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Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historic Trust
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Dockyard Timeline

A history in words and pictures of the Royal Dockyard Portsmouth.

Home
  • Home
  • About the Trust
    • History of the Trust
    • Members Page
    • Bibliography
    • Volunteer Support Group
    • Links
  • History
    • Dockyard People
    • Gallery
    • Chronology
    • Personal Accounts
    • Development of Functions and Customs
  • Online Museum
    • Oral History
    • Exhibitions
    • Docking Register
    • Employment Register
    • Trident Paper
  • Contact
    • Search the site
  • 1914

    1914 - War Declared
    04/08/1914

    4th August. Following the German invasion of Belgium, Great Britain declared war on Germany. The garrison and coastal defences are put on a high state of alert. At the beginning... more information
  • 1915

    1915 - D Lock Completed
    1915

    ​“D” Lock completed.
    1915 - D Lock Completed
  • 1915

    1915 - Fire in Building Shed
    31/01/1915

    31st January. Just after 2200 a fire broke out in the Building Shed covering the slipways engulfing the Mould Loft Floor, Erection Shed, and the roof of the building slip. Large... more information
    1915 - Fire in Building Shed
  • 1915

    1915 - Launch of ROYAL SOVEREIGN
    29/04/1915

    29th April. The last battleship to be built at Portsmouth HMS Royal Sovereign was launched without ceremony. She was one of a class of five ships that were a slight... more information
    1915 - Launch of ROYAL SOVEREIGN
  • 1915

    1915 - Construction of J1 & J2 Submarines
    16/11/1915

    16th November. Submarines J.1 and J.2. were floated up from where they were built in No.13 Dry Dock. The naming ceremony was performed by the Honourable Cynthia Cadgow, stepdaughter to... more information
    1915 - Construction of J1 & J2 Submarines
  • 1916

    1916 - Fire in Electrical Shop
    23/01/1916

    23rd January. A fire started in the Electrical Shop in the Dockyard. By the combined efforts of the Dockyard and Corporation Fire Brigades it was brought under control but not... more information
    1916 - Fire in Electrical Shop
  • 1916

    1916 - Battle of Jutland
    31/05/1916

    31st May. Portsmouth and the Dockyard were shocked at the list of ships sunk during the battle and details of the crews as “All Lost” saw many distressing sight at... more information
    1916 - Battle of Jutland
  • 1916

    1916 - King George V Visit
    28/05/1916

    28th May. King George V inspected the Royal Naval Barracks.
  • 1916

    1916 - Zeppelin Raid
    16/09/1916

    16th September. A Zeppelin flying over the Dockyard dropped four bombs. One narrowly missed HMS “Victory” and another fell near HMS Renown” in dry dock. No damage occurred.
  • 1916

    1916 - Construction of K1 & K2 Submarines
    14/11/1916

    14th November. Submarines K.1 and K.2 floated up from the No. 13 Dry Dock in which they were built and followed later by K.5.
  • 1917

    1917 - Food Shortage
    1917

    Food supplies were greatly reduced in consequence of the activities of German submarines. The government insisted that bread should be sold by the pound and not until twelve hours after... more information
  • 1918

    1918 - First WRNS Volunteers
    22/01/1918

    22nd January. The first WRNS volunteers came from women working in the Dockyard and the Division was formed. Later Dame Katherine Furse came to Whale Island to establish a depot... more information
  • 1918

    1918 - Dame Agnes Weston
    23/10/1918

    23rd October. Dame Agnes Weston died. She is often described as “Mother of the Navy”. All who heard the news was greatly saddened by it, and the Admiralty accorded her... more information
  • 1918

    1918 - Dockyard War Record
    1918

    The war record of the Dockyard was revealed for the first time by the Dockyard’s General Manager, Mr. John Apsey (Later Sir John). From the commencement of hostilities to... more information
  • 1919

    1919 - “The Ten-Year Rule”
    15/08/1919

    15th August. The Government approved the “Ten-year Rule”. A policy not abandoned until 1933 which instructed the services to cast their future estimates on the assumption that there would not be... more information
  • 1919

    1919 - Dockyard Redundancies
    1919

    The Price of Peace. The Admiralty announced that there were to be large discharges from Portsmouth Dockyard; these were inevitable but hard to live with. The Admiralty agreed to spread... more information
  • 1920

    1920 - Portsmouth Battalion War Casualties
    1920

    The total number of the Hampshire Regiment to have fallen in the Great War was 7,176. Of these 1,375 belonged to the Portsmouth Battalions, the majority of which came from the Dockyard.
  • 1920

