Naval History Forums

Guys,

Here's a link to a webpage of photos that shows several major (and some minor) British warships in Mombassa harbour during the late 1950's. It was sent to me by a friend.

There are some nice shots of Ark Royal (R-09), Eagle (R-05), Albion, Victorious (in her recontrsucted fit). a Colony class cruiser (Ceylon) plus some Leander and Tribal class frigates plus smaller vessels - a real treasure trove of post WW2 ships.

Enjoy!:

http://www.mccrow.org.uk/EastAfrica/EAW ... EastAf.htm

Paul

Interesting!

One thing I hadn't noticed before is the naval ensign on the fantail. In the US Navy, the colors are switched from the fantail to the mast as the ship get's underweigh and I'd always thought everyone did that.

Thanks for the great post, I always enjoy seeing people's personal pictures of ships.

Nice shots aren't they?

Anyone know what was so significant about East Africa during those years why the RN's big ships were so active in the area?

In the Caribbean I've never seen a British warship bigger than a destroyer! (Although during WW2, Indomitable ran aground entering Kingston Harbour putting paid to her joining Force Z...but that was somewhat before my time...)

Didn't know about that flag practice Bgile....

Paul

I think this was around the time of the ''Mau Mau'' conflict in Kenya. Possibly the RN and other forces were engaged in operations against arms smuggling, against the backdrop of the Cold War and possible Soviet involvement with African guerilla movements.