Naval Military History

Black-and-white photographs of naval operations from different historical eras, capturing various vessels in action and significant naval events.

British Trawler Destroys Submarine In Dramatic Action Off North Africa -- The scene as the Italian submarine began to sink and members of the crew plunged into the water to be picked up by the trawler. During operations off North Africa, the trawler H.M.S. "Lord Nuffield" (Skipper D.S. M.I.R, R.N.R.) detected an Italian submarine (later identified at the "EMO") and went into the attack.On the point of dropping depth charges, the crew of the "Lord Nuffield" were astonished to see the submarine's periscope breaking surfaces a few yards away. The "EMO", which was mounting heavier gun armament with a higher maximum speed than the "Lord Nuffield" crash dived in an attempt to escape but was not quick enough, and was forced to the surface with the result that the trawler bring to bear and scored a success in of quick hits on the submarine's conning tower, causing casualties among the EMO's crew. August 23, 1943.

Aircraft Carriers -- The Pride of the United States Navy -- A destroyer which is part of the carrier's escort plunges through heavy seas on its patrol. April 9, 1951. (Photo by Interphoto News Pictures Inc.).

The Royal Navy during the Second World War The submarine HMS CLYDE acting as an escort during the refuelling between RFA DINGLEDALE and HMS HERMIONE

British Trawler Destroys Submarine In Dramatic Action Off North Africa -- The scene as the Italian submarine began to sink and members of the crew plunged into the water to be picked up by the trawler. During operations off North Africa, the trawler H.M.S. "Lord Nuffield" (Skipper D.S. M.I.R, R.N.R.) detected an Italian submarine (later identified at the "EMO") and went into the attack.On the point of dropping depth charges, the crew of the "Lord Nuffield" were astonished to see the submarine's periscope breaking surfaces a few yards away. The "EMO", which was mounting heavier gun armament with a higher maximum speed than the "Lord Nuffield" crash dived in an attempt to escape but was not quick enough, and was forced to the surface with the result that the trawler bring to bear and scored a success in of quick hits on the submarine's conning tower, causing casualties among the EMO's crew. August 23, 1943.

10/31/1914. The War in the East. Ships of the Japanese squadron performing a demonstration before Kiao-Tcho.

U-Boat Crew Photographs Sinking Up Allied ***** the failure of the Nasi U-boat campaign, very few pictures have appeared showing the sinking of Allied ships. The fast remains that there are still a lot of U-boats hunting out Allied shipping, but their efficiency has been seriously impaired. Photograph received via neutral sources and passed by Allied censors. October 08, 1943.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Wreckage of an Italian torpedo bomber shot down by the destroyer HMS FAULKNOR, (in the background) during an attack on a British convoy which was escorted by warships in the Sicilian channel. Photograph taken from the cruiser SHEFFIELD.

Gustaf V (depicted - name).Gustaf V (depicted - name)

British T. B. Destroyer HENDERSON making e smoke screen at sea, to protect a convoy. 18th May 1918.

Hmcs Goderich Underway at sea.

A view of an experimental variable-depth sonar installed on a Soviet Petya I class light frigate. (Substandard image). Country: Unknown

The Royal Navy during the Second World War HMS MAURITIUS ready for action with other Allied shipping off the beachhead at Anzio. Note the twin 4 inch guns at full elevation on the starboard side of the cruiser. She is adopted by Kingston-upon-Hull and District.

The White Ensign floats over the Italian Flag on the Italian submarine captured near Aden by the British trawler "Moonstone". The "Moonstone's first shot scored a direct hit on the submarine's conning tower. August 10, 1940.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Salerno, 9 September 1943 (Operation Avalanche): During Operation AVALANCHE, American landing craft pass the cruiser HMS MAURITIUS as they head for the beaches at Salerno (photographed from the British minesweeper CIRCE).

Captain Kurt Carlsen - lone man on his listing cargo liner the flying enterprise (he is a tiny speck so the stern) awaite a tow line thrown by the British sea going tug 'Turmoil' (left), as this picture is made from the U.S. destroyed 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 31/2 Knots. January 07, 1952. (Photo by Reuter Photo)

HMS Thistle, 1st Class Gunboat at the China Station 1910 - 1912 Boats of the China Squadron doing salvage work on the wreck of HMS BEDFORD, 1910.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War- Operation Husky, Sicily, July 1943 Bathed in sunlight, part of the invasion armada in line ahead, leaving Alexandria bound for Sicily. Note the barrage balloons above the ships.

