Cruisers Collection (#5)

Hms Indominatble
One of three battle-cruisers added to the R N at this time, sister to Invincible, she will take part in several notable engagements of WW1 including Jutland. Date: completed 1908

Students on Canal
Students plying private hire motor cruisers on the Oxford Canal, near Napton, Warwickshire, England. Date: early 1960s

HMS Chester, British light cruiser, WW1
The forecastle and gun of the British Town-class light cruiser, HMS Chester, launched 1915, which took part in the Battle of Jutland (1916) during the First World War

View of Bruges Canal, Zeebrugge, Belgium, WW1
View of the Bruges Canal at the sea port of Zeebrugge, Belgium, during the First World War, around the time of the Zeebrugge Raid (23 April 1918)

View of British ships from Ostend, Belgium, WW1
View of British ships and boats out at sea, seen from the port of Ostend, Belgium, during the First World War. They include two obsolete British cruisers, HMS Brilliant and HMS Sirius

Austrian battleship SMS Novara, Adriatic, WW1
The Austro-Hungarian battleship SMS Novara, damaged during the Otranto Barrage (Battle of the Otranto Straits) in the Adriatic, First World War. Date: May 1917

British 3rd Light Cruiser Squadron at sea, WW1
Ships of the British 3rd LCS (Light Cruiser Squadron) at sea during the First World War. Date: 1914-1918

John Jack Travers Cornwell, heroic sailor, WW1
John Jack Travers Cornwell (1900-1916), heroic young sailor posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery on HMS Chester during the Battle of Jutland

HMS Grafton, British cruiser, WW1
HMS Grafton, British Edgar-class cruiser, launched 1892, served in the Gallipoli Campaign, First World War, decommissioned 1920

HMS Falmouth, British light cruiser, WW1
HMS Falmouth, British Town-class light cruiser, launched 1910, served during the early part of the First World War. Seen here sinking in the North Sea after being attacked by two German submarines

HMS Aboukir, British armoured cruiser
HMS Aboukir, British Cressy-class armoured cruiser, launched 1902, sunk by a German U-boat in September 1914. circa 1902

HMAS Sydney, British light cruiser, WW1
HMAS Sydney, Australian Town-class (Chatham sub-class) light cruiser, launched 1912, served during the First World War, decommissioned 1928. Seen here leaving Rosyth, Scotland. Date: circa 1917

British battle cruisers HMS Lion, Princess Royal and Tiger
British battle cruisers at sea, from left to right HMS Lion, HMS Princess Royal and HMS Tiger, during the First World War. Date: 1914-1918

HMS Aurora, British light cruiser with mines, WW1
HMS Aurora, British Arethusa-class light cruiser, launched 1913, served in various locations during the First World War, decommissioned 1918. Seen here with mines lined up along her quarter deck

Four Allied battlecruisers at sea, WW1
Four Allied battlecruisers at sea during the First World War. They are, from left to right, HMAS Australia, HMS New Zealand, HMS Indomitable and HMS Inflexible. Date: 1914-1918

HMS Bristol, British light cruiser, WW1
HMS Bristol, British Town-class light cruiser, launched 1910, served during the First World War, decommissioned 1921. circa 1910

Unidentified armoured cruiser
An unidentified armoured cruiser around the time of the First World War. Date: early 20th century

HMS Inflexible, British battlecruiser, Falklands, WW1
HMS Inflexible, British Invincible-class battlecruiser, launched 1907, served in various locations during the First World War, decommissioned 1920

HMS Carnarvon, British armoured cruiser
HMS Carnarvon, British Devonshire-class armoured cruiser, launched 1903, served before and during the First World War, briefly used as a training ship, then sold and broken up 1921

Aerial view, bows of a British cruiser, WW1
Aerial view of the bows of a British Royal Navy cruiser, probably during the First World War. Date: circa 1914-1918

British battle cruisers HMS Queen Mary and HMS Tiger, WW1
British battle cruisers HMS Queen Mary (left) and HMS Tiger (right) at sea during the First World War. The Queen Mary was lost during the Battle of Jutland, on 31 May 1916

Ships of the British 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron, WW1
Ships of the British 2nd LCS (Light Cruiser Squadron) at sea during the First World War. Date: 1914-1918

HMS Caradoc, British light cruiser, post-WW1
HMS Caradoc, British Caledon group C-class light cruiser, launched 1916, part of the Grand Fleet during the latter part of the First World War, also served in the Second World War

HMS Kent, British armoured cruiser, WW1
HMS Kent, British Monmouth-class armoured cruiser, launched 1901, served during the First World War, decommissioned 1920. Showing damage to her upper deck, with crew members standing on either side

HMS New Zealand, WW1
HMS New Zealand, Indefatigable class British battlecruiser (a gift from the government of New Zealand), launched 1911, served during the First World War, decommissioned 1922

Four British battle cruisers at sea, WW1
Four British battle cruisers at sea during the First World War. They are, from left to right, HMS Queen Mary, HMS Princess Royal, HMS Lion and HMS Tiger. Date: 1914-1916

British battle cruisers HMS Tiger, Princess Royal and Lion
British battle cruisers at sea, from left to right HMS Tiger, HMS Princess Royal and HMS Lion, during the First World War. Date: 1914-1918

HMAS Australia and HMAS New Zealand, WW1
HMAS Australia (left) and HMAS New Zealand (in the distance), Indefatigable class battle cruisers, launched 1911, served in the First World War. Date: 1914-1918

HMAS New Zealand and HMAS Australia, WW1
HMAS New Zealand (left) and HMAS Australia (centre), Indefatigable class battle cruisers, launched 1911, served in the First World War. Date: 1914-1918

Spanish Cruiser Miguel De Cervantes before being bombed

The crew of the U boat U9, they sunk three royal navy cruisers, HMS Aboukir, HMS Cressy and HMS Hogue

Izmir, Turkey - Results of bombardment in 1915 (1 / 9)
Izmir, Turkey - View of the city 24 hours after bombardment by British in March 1915

Gudvangen, Norway - open cabs await the disembarking steamboat tourists

German cruisers WWI
German Cruisers Goeben and Breslau in front of the Dardanelles during World War I

British and French Cruisers WWI
British and French Cruisers of the entrance to the Dardanelles during World War I

French Cruiser WWII
French Cruiser Georges Leygues during World War II (La Galissonniere class cruiser)

French light cruiser WWII
The Montcalm was a French light cruiser of the La Galissonnire class that served with Vichy France and the Allied forces

Royal Navy at Portland
Royal Navy vessels moored at Portland Harbour, Dorset

Egyptian Port Scene
A fine photographic view of an Egyptian port with moored Battleships from the British Fleet in the background, a light train system on the dock and a group of foreign dignitaries awaiting their ship

British fleet 1918
British cruisers and destroyers of the Royal Navy on their way to the Estonian capital and major sea port Tallinn, carrying arms for the Estonians

The Ottoman Fleet - a patriotic card from the time of WWI

Unsere Helden
A commemorative photograph of the crew of the U9, a German submarine claiming to have sunk three British cruisers in 1914. With the news, the men became heroes of the Fatherland

Invincible & Inflexible
At the Battle of the Falkland Islands, British cruisers Invincible and Inflexible leave Port Stanley to join the rest of the fleet

Zigzagging in North Sea
British battle-cruisers zigzagging in the North Sea

Indomitable Tows Lion
After the inconclusive Battle of Dogger Bank, the cruiser Indomitable tows home the damaged flagship Lion

Cruisers Attacked
British cruisers are attacked by German aircraft

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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.