    1920 - The Nab Tower
    09/1920

    September. The Nab Tower was sunk in position and replaced the Nab Light ship. During 1918 the Admiralty planned to close the Straits of Dover to all but friendly shipping and... more information
  • 1921

    1921 - Crown Prince of Japan Sails for Home
    1921

    The Crown Prince of Japan sailed for home from South Railway Jetty.
  • 1921

    1921 - Launch of EFFINGHAM
    08/06/1921

    8th June. The cruiser Effingham was launched from the Dockyard by the Marchioness of Salisbury. She was laid down on 6th April 1917 but with the coming of peace all work... more information
    1921 - Launch of EFFINGHAM
  • 1921

    1921 - Loss of Submarine K5
    29/01/1921

    20th January. Submarine K5, sank off Lands End with loss of her crew of 57; 33 were from Portsmouth. The submarine was participating in the Atlantic Fleet exercises. She was last seen... more information
  • 1921

    1921 - Campaign to Save HMS VICTORY
    1921

    The Society for Nautical Research began a campaign to save HMS “Victory” for the nation.
  • 1922

    1922 - The Dockyard Bell
    1922

    The Dockyard Bell that was cast in 1791 and rang out the in and out musters of the Dockyard rang for the last time this year when sirens were introduced. The... more information
  • 1922

    1922 - HMS VICTORY Enters No. 2 Dock
    12/01/1922

    12th January. HMS “Victory” towed from her berth in Portsmouth Harbour to a permanent berth in No. 2 Dry Dock where restoration was commenced (see 1765, 1805 and 1928). Local artist W. L. Wyllie ... more information
    1922 - HMS VICTORY Enters No. 2 Dock
  • 1922

    1922 - HMS DIOMEDE & EAGLE Completions
    22/10/1922

    22nd October. At the end of the war the pressing need was to rebuild the country’s merchant fleet and in consequence many ships building for the Royal Navy were... more information
    1922 - HMS DIOMEDE & EAGLE Completions
  • 1922

    1922 - Royal Marine Police Formed
    1922

    The Royal Marine Police formed. They replaced the Metropolitan Police Force at Chatham in 1932, Portsmouth in 1933 and Devonport in 1934.
  • 1923

    1923 - HMS VERNON
    1923

    HMS “Vernon” moved to a shore base at Gunwharf (see 1867, 1872 and 1876).
  • 1923

    1923 - Closure of M Caisson
    04/01/1923

    4thJanuary. ‘M’ caisson on the north wall of No 3 Basin was closed and sealed. This entrance gave access to the basin from Fountain Lake and at one time was the... more information
  • 1923

    1923 - 250 ton Floating Crane
    05/1923

    May. 250 ton German floating crane was handed over to the British Admiralty from Germany under the terms of the Reparations Committee and was a duplicate of the large floating crane,... more information
  • 1923

    1923 - Restoration of HMS VICTORY
    01/06/1923

    1st June. The restoration work on HMS Victory was appropriately commenced on the anniversary of the “Glorious First of June”. Earl Howe, a direct descendent of the victor, took an... more information
  • 1923

    1923 - Royal Marine Artillery & Royal Marine Light Infantry Amalgamated
    01/08/1923

    1st August. Royal Marine Artillery amalgamated with Royal Marine Light Infantry and moved from Gosport to Eastney Barracks (see 1755, 1862, 1870, and 1991).
  • 1924

    1924 - Fleet Review by King George V
    1924

    Fleet Review by King George V. It was a sadly depleted fleet that assembled for this review when compared to that of 16th July 1914. Of the 59 battleships there were but 10.
  • 1924

    1924 - Separation of Nos. 7 & 10 Docks
    16/01/1924

    16th January. The concrete caisson separating no’s, 7 and no. 10 dry docks was built. It is still in place today and forms the road way. (2009)
    1924 - Separation of Nos. 7 & 10 Docks
  • 1924

    1924 - Naval War Memorial
    05/10/1924

    15th October. The Naval War Memorial built on Clarence Esplanade was unveiled by the Duke of York. It showed the names of 9,279 men & women who died in World War... more information
  • 1924

    1924 - Loss of MARLBOROUGH
    28/11/1924

    28th November. The old wooden wall Marlborough that had done good service in the harbour for many years as part of the Vernon establishment, was being towed away to be... more information
  • 1924

    1924 - Pitch House Jetty Re-built
    1924

    Pitch House Jetty rebuilt this year. In the days of sail, pitch boilers were established on this jetty for the covering of ship’s bottoms with pitch.
  • 1925

    1925 - Closure of Pembroke & Rosyth Dockyards
    09/1925

    September. The Admiralty announced the closure of Pembroke Dockyard and a reduction to care and maintenance at Rosyth. The effect on Portsmouth was cause for concern as employment in the... more information
  • 1925