The landing of Australian troops at Balikpapan, Borneo's rich oil centre. LST off-shore during the Naval bombardment of enemy positions. July 13, 1945. (Photo by Australian Official Photo).

Ships of the Eastern Fleet. August 1942, on Board HMS Mauritius. HMS ILLUSTRIOUS seen from the MAURITIUS, Fiji class cruiser.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War HMS HOWE firing a broadside to port with her 14 inch guns in northern waters (seen from the battleship HMS KING GEORGE V). Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, newly appointed Commander in Chief of the British Pacific Fleet had recently announced that his flagship would be HMS HOWE.

Kamikaze Attacks USS Sante Fe -- When this Japanese Kamikaze bomber made a run on the USS Sante Fe off the coast of Formosa, the cruiser's gunners pared the left wing off the plane causing it to go out of control and spiraling across the Sante Fe's deck, dousing the ship with burning gasoline. The attack did not put the cruiser out of action during its record 25 months of active sea duty without a major overhaul. July 24, 1945. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

Last of the Enterprise - Tow dramatic pictures showing the last moments in the life of the ill-fated American freighter Flying Enterprise. At top the vessel is seen heeling over flat with the mast touching the water, while below the bows of the vessel are about to be submerged. An escort vessel steams close by. Packing cases and bales litter the angry waters, part of the Flying Enterprises's cargo which heroic Captain Carlsen tried so much to serve. A short time before these pictures were taken Captain Carlsen and Mr. Kenneth Dancy, mate of the Turmoil, had leaped overhboard from the stricken freighter's funnel and were picked up by the Turmoil. January 11, 1952. (Photo by British Movietone News).

Anefo photo collection. Military action in Indonesia. December 30, 1948. Indonesia

Aerial view of British destroyer HMS ACTIVE underway in the Gibraltar Straits.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War An assault ship, followed by her assault craft steams toward the beaches and passes the battleship USS TEXAS (right), as she bombards enemy batteries during the invasion of Southern France.

German submarine U-210 seen from HMCS Assiniboine, 6 August 1942, Anonymous

Operation Pedestal, August 1942 12 August: Air Attacks: The cruiser HMS CHARYBDIS, part of Admiral Syfret's Force Z, leaving the convoy to return to Gibraltar.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Motor launches laying a smoke screen off the beaches of southern France near St Raphael to screen landing craft going inshore.

The Battle of the Atlantic 1939-1945 Convoys: Merchant ships in convoy seen from the after deck of a tug.

Photograph of Coast Guard Landing Barges Hitting the French Coast with the First Wave of American Troops. Coast Guard Barges Hit the French Coast- Coast Guard landing barges hit the French Coast with the first wave of American troops under heavy fire from Nazi beach nests. This photo, taken from a landing barge by a Coast Guard combat photographer, shows the troops waist deep as they wade ashore. These landing barges shuttled back and forth from their assault transports to the beach carrying troops throughout D-Day. 1939 - 1967.

Anefo photo collection. Princess Irene Brigade. Dutch soldiers training. "Dutch Forces Invasion Exercises". landing boat. February 1944. Britain

DN-SN-85-09587. Country: Unknown

Anefo photo collection. Police action in Indonesia. December 30, 1948. Indonesia

Last dash to shore, aboard American-manned alligators, during the landing of Australian troops at Balikpapan, Borneo.In background: smoke from ruins of enemy positions and from burning oil-wells. Shore installations were subjected to an intensive naval bombardment before the landing operation. July 12, 1945. (Photo by Australian Official Photo).

The german armoured cruiser SMS Blucher sinks after receiving multiple hits from British warships at the Battle of Dogger Bank o / Anonymous / Photograph / 1915/ Private Collection / History

United States, 1945A flotilla of Coast Guard manned LCIs reach home after crossing the Atlantic from the European war theater where they were in the first waves of the invasions of Sicily, Salerno and Normandy.

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

Operation Pedestal, August 1942 12 August: Evening Air and Submarine attacks: HMS KENYA under air attack on her return voyage to Gibraltar.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War USS ALABAMA firing her 16 inch guns during combined British and American fleet exercises. The photograph was taken from the battleship ANSON.

Channel Convoy Shelled By The Germans: Another burst closer, between two ships but still another miss.***** pictures of the Channel convoy shelling taken from one of the escorting warships, they show how the German Gunners tried to find the range. and missed. November 05, 1940. (Photo by Keystone).

