History of the Royal naval battleship HMS Rodney. Battleship website dedicated to the history of HMS Rodney from its launch to its participation in major wars also notice board for families of ex-crew of HMS Rodney.

HMS Rodney. Built by Cammell Laid and launched on the 17th December 1925. and commissioned into the Royal navy on the 7th December 1927. HMS Rodney served with the home Fleet 1939 - 1942 with Force H in 1943 and the Home Fleet 1943  to 1945. (being Flagship at Scapa Flow in 1944). HMS Rodney took part in the sinking of the Bismarck on the 27th may 1941. But the ship had major structural problems, and after the sinking of the Bismarck went to Boston for repairs, during winter of 1941 to 1942. This failed to rectify her problems. After the war she was put into reserve in 1945 and finally scrapped at Inverkeithing on the 26th March 1948.

Displacement 33,900 tons.  Speed 23 Knots   range (at 16 Knots 7,000 miles)

Armament: Nine 16- inch guns in three turrets of three  guns.  Twelve  6 - inch guns in pairs six 4.7 inch anti aircraft guns in singles. Twenty four 2 pounder AA guns and twelve machine guns (after 1944 this was changed to forty Four 2 pdr. AA Guns) Two torpedo Tubes and two aircraft.

Compliment 1330 to 1558

HMS Rodney.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP513

HMS Rodney, May 1935.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP514

HMS Rodney, May 1937.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP516

HMS Rodney, with a Fairey Swordfish on board, May 1939.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP517

HMS Rodney, with Fairey Swordfish, May 1939.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP518

HMS Rodney at Malta, August 1943.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP519

HMS Rodney c.1927. 

HMS Rodney with submarine L54.

HMS Rodney.

HMS Rodney.

The Chapel of St, Christopher, HMS Rodney circa 1930

HMS Rodney circa 1928 

Distinguished Guests aboard HMS Rodney at Scarborough, 1932.

Thomas Idris Davies is the sailor piping the officer aboard, to the far right of the picture. (1939 - 1945)

HMS Rodney. Built by Cammell Laid and launched on the 17th December 1925. and commissioned into the Royal navy on the 7th December 1927. HMS Rodney served with the home Fleet 1939 - 1942 with Force H in 1943 and the Home Fleet 1943  to 1945. (being Flagship at Scapa Flow in 1944). HMS Rodney took part in the sinking of the Bismarck on the 27th may 1941. But the ship had major structural problems, and after the sinking of the Bismarck went to Boston for repairs, during winter of 1941 to 1942. This failed to rectify her problems. After the war she was put into reserve in 1945 and finally scrapped at Inverkeithing on the 26th March 1948.

Displacement 33,900 tons.  Speed 23 Knots   range (at 16 Knots 7,000 miles)

Armament: Nine 16- inch guns in three turrets of three  guns.  Twelve  6 - inch guns in pairs six 4.7 inch anti aircraft guns in singles. Twenty four 2 pounder AA guns and twelve machine guns (after 1944 this was changed to forty Four 2 pdr. AA Guns) Two torpedo Tubes and two aircraft.

Compliment 1330 to 1558

Naval Historians, Crew & Family Notice board

MESSAGES

JOHN JOSEPH McSWEENEY..  I am searching for information about my father John Joseph McSweeney.  He may well have been known as John Sweeney, he joined the Royal Navy in 1936.  I know he saw service on HMS Courageous, he told me he was blown out of a porthole when the ship was struck by a torpedo in the first week of the war in September 1939.  I also know that my father was a gunner on boar HMS Rodney and was on duty when Rodney sund Bismarck.  My father passed away on August 17th 1997.  I am looking for anyone who kenw him or may have information that would be of interest to me.  Contact Here 

W O GLANVILLE... I have acquired the L S & G C to Petty Officer J.106672 W.O. Glanville P.O. HMS Rodney.  This is a Gvi and WW2 medal and I would love to place it with family.  charles.claydon@ntlworld.com

WILLIAM NOEL COCKER.. I am looking fro information about my father's time aboard HMS Rodney. I believe he joined her crew in 1931 as a steward. Any information welcome contact me at steve@skillcom.freeserve.co.uk 

PHIL LANCETT.. My dad, Phil, joined Rodney in early 1944 as a boy telegraphist on Mess 44. He left the ship at Scapa in July 1945. Dad would love to hear from old shipmates contact him at GeoLANCETT@aol.com 

WILLIAM (HARRY) HENRY: My father served on HMS Rodney and HMS Cornwall. and was on Cornwall when it was sunk in 19842. he died in 1952. I would be interested to hear form anyone who may have known him. Contact Peter Preston at prestons@psilink.co.uk 

