Tag Archives: Maritime and Military News

HMNZS Bellona at Bluff 1949 HMS Bellona was the name ship of her sub-class of light cruisers for the Royal Navy. She was the first of the fourth group of Dido-class cruisers. Built to a modified design (“Improved Dido”) with only four twin 5.25-inch turrets, but with remote power control for quicker elevation and training, combined with improved handling and storage of the ammunition. The light AA was improved over earlier Dido cruisers, with six twin oerilikons and three quad “pom pom”.

Entering service in 1943, the cruiser operated during World War II as an escort for the Arctic convoys, and as a jamming ship to prevent the use of radio-controlled bombs and in support of the Omaha Beach landings. In 1946 the cruiser was loaned to the Royal New Zealand Navy. Although not involved in theContinue reading “HMNZS Bellona at Bluff 1949 HMS Bellona was the name ship of her sub-class of light cruisers for the Royal Navy. She was the first of the fourth group of Dido-class cruisers. Built to a modified design (“Improved Dido”) with only four twin 5.25-inch turrets, but with remote power control for quicker elevation and training, combined with improved handling and storage of the ammunition. The light AA was improved over earlier Dido cruisers, with six twin oerilikons and three quad “pom pom”.”

HMNZS Te Mana Races To The Aid Of A Merchant Ship Thursday, 15 July 2004, 4:39 pm Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS TE MANA while in the Gulf of Oman raced to the aid of a merchant ship early this morning (NZ time).

Te Mana responded to an emergency radio message from a Bulk Chemical Carrier, and was informed they had a casualty who had fallen into a tank while cleaning it. Te Mana closed at maximum speed and launched her Seasprite helicopter with a medic on board to provide immediate aid. On arrival Te Mana’s medic providedContinue reading “HMNZS Te Mana Races To The Aid Of A Merchant Ship Thursday, 15 July 2004, 4:39 pm Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS TE MANA while in the Gulf of Oman raced to the aid of a merchant ship early this morning (NZ time).”

Former Portsmouth Royal Marines Museum To Become Five-Star Hotel The 150-year-old building sold for an undisclosed sum and is to be converted into a luxury hotel.

 4th December 2020 at 11:05am A building that once housed the Royal Marines Museum in Portsmouth is set to be converted into a luxury five-star hotel. The 150-year-old building in Eastney has been sold for an undisclosed sum to Grand Hotel Excelsior International, which has plans to convert the listed building into a hotel. The Royal MarinesContinue reading “Former Portsmouth Royal Marines Museum To Become Five-Star Hotel The 150-year-old building sold for an undisclosed sum and is to be converted into a luxury hotel.”