Photograph showing the Republican Government's submarine 'B.6' sinking, viewed from the deck of the Nationalist cruiser 'Velasco', off Corunna, 10th September 1936. Just prior to the taking of this photograph the 'Velasco' had dealt the 'B.6' a mortal blow. Survivors from the submarine can be seen in the water around the upturned submarine bow. Date: 1936

Destroyers of the Harwich flotilla in line ahead.

HMS Hartland on Fire and Sinking After Following HMS Walney Into Oran Harbour in the Face of a Hot Fire From French Warships and Shore Batteries.

The Greek Navy during the Second World War Anti-Submarine Weapons: Hedgehog, a 24 spigot anti-submarine mortar. On the target. A full Twenty Four Pattern just fired from the Greek Corvette HHMS TOMPAZIS, seven of the bombs have already hit the water, while seventeen more can be counted in mid-air about to strike the water.

German mine sweeps and landing boats at sea.

A man was killed and another injured in this gasoline blaze in Sitra Harbor, Persian Gulf. A transport dhow, with 60 barrels each containing 50 gallons caught fire. Rescue boats and fire fighters tried in vain to save the craft. July 18, 1955. (Photo by The Associated Press Ltd.).

Oct 1962 - US Navy helicopter observes Soviet submarine operating in the vicinity during the Cuban Quarantine operations. US Navy photo

Emergency signal "Ship in need". Lockheed P-3C Orion on Exploration Coordinated rescue exercise with ship in need, Knzhrm and MLD. Lifeboat Susanne from Den Helder, Helicopter Westland Lynx MK. 25 (UH-14A) 264 and Lockheed P-3C Orion. 1985

Photograph showing the Republican Government's submarine 'B.6' sinking, viewed from the deck of the Nationalist cruiser 'Velasco', off Corunna, 10th September 1936. Just prior to the taking of this photograph the 'Velasco' had dealt the 'B.6' a mortal blow. A small boat from the 'Velasco' heads towards the submarine to pick up survivors. Date: 1936

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Rough seas breaking over the decks of HMS FURIOUS in the Mediterranean (photograph taken from the cruiser HMS SHEFFIELD).

High angle view of a missile launching from a military ship, RIM-2 Terrier, Mississippi, USA

Submarine That Sank Off New Hampshire Coast -- The Squalus, newest and one of the largest submarines of the U.S. Navy, which went down in 240 feet of water five miles southeast of the isles of Shoals off Hampton Beach, N.H. yesterday with 59 men aboard. The ship has been operating from its base at the Navy Yard here. It is under the command of Lieut. O.F. Naquin. May 24, 1939. (Photo by by Wide World Photos).

An overhead view of the French destroyer MONTCALM (D-642) underway. Country: Northern Arabian Sea

The Royal Navy during the Second World War The crew of a 4.7-inch gun closed up on board HMS RODNEY whilst she is at sea. When the order is given to close up a certain gun, the crew of that gun dash to their stations and prepare for action.

DN-SN-89-05214. Country: Unknown

***** the mode of an abandoned Italian flying beat, and Axis supply ship dettles gracefully on the better of Matrub Harbour. Caught by the R.A.F. it was but one sample of the airstriking power which the Eight Army found had paralysed the enemy's rear. March 08, 1943. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency).

Last dash to shore, aboard American-manned alligators, during the landing of Australian troops at Balikpapan, Borneo. In background: smoke from ruins of enemy positions and from burning oil-wells. Shore installations were subjected to an intensive naval bombardment before the landing operation. July 12, 1945. (Photo by Australian Official Photo).

The Carrier Gets Bigger -- These are photos No.3, top. and no.4, below, in a series made from a banshee jet approaching the Carrier Essex for a landing in the Pacific. At top the pilot is still at an angle to the ship. Below he has leveled off. The pictures were made two second apart as the banshee made its approach at approximately 125 miles an hour. January 25, 1955. (Photo by U.S. Navy Photos).

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Landing exercises I Infantry Brigade 7 December Division in Tjilinting. Exercises on Java's North Coast. Under protection of aircraft, the boats are approaching the coast that was previously made by mortars "Stormrama" .. May 1947. Indonesia, Dutch East Indies

Photographed from a low-flying bomber of the U.S. Army 5th AF, these landing craft are carrying men of Gen. MacArthur's command for a landing on the strong Japanese air base on Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island.

