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

HMS Royal Oak was built at Devonport Dockyard laid down on the 15th January 1914 and launched 17th November 1914. and commissioned into the Royal navy on the 1st May 1916. She saw service at the Battle of Jutland. but was not damaged. Between the wars HMS Royal Oak rebuilt with the removal of torpedo tubes and the addition of AA  twin 4-inch guns replacing single mounted 4  inch AA guns. She was torpedoed and sunk at Scapa Flow by U - 47 on the 14th October 1939.

HMS Royal Oak, June 1938.

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  XMP478

HMS Royal Oak, June 1938.

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  XMP479

HMS Royal Oak, June 1938.

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  XMP480

HMS Royal Oak, perhaps leading the 4th Battle Squadron.

Many thanks to Carl Proctor.

HMS Royal Oak.

The Fighting Face of a British Battleship: The Royal Oak

HMS Royal Oak pictured c.1925 in Malta Harbour

 Original  Pavia Post Card for sale Price £25 Order Code  PH276

HMS Royal Oak.

Crew members from HMS Renown or HMS Royal Oak.

Any help identifying the crew, date, or location appreciated as always.

HMS Royal Oak, Malta

Crew of the Royal Oak at Malta

Bluejackets of HMS Royal Oak, 1914.

The Crew of HMS Royal Oak during World War One photographed with Sergeants of a Scottish Regiment.

Crew member of HMS Royal Oak, 1st July 1916.

Naval Historians, Crew & Family Noticeboard

MESSAGES

CUTHBERT HESLOP.. My name is Jayne Walton and my uncle was on the Royal Oak battleship when it was torpedoed.  His name was Cuthbert Heslop.  He was only 16 years old when he died.  His brother signed the letter saying he was 18 so he could join as my Grandad wouldn't.  He was devastated when Cuthbert died as he felt really guilty for signing the agreement form.  I was told that my uncle Cuthbert had got off the ship but went back to help others.  If anyone has any information about him, please contact here 

ALFRED GEORGE MARLOW...   I would just like to pass on the news that my father in law Alfred George Marlow passed away today (5th April 2004) at the age of 82 in the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, South Wales. He served on the Ramillies after his ship the Royal Oak was sunk, he is actually listed on record as lost on board the Oak when she was sunk, but was actually on shore leave at the time.  I did try and persuade him a few years back to let me notify the Oak web site of the error, but he said no as it might stir up trouble!!!   His stories were a joy to listen to, he could have written a book.   He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

CLARENCE PENROSE  My late father Clarence Penrose was a survivor of HMS Royal Oak which sank in Scapa Flow in 1939. He was a Chief Stoker on the ship. I am trying to find information on the crew list survivors and any other information on the Royal Oak and further battleships that my father served on during WW11.  Any information would be greatly appreciated Jeff Penrose.  contact here

WILLIAM TUCKWOOD.... Searching for any information about William Tuckwood, a Royal Marine from Portsmouth, who went down on the Royal Oak.  He was my grandfather and very little is known about him, contact brian.masters@ntlworld.com 

WILLIAM HENRY ROGERS... My grandfather was serving on the HMS Royal Oak when it was torpedoed. He said he was in freezing water for nearly three hours. He also said that the men had been paid that day and there was money floating past them all, but they did not retrieve it as they were too busy trying to stay alive! His name was William Henry Rogers and his name does not seem to be on the survivor's list. If anyone has any information about this please contact Chris East at CHRISEAST2001@aol.com 

The Battle of Jutland, HMS Royal Oak by Anthony Saunders

The British Grand Fleet had been virtually unopposed for nearly a century but now there was a challenge to the throne: the German Navy. Although smaller, it had caught up fast and by the time of Jutland, had some telling advantages over the British Fleet. the plan for the battle was to lure the British Grand Fleet into a lethal trap in German waters. In the event although desperately fought by both sides, the battle was a stale mate. the confused conflict was hampered on both sides by bad luck, bad weather and poor communications. at the end of the battle, the Royal navy had suffered higher losses in men and ships, but the German fleet never ventured out of harbour to seek battle again.

Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £90.00

Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £145.00

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 £370.00

Original painting by Anthony Saunders. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £3100.00

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

Land, Sea and Air by Ivan Berryman.

Spitfire of 761 Training Squadron (attached to the Royal Navy) flies over the Forth Railway Bridge on the eve of World War Two, also shown is HMS Royal Oak departing Rosyth for the open sea.

Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £90.00

Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £125.00

Freeborn signature edition of 10 prints from the edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £140.00

Signed by Wing Commander John Freeborn DFC* (deceased).

Duckenfield Signature edition of 10 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £140.00

Signed by Group Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased).

Kincome Presentation Edition of 2 Artist Proofs, supplied double matted. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £260.00

Features the mounted original signature of Group Captain Brian Kingcome DSO DFC (deceased).

Freeborn signature edition of 100 prints from the limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £125.00

Signed by Wing Commander John Freeborn DFC* (deceased).

Drake / Ayerst Signature edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £130.00

Signed by Group Captain Billy Drake DSO DFC* (deceased)
and
Wing Commander Peter V Ayerst DFC.

Duckenfield Signature edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm) . Price £115.00

Signed by Group Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased).

Carter signature edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £115.00

Signed by Warrant Officer Eric Carter.

Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £400.00

Royal Oak, Acasta, Benbow, Superb, and Canada in Action by W L Wyllie.

Two copies available

Small print from the collection of antique naval book plates of naval water colours by W L Wyllie, published 1918 by Cassel & Company. Paper size 9.5 inches x 7 inches (24cm x 17cm). Price £22.00

HMS Royal Oak by Ivan Berryman.

The R-class battleship Royal Oak lies at anchor in Scapa Flow between the wars ahead of her sisters Royal Sovereign and Revenge. HMS Repulse is passing the line on the left of the picture

Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 18cm). Price £20.00

Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 18cm). Price £40.00

Unsigned prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 18cm). Price £13.00

Original acrylic painting by Ivan Berryman. Image size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm). Price £500.00