawler sees the submarine HMS SCEPTRE safely home after an exercise.

Crew of doomed Italian Submarine surrenders to the British ***** marine, blown to the surface by depth-charges, sank after the crew had *****. November 19, 1940.

A Mark 42 5-inch/54 caliber gun is fired from the guided missile destroyer USS DEWEY (DDG-45) during exercise Unitas XX. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XX Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Japaneseanese Destroyer Frigate Under Attack By North American B-25's Of The Air Apaches Group Off The Indo-China Coast. 29 March 1945. 345Th Bomb Group.

ARB- Miscellaneous 19-NN-ARB- Miscellaneous-19-NN-274-23 , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

The Royal Navy during the Second World War On the horizon HMS AIREDALE seen blowing up after a direct hit from enemy bombers during a convoy from Alexandria to Malta.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Refueling Hawker Sea Hurricanes of 885 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm on the forward part of the deck of HMS VICTORIOUS, with wind screens up during flying exercises.

Photograph showing a three-ton truck sunk alongside a pontoon, during the Allied landings in the Nettuno-Anzio area, 1944. The rough seas, visible in the background of this photograph, were a great problem to the Allied naval operations. Date: 1944

Coastal Defense Guns In The Cape Verdes -- A Portuguese soldier looks out from a coastal defense emplacement at St. Vincent, Cape Verde Islands. The three small guns are pointed towards the sea and the dim outline of mist covered mountains rises in the background. Portugal has been sending reinforcements to the Cape Verdes. July 20, 1941. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

Operation Pedestal, August 1942 11 August: The loss of HMS EAGLE and the first air attacks: HMS EAGLE lying on her beam ends while an unidentified destroyer drops a depth charge to discourage further submarine attacks.

A partial port side view of the Soviet Sovremenny class guided missile destroyer OTCHYANNYY underway, showing from the helicopter flight deck to the stern, including the aft twin 130 mm/70-caliber gun mount. Country: Unknown

12/01/1916. German submarines in the Atlantic. A boat from the transatlantic Manuel Calvo next to the submarine that stopped that ship, 23 miles from the Canary Islands, and released it as soon as it examined its documentation.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War A landing craft gun (medium) (almost certainly LCG (M) 101) crew fighting to save their shell ridden and sinking craft during the landing by Royal Marine commandos on the island of Walcheren at Westkapelle the most western point of the island, during the final phase of the battle to free the Belgian port of Antwerp.

Torpedo shooting shooting beam.Sweden, Blekinge, Blekinge, Karlskrona, Karlskrona, External War Gogs (depicted, City)

A starboard view of the Soviet Krivak II class guided missile frigate REVNOSTNYY taken from a P-3 Orion aircraft 750 miles west of Midway Island. The frigate is operating with nine other Soviet ships and is moving in a northeasterly direction. This is the largest Soviet task force to enter Central Pacific waters. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Misty Gateway Of The Mediterranean - Looking through the Mists is Gibraltar, gateway to the Mediterranean. Here it is seen from one of the Warships of the British home fleet during the present spring cuirse in the Mediterranean waters. Note in the foreground the gun turret painted with red, white and blue stripes as a warning to aircraft of the ship's nationality. March 1, 1938. (Photo by Keystone).

The Royal Navy during the Second World War While making an emergency landing on board HMS VICTORIOUS, a Chance-Vought Corsair's auxiliary petrol tank became detached and burst into flames, setting fire to the undercarriage during the carrier-borne air attack against the Japanese repair and maintenance centre at Sigli, Sumatra. In the foreground men can be seen looking down on the aircraft from the bridge of the flight deck.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War- Operation Overlord (the Normandy Landings), June 1944 Allied troops continue to head towards the Normandy beachhead. Here ships go in to land their cargoes of men, trucks, etc between St Laurent and Vierville. Photograph taken form USS LST 25. One of the ship's 40 mm Bofors guns can be seen in the foreground.

Operation Pedestal, August 1942 12 August: The sinking of the Italian submarine COBALTO: HMS ITHURIEL coming in to ram the COBALTO.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Fairey Albacores of No 820 Squadron Fleet Air Arm from HMS FORMIDABLE in the Indian Ocean. One of the aircraft has just flown off the aircraft carrier whilst two more can be seen on deck (photographed from HMS WARSPITE).