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Rest home on the island of Edam. Ship. 1946. Indonesia, Dutch East Indies

A Great Army Africa-Bound Protecting Plane Photographs Historic Convoy En Route: The sea, as far as the horizon, covered with British Navy and Merchant Ships bound for the coast of French North Africa with a cargo of armed men and machines of war - a historic picture made from one of the aircraft of R.A.F. Coastal Command which together wit R.A.F Bomber Command and the U.S. Army Air Fore, maintained a great protecting air ''umbrella'' over the convoy. While Sunderland flying *****, Whitleys, Liberators, Wellingtons and Hudsons maintained constant patrol, pinning U. Boats in their Bay of Biscay Bases, Beafighters of Coastal Command neutralised the efforts of German long range fightersto intercept the U. Boat hunting aircraft. November 01, 1942. (Photo by British Official Photograph).

"Siberia Maru" from Japanese destroyer

French Submarine Feared Sunk -- French Naval authorities to-day (September 24) announced that the French submarine ' Sybille,' which has been taking part in maneuvres off the Southern Coast of France, failed to surface this morning as scheduled and that ' serious uneasiness ' is felt.The Sybille is one of four submarines loaned to France by Britain in 1951. It has a surface displacement of 775 tons and a submerged displacement of 1,000 tons.It was formerly H.M.S. Sportsman. The French Navy Secretariat announced that 48 man and three officers are aboard. Planes are adiing ships in a search for the vessel. September 24, 1952. (Photo by British Official Picture)

Nazi U-Boat Reaches Journey's End - A U.S. Navy airship hovers over the U-858, first Nazi submarine to give up to American forces after Germany's surrender, as it reaches a designated point of transfer in Atlantic coastal waters on May 14, 1945. The U-boat originally had surrendered on May 10 to one of two destroyer escorts of the Atlantic Fleet 300 miles (482 kms.) south of Newfoundland. These escorts, still flanking the Nazi craft, delivered it to a point off the U.S. east-coast state of New J

John Wayne in "Operation Pacific" also starring Patricia Neal. November 5, 1953. (Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures).

The Royal Navy during the Second World War The submarine HMSM AFFRAY, after launching at the Cammel Laird ship yard, Birkenhead.

The standing under the command of Rear Admiral Brown II. American ***** with the battles vessel "Arkansas", "New York" and "Wyoming" met to visit the kieler week in Rich naval port.Salut of the "Graf Spee" in honor of the American visit. June 21, 1937.

HUNDIMIENTO DEL SUBMARINO B-6.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War A Chinese Military Mission boarding HMSM H 50 at sea during a visit to the Royal Navy at Portsmouth. Whilst at Portsmouth, the Mission, led by General Yang Chieh (former ambassador to the USSR and founder of the Chinese staff college) saw many different types of warship, including an MTB and a submarine. He also lunched with Admiral Sir Charles J C Little, GBE, KCB, Commander in Chief Portsmouth aboard HMS VICTORY.

Knatchbull M (capt the Hon) Collection Approaching Sedd el Bahr by sea: Gallipoli May 1915.

U. S. 6th Fleet Ships Sail from Spain - The United States warship "R. K. Huntington" sailing from Barcelona as units of the United States Sixth Fleet left scattered Spanish Ports to take part in NATO sea manoeuvres. They are slated to coordinate with ships of six other NATO nations ion the exercises. Navy spokesmen at Barcelona and in Madrid described the sailing as "routine" despite the mounting tension in the Middle East. May 16, 1947. (Photo by United Press Photo).

Boxes Of Supplies For The 41St Bomb Group Are Transferred From The Hold Of The Ak-17, A Coast Guard Cargo Ship, To A Lcm (Landing Craft Mechanized) Which Will Take The Supplies Ashore At Okinawa, Ryukyu Retto. 7 June 1945.

HMS ESKIMO patrolling the landing area during the Allied invasion of Sicily, July 1943. Operation Husky: The Sicily Landings 9-10 July 1943: HMS ESKIMO patrolling the landing area off the coast of Sicily, while in the distance a supply ship burns after being hit by enemy aircraft.

AMS-64 , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

1940s DECEMBER 7 1941 DAY OF INFAMY BATTLESHIP USS ARIZONA AFTER SURPRISE ATTACK BY JAPANESE AIR FORCES PEARL HARBOR HI USA

DN-SN-86-00745. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-85-11095. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43)

The Polish Navy during the Second World War The two Polish destroyers, ORP Grom (Thunder) and ORP Byskawica (Lightning) seen after Operation 'Pekin', the evacuation of units of the Polish Navy to British home waters in September 1939. The destroyers are moored side by side at a buoy.

