Matapan Collection

"Matapan: A Tale of Naval Valor and Historic Moments" In the annals of naval history, few battles have left as indelible a mark as the Battle of Cape Matapan

H. M. S. Warspite
An overhead view of H.M.S.Warspite during the Battle of Cape Matapan. Warspite was a veteran British Queen Elizabeth class battleship which had taken part in the Battle of Jutland in World War I

H. M. S. Warspite
A view of the bridge of H.M.S. Warspite, from where, as his flagship, Admiral Andrew Cunningham oversaw the Royal Naval actions during the engagement with the Italian Navy at the Battle of Cape

Matapan Collection: Battle of Cape Matapan

Battle of Cape Matapan
The three British Royal Naval warships which played the leading role in the Battle of Cape Matapan, off the coast of the Greek Peloponnesian peninsula

Matapan Collection: Photograph of Matapan PH, Dagenham (Old), Essex

Photograph of Matapan PH, Dagenham (Old), Essex. The main side of the print (shown here) depicts: Right face on view of the pub

H. M. S. Formidable
H.M.S.Formidable, an Illustrious class aircraft carrier of the British Royal Navy, launched in 1939 and commissioned in November 1940

Matapan Collection: Photograph of Matapan PH, Dagenham (New), Essex

Photograph of Matapan PH, Dagenham (New), Essex. The main side of the print (shown here) depicts: Right face on view of the pub

Matapan Collection: Leaving SS Ivernia, Boston Harbour

Leaving SS Ivernia, Boston Harbour
SS Ivernia was built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Launched in 1899 by the Cunard Line company to act as an intermediate ship catering for the vast immigration

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Matapan: A Tale of Naval Valor and Historic Moments" In the annals of naval history, few battles have left as indelible a mark as the Battle of Cape Matapan. This legendary clash took place on March 27-29, 1941, during World War II in the Mediterranean Sea. The British Royal Navy's H. M. S. Warspite and H. M. S. Formidable played pivotal roles in this momentous encounter. As dawn broke over the azure waters off Greece's Peloponnese peninsula, a fierce engagement unfolded between Allied forces and their Axis adversaries. Led by Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, the British fleet sought to intercept an Italian convoy bound for North Africa with vital supplies for Mussolini's troops. The H. M. S. Warspite, a fearsome Queen Elizabeth-class battleship renowned for her firepower and resilience, unleashed her mighty guns upon enemy vessels with devastating effect. Her valiant crew braved relentless salvos from Italian warships but emerged triumphant in this crucial battle that would shift the tide of war in favor of the Allies. Amidst this tumultuous conflict, another significant event occurred – the departure of H. M. S. Formidable from SS Ivernia at Boston Harbor. This photograph captures a poignant moment as brave sailors bid farewell to loved ones before embarking on their perilous journey across treacherous seas. Closer to home lies Matapan PH in Dagenham (Old), Essex – a place steeped in history where memories intertwine with time-worn buildings and faded photographs tell tales long forgotten. These images evoke nostalgia for days gone by when Matapan was not just a name associated with heroic naval exploits but also represented ordinary lives lived amidst extraordinary times. Today, Matapan PH stands proudly amidst its surroundings - both old and new - serving as a reminder of past glories while embracing progress and change. It symbolizes resilience against adversity; it embodies the spirit of those who fought valiantly for freedom and justice.