King Gustaf V , chimney

Photograph of the Capsized USS Oklahoma and the USS Maryland after the Japanese Attack on Pearl HarborThe capsized USS Oklahoma (BB37) and the USS Maryland (BB46) after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. 1941-12-07T00:00:00.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War The torpedoed German destroyer Z 32 lying wrecked off the Brittany coast. She was damaged and driven ashore after a chase by the Canadian destroyer HMCS HAIDA. Later, when reconnaissance aircraft reported that she had a maintenance crew working on her and that her guns were manned, she was successfully attacked and torpedoed by British Motor Torpedo Boats of Light Coastal Forces, led by Lieutenant Tom Cartwright, DSC RNVR who dashed in under the enemy's coastal guns to finish her off.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War In the distance Fleet Air Arm aircraft flying low over the sea on their way to attack enemy targets in Norway.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Merchant ships on northern convoy duty passing through Arctic fog, which gives the impression of a boiling sea due to the difference in sea and air temperatures.

Transfer of "Grillon" and "Cruiquet" to the French Navy. Photographs of Marshall Plan Programs, Exhibits, and Personnel

Wing Tip Smashed On Bofors Guns -- Right wing of the Grumman plane which the pilot is king to land on the Escort ***** has its tip broken here as it ***** the Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft *****.It's still on even kell. ***** holding on to their helmets, though one files into the air. The wing was broken as it hit the guns. May 18, 1943. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

AMS-190 , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

Japan: Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hiryu abandoned and burning after the Battle of Midway, 5 June 1942

Carlson-A Speck on his Hull-Awaits the Tow Line - Captain Kurt Carlsen - lone man on his listing cargo-liner the "Flying Enterprise" (he is a tiny speck at the stern) - awaits a tow-line thrown by the British sea-going tug "Turmoil" (left), as this picture is made from the U.S. destroyer "John W. Weeks", standing by in the Atlantic 250 miles south west of Falmouth. Soon the weeks - short of fuel - steamed to Devonport. The Turmoil, with the Enterprise in tow, is making her way to Falmouth at 3½ knots. January 07, 1952. (Photo by Reuterphoto).

DN-SN-87-09951. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Looking down on the bow of the battleship HMS DUKE OF YORK as spray is blown across it, partially hiding the 14 inch guns of 'A' turret as she sails off Scapa Flow on Home Fleet exercises.

A partial port side view of the Soviet guided missile destroyer SOVREMENNY underway, showing from the helicopter flight deck to the stern, including the aft twin 130 mm/70-caliber gun mount. Country: Unknown

USS Longshaw Lost -- The Navy announced tonight the loss of the destroyer USS Longshaw (Shown above), off Okinawa with 179 casualties. June 11, 1945. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

Operation Overlord (the Normandy Landings)- D-day 6 June 1944 Bombardment from the sea: The destroyer HMS BEAGLE moored off GOLD Area, as landing craft make for the beaches.

The Central Pacific Front 1943-1945 Okinawa, April - June 1945: An American rocket ship fires a salvo of rockets during the bombardment of Okinawa.

Sub. of Dutch East Indies. December 16, 1941. (Photo by Still Photo Laboratories).

DN-SN-88-05814. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-88-03639. Base: Persian Gulf

Royal Air Force 1939-1945- Coastal Command On 27 August 1941 Coastal Command claimed a rare and unusual success when one of its aircraft was instrumental in the capture of a U-boat. A No 269 Squadron Hudson operating from Kaldadarnes in Iceland, flown by Squadron leader J. H. Thompson, surprised U-570 on the surface. Thomson dropped a stick of depth charges, after which the German crew was seen spilling out onto the casing, waving white flags. This photograph was taken later by a Catalina from No 209 Squadron, called to the scene along with various Royal Navy vessels. Heavy seas at first prevented a boarding party from reaching the U-boat, but eventually they were able to accept the crew's surrender.

Port bow view of the guided missile destroyer USS WILLIAM V. PRATT (DDG 44) underway. Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

The Ex-Cunard liner Lancastria goes down bows first, half an hour after being hit by German bombs. She listed, righted herself, listed again, settling all the time. Then she turned turtle and sank. That was on June 17 off the French Atlantic port of St. Nazaire. There were about 5000 British troops aboard. Nearly 2500 - some women and children among them - are known to have been saved. This is the first picture released in England. September 17, 1940. (Photo by Daily Express Photograph).