Troops from 51st Highland Division unloading stores from tank landing craft on the opening day of the Allied invasion of Sicily, 10 July 1943. Just after dawn, men of the Highland Division up to their waists in water unloading stores on a landing beach on the opening day of the invasion of Sicily. Meanwhile beach roads are being prepared for heavy and light traffic. Several landing craft tank can be seen just of the beach (including LCT 622).

The Royal Navy during the Second World War The bows of HMS STORK after being damaged by a torpedo. The ship is in harbour.

Attack of a German submarine by a plane of the 479th Anti Submarine Group somewhere in the North Sea. 29 July 1943.

Little Vessel Of Mercy, Number 184, Of The Air Sea Rescue Service In The North Sea, Comes Alongside Two Rubber Dinghies Holding Air Crew Members Of A B-17 Which Was Forced Down On Its Return To Its Base In England From Occupied Territory. 20 August 1943.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War- the Dieppe Raid, August 1942 A general view of some of the small naval craft covering the landing during the Combined Operations daylight raid on Dieppe.

A british destroyer laying a smoke screen in World War I

Aerial port bow view of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS BUFFALO (SSN 715) underway during sea trials. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

British Sub A5

Surrendered Kriegsmarine U-805 Entering Portsmouth, New Hampshire under Escort. This item is a photograph depicting German submarine U-805 entering Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she surrendered to U.S. forces on May 14, 1945, one week following the surrender of Germany, which ended World War II in Europe and the Atlantic. 1945-05-14T00:00:00. Northeast Region (Boston, MA). Photographic Print. Department of the Navy. First Naval District. Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Administration. Office of the Historical Officer. ca. 1941-ca. 1946. Administrative History of the First Naval District in World War II

A port bow view of the ships assigned to the battle groups of the aircraft carriers USS MIDWAY (CV-41) and USS RANGER (CV-61) underway during Exercise Readex '82. Subject Operation/Series: READEX '82 Country: Philippine Sea

USA/Japan: Lt. Col. James 'Jimmy' Doolittle performs a full-throttle takeoff in a B25 Mitchell Medium Bomber from the deck of the USS Hornet, 650 miles from Japan, for the 'Doolittle Raid' on Tokyo, 18 April 1942

The Royal Navy during the Second World War HMS ANSON firing her guns during passing out trials in the North Sea.

Destroyer Ripped Open By Explosion -- A long jagged hole near stern of the destroyer Duncan is evidence of the violent explosion on the vessel while 200 miles at sea yesterday. The ship is anchored in the outer harbor while crewmen remove depth charges, some of which are on deck at left. One sailor was killed and 14 others injured in the blast. March 2, 1948. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

6" guns of HMAS Perth. November 24, 1941.

HMS Thistle, 1st Class Gunboat at the China Station 1910 - 1912 Heavy swell bursting on the wreck of HMS BEDFORD. This made salvage work very difficult.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War A Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk IA on the catapult of a CAM Catapult Armed Merchant Ship at Greenock.

Photo collection First World War. With the British Navy in War Time. Firing 6 "Guns - 15" in Foreground. 1914-1918}

Photograph showing the Royal Navy battleship HMS 'Duke of York' firing her 14-inch guns, whilst heavy seas break over her bows, sometime during the Second World War. The 'Duke of York' was a 35,000 ton battleship built by John Brown's yard at Clydebank in 1941. Date: 1944

The Royal Navy during the Second World War On board HM Motor Minesweeper 88 during minesweeping operations off Anzio, Italy. On the order of 'in sweeps', the sweep is wound in by hand by the sailors on the left and guided onto a huge drum, again by hand.

The Neptune Amphibious Tank -- "Neptune" putting out to sea. This British tracked amphibious vehicle is a ship-to-shore load carrier capable of self-propulsion in any sea, able to land on a beach through heavy surf, and to move across country. "Neptune" can take a pay load of approx; four tons and has a large unobstructed hold, which makes it particularly suited for the carriage of a wide variety of equipment, including the 17-pounder anti-tank and 25 pounder filed guns, vehicles, casulaties, and stores. "Neptune" is equipped with navigation lights in addition to normal road lamps, a wireless set operated by the driver's mate. October 27, 1945. (Photo by Central Press Photos Ltd.).

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