    1925 - Loss of Submarine M1
    12/11/1925

    12th November – while engaged in manoeuvres off Start Point the Portsmouth based submarine M1 dived and was not seen again. The crew of 68 officers and men all perished.
    1925 - Loss of Submarine M1
  • 1925

    1925 - All-in Hospital Scheme
    1925

    The All-in Scheme. A movement which began in the Dockyard, and has spread through the town has ensured a great increase in revenue to the Royal Hospital, the Ear and... more information
  • 1925

    1925 - HMS TORBAY brings Lord Rawlinson home
    May/1925

    The Destroyer, HMS TORBAY, berths at South Railway Jetty with the coffin of General Lord Rawlinson of Kent, C-in-C India. See British Pathe News: http://www.britishpathe.com/video/late-lord-rawlinson... more information
    1925 - HMS TORBAY brings Lord Rawlinson home
  • 1926

    1926 - Launch of SUFFOLK
    16/02/1926

    16th February. The cruiser HMS Suffolk was launched from the Dockyard by Marchioness of Bristol. She was the first of the post-war cruisers to be laid down and was a... more information
    1926 - Launch of SUFFOLK
  • 1926

    1926 - Portsmouth Created a City
    21/04/1926

    21st April. Portsmouth becomes a City with a Lord Mayor. The Prince of Wales, on visit toPortsmouth, was created the first City Freeman.
  • 1926

    1926 - Size of the Dockyard
    1926

    30th January. The numbers of men and women employed in the Dockyard were: Captain of the Dockyard: Estbd. 209; Hired men 389; Hired women 36; Total 634 Manager Constructive Dept.(MCD): Estbd. 2146; Hired men 3066;... more information
  • 1926

    1926 - Death of Sir Phillip Watts
    15/03/1926

    15th March. Sir Phillip Watts KCB died. He was one of three talented sons of a Dockyard Shipwright holding the post of Timber Inspector of the Yard. Phillip entered the... more information
  • 1926

    1926 - Loss of VALERIAN
    22/10/1926

    22nd October – The foundering of the Destroyer HMS Valerian in a hurricane off Bermuda brought sad news to many homes in Portsmouth. The crew were mostly from this port. Of 104... more information
  • 1926

    1926 - New Coppersmith’s Shop
    1926

    New Coppersmith Shop built just north of the MED Factory. This building is 210 ft. In length by 120 ft wide and was built by the Navy Works department at a cost... more information
  • 1926

    1926 - New Steel Foundry Opened
    1926

    New Steel Foundry that was started on 31st March 1925 was opened. This building is situated on the south side of No. 2 Basin. The site had previously been occupied by the... more information
  • 1927

    1927 - Dockyard Redundancies
    1927

    820 men discharged from the Dockyard as redundant.
  • 1927

    1927 - Duke & Duchess of York Embark in HMS RENOWN
    06/01/1927

    6th January. Duke and Duchess of York embarked in HMS “Renown” for a grand tour of Australia. Traditional naval ceremonies were observed and the departure was witnessed by thousand of... more information
  • 1927

    1927 - Royal Marine Send-off
    27/01/1927

    27th January. Portsmouth gave a splendid send-off to a 1.000 Royal Marines who had been selected for service in China. They embarked on the Transport Minnesota which left the next day.... more information
  • 1927

    1927 - Launch of LONDON
    14/09/1927

    14th September. The Lady Mayoress of London performed the christening ceremony at the launching from No. 5 slipway in the Dockyard of the new cruiser HMS London. Within six days the... more information
    1927 - Launch of LONDON
  • 1928

    1928 - HMS VICTORY Opened to Public
    17/07/1928

    17th July. HMS “Victory” restoration to Trafalgar condition completed and opened to the public by King George V.
  • 1929

    1929 - Launch of DORSETSHIRE
    29/01/1929

    29th January. With the cheers of thousands of spectators the new cruiser Dorsetshire took to the water from No. 5 Slipway from where she had been launched by the Countess of... more information
    1929 - Launch of DORSETSHIRE
  • 1929

    1929 - Re-building of Lion Gate
    04/03/1929

    4th March. A start was made on rebuilding the Lion Gate under the Semaphore Tower.
  • 1929

    1929 - New Naval Museum
    22/03/1929

    22nd March. The famous marine artist, Mr. W. L. Wyllie, RA., laid the foundation stone to the new naval museum that was situated at the harbour end of an old... more information
  • 1929

    1929 - Introduction of Paid Leave
    1929

    A scheme introduced to give Dockyard men six days leave with pay. From 1930 this leave was taken during the first week in August. While the Dockyard was closed Navy Weeks... more information