RALPH WILSON:  I am the widowed wife of Ralph Wilson who served on HMS Rodney between 1940 and 1945. he died in 1951.  I am trying to trace nay crew members that may have known Ralph. Please contact me at david.kenyon2@ntlworld.com 

DAVY JOHN GOLDSWORTHY:  I am trying to trace a relative who served on HMS Rodney around 1942, if you can help please contact Colin Pye at offa@ntlworld.com 

ERNEST SEARL.. Does anyone have any info or photographs of my grandfather Ernest who served on Rodney in 1932? Contact me at DUNCANGRINDROD@aol.com 

HERBERT CLEMENT.. My father was a stoker on HMS Rodney from 1934-35. In 1935 he took part in the Home Fleet Regatta in the Stoker's cutter races and won. Can anyone please tell me the location of the Home Fleet Regatta for 1935. If anyone can offer any information regarding the history of these regattas I would be most grateful. Contact me at MchlClement@aol.com 

ROY HORSEFIELD.. I am looking for anyone who remembers my dad Roy Horsefield who served on the Rodney in World War II. I would also like information of how I could get his medals from the war. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Contact me at nadiajamieson@yahoo.co.uk 

WILLIAM GEORGE JONES.. My father served on HMS Rodney during World War Two and as far as I know, he was there at the sinking of the Bismarck. I would love to hear from any ex crew who may have known my father. Contact S Carr at samcarr@beverleyunderwood.com 

WILLIAM MARTIN.   Can you please help me. Do you have any knowledge of William Martin who served on HMS Rodney. We think he was a Chief Petty Officer, please contact me, Steve Marin  at  stevemartin@smartin83.fsnet.co.uk  

LES SIGGERY   I am looking for information on my fathers career and his friends in the Royal navy. He served on HMS Rodney during the war, and after he served on HMS Vanguard. I think he was a Chief Petty Officer.  If you can help any information I would be very thankful.  ADE SIGGERY  at   Ade@siggery17.freeserve.co.uk    

JACK LIONEL BENNETT.  I am desperately trying to trace any information regarding my grandfather jack Lionel Bennett.  I never met him, but I believe he worked as a French Translator on HMS Rodney during the Second World War. My Uncle was even named Rodney, after the ship. If anyone can help with any information, please please email me at   Simbennett@aol.com   

DANIEL JOSEPH WILLIAMS  "JOE".  Joe's  step sister Bridget Kelly my mother has been looking for her step brother since around 1940. I think he served on HMS Rodney around 1940 onwards. My Mother lost touch with him around this time and would like to get in touch with him again or his family.  Any information would be wonderful. Please contact Charles Garnett. at c.garnett@macunlimited.net      

ARCHIBALD STIRLING: I am trying to find any info on my granddad he served on HMS Rodney during 1943 - 1944. His rank was Lt. RnR. If you knew him or have any useful information I would love to hear from you. contact me at BillBo@Eddie1954.fsnet.co.uk 

HMS Rodney by Ivan Berryman

HMS Rodney was launched in 1925, like her sister ship the Nelson, Rodney saw action in many theatres, scoring the first hit on the Bismarck among other memorable exploits.

Signed limited edition of 250 prints. Special Promotion - This item is HALF PRICE! Image size 17 inches x 10 inches (43cm x 25cm). Price £36.00

The Chase, 27th May 1941 by Randall Wilson.

HMS King George V and HMS Rodney chase down the crippled German battleship, Bismarck, and within hours they will go into action.

Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Special Promotion : This print is 30% off for a limited time only! Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm). Price £79.80

Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm). Price £135.00

Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £590.00

Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £460.00

Original painting by Randall Wilson. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £2600.00

Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00

Ships Company by Ivan Berryman

Developed from the Supermarine Seagull, the Walrus was to prove itself a useful and capable workhorse in almost every theatre of the Second World War. Here, HMS Rodney despatches her Shagbat from the catapult atop C turret.

Signed limited edition of 250 prints. Special Promotion - This item is 30% Off Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £48.00

HMS Rodney by Brian Wood.

Destruction of Bismarck complete, and desperately low on fuel, Rodney turns for home 27th May 1941.

Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 24 inches x 17 inches (61cm x 43cm). Price £95.00

Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 17 inches (61cm x 43cm). Price £135.00

Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £460.00

Nelson and Rodney 1927 - 1949. The Big Battleships by Neil McCart.

Born out of the post war restrictions imposed by the Washington Treaty, plans were drawn up for just two 33,000 ton battleships, which would be armed with nine 16-inch guns and which would be shortened versions of the four cancelled battlecruisers. So unique would be the design of the proposed new battleships that throughout their careers they would be instantly recognisable the world over. In honour of two famous Naval Admirals, they would be named Nelson and Rodney. This book details their career from builders yard to shipbreakers, drawing on first hand accounts and many previously unoublished photographs.

Illustrated Hardback book. 144 pages. . Price £