Wyatt Earp. February 09, 1948.

DD-868 Brownson , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

Anefo photo collection. Mn Merchant Navy / Anefo London series. On Dutch passenger ship employed troop transport. Anti-aircraft gun. 1944. Canada

AKL-398 Redbud , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

Photograph of Burning of Gasoline Stowage on Makin Island after Marine Commando RaidBurning of gasoline stowage on Makin Island after Marine Commando raid. Shot from USS Nautilus (SS-168) waiting to take Marines off island.

DD-789 Eversole , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

An Invasion Fleet Is Protected By A Balloon Barrage And Gun Fire Of Allied Naval Units From The Sea During A Large Scale Landing Somewhere On The Coast Of France In June 1944.

Air Attack From The Aleutians -- Japaneseanese Seaman Mans His Small-Calibre Machine Gun On The Fore-Deck Of A Sub-Chaser Under Heavy Strafing Attack (See Splashes) By U.S. Army 11 Air Force Mitchell Bombers During Their Attack On An Enemy Convoy In Kataoka Na

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Depth charges exploding after being dropped by the destroyer HMS VANOC over the spot indicated by the submarine detecting apparatus, which reported a contact during an Atlantic Convoy. Some crew members can be seen at the stern watching the explosion.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Fairey Albacores about to land on HMS VICTORIOUS during flying exercises at sea. HMS FOLKESTONE can be seen sailing through the wake of the aircraft carrier. The Albacores, spotter-torpedo-reconnaissance aircraft, carried out many raids on enemy occupied ports and coastal aerodromes.

March 1915. The French squadron in the Dardanelles. Gunners Firing a Revolver Cannon Aboard a Cruiser During One of the Last Fights.

AM-434 Embattle , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

Operation Pedestal, August 1942 12 August: The sinking of the Italian Submarine COBOLTO: A detailed photograph of COBALTO's conning tower showing gun-fire damage.

Mediterranean Manoeuvres -- Looking over Seafores ranged on the flight deck of H.M.S. Formidable As. H.M.S. Nelson (adopted by M/C) manoeuvres in the Mediterranean with her destroyer escort. April 06, 1944. (Photo by British Official Photograph).

A convoy mine sweeps in keellinie with hr.ms right. Bruinisse (M 865). 1958.

S69-27466 (13 March 1969) --- The Apollo 9 spacecraft, with astronauts James A. McDivitt, David R. Scott, and Russell L. Schweickart aboard, touches down in the Atlantic recovery area to conclude a successful 10-day Earth-orbital space mission. Splashdown occurred at 12 00 53 p.m. (EST), March 13, 1969, only 4.5 nautical miles from the prime recovery ship, USS Guadalcanal.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War A landing craft support (rocket) in action on the Solent. The projectiles can be seen in the air on their way to the objective whilst a large cloud of smoke hangs over the landing craft. They were first used off Sicily in 1943 and took a foremost part in every subsequent landing.

An LVTC-7 tracked command vehicle comes ashore as U.S. Marines disembark from a landing ship (LST). U.S. Marines have been assigned to Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force after a confrontation between Israeli forces and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

'Le "Goeben" contre le torpilleur "Schastlivyi" (21 sept. 1915); Un nouveau projectile du "Goeben" tombe a quatre metres et la gerbe d'eau eclabousse le pont', 1915. From "Collection de la Guerre IV. L'Illustration Tome CXLVII. La Guerre Janvier, Fevrier, Mars, Avril, Mai, Juin 1916".

Anefo photo collection. Mn Merchant Navy / Anefo London series. Caption: "on board dutch tanker" on board Dutch tanker. October 1943. Britain

DN-SN-85-02080. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Caribbean Sea

Ready For The Second Front -- Party swimming across a waterway. The non-swimmers make use of their kit, ground sheet and anti-gas cape, crossing with ease. The kit is tied up so that it acts as a float. Picture taken during a physical training course for N.C.O.'s from units of a second front division part of the Allied force training in Britain. Training for D-Day: British NCO's swimming a river in England with Full equipment during pre-invasion "toughening" exercises in 1944. July 24, 1944. (Photo by British Official Photograph).

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