HMS Belfast: A Look Inside the Gun Turrets

HMS Belfast, a legendary World War II cruiser, is now a museum ship docked on the River Thames in London. Visitors can explore the vessel’s vast interior and learn about its history, including its role in the Battle of the North Cape. But what lies behind the imposing gun turrets that dominate the ship’s silhouette? This blog post will take you inside the heart of HMS Belfast’s firepower, exploring the complex workings of its 6-inch guns and the intricate systems that brought them to bear on the enemy.

The Gun Direction Platform

The journey begins on the Gun Direction Platform (GDP), a raised platform located at the rear of the ship. Here, the gunnery crew would direct the fire of the 6-inch guns. Using a sophisticated system of optical sights, rangefinders, and computers, they would determine the target’s location and calculate the necessary firing angles and projectile settings.

The GDP was the nerve center of the ship’s gunnery operations. From here, the gunnery officer would issue commands to the gun crews, ensuring accurate and timely fire. The platform also housed a fire control table, where the calculations for range, elevation, and fuse settings were made.

The A-Turret

From the GDP, we descend into the heart of the ship, entering the A-Turret. This massive structure housed one of the ship’s three 6-inch gun turrets. The turret itself was a marvel of engineering, weighing over 100 tons and capable of rotating 360 degrees.

Inside the A-Turret, the crew worked in close quarters, manning the guns and operating the loading and firing mechanisms. The guns themselves were powerful weapons, capable of firing 6-inch shells weighing over 100 pounds at a range of over 15 miles. The turret was also equipped with a powerful hydraulic system that allowed it to be moved and aimed rapidly.

The Shell Room

Below the A-Turret, we find the shell room, where the 6-inch shells were stored. The shell room was a cramped and dangerous place, filled with tons of explosive ordnance. The crew here had the crucial task of loading the shells into the guns, ensuring a continuous supply of ammunition during battle.

The 4-inch Guns

Besides its main 6-inch guns, HMS Belfast was also equipped with a series of secondary 4-inch guns. These guns were smaller and had a shorter range than the 6-inch guns, but they were still formidable weapons, capable of taking out enemy aircraft and smaller vessels.

The 4-inch guns were located in multiple turrets and positions around the ship, providing a wide arc of fire. They were also used for anti-aircraft defense, protecting the ship from air attack.

The Supermarine Walruses

HMS Belfast also carried a pair of Supermarine Walrus amphibious aircraft, which were used for reconnaissance and spotting. These aircraft were stored on the ship’s flight deck, which was located on the upper deck, just forward of the A-Turret.

The Walruses were launched using a catapult system, and they could land on the water or on a small airstrip. They played a vital role in the ship’s operations, providing valuable information about enemy movements and positions.

Conclusion

HMS Belfast’s gun turrets were a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ship’s designers and builders. These powerful weapons were crucial to the ship’s success in battle, and they continue to fascinate visitors today. By exploring the ship’s gun turrets, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities of naval warfare in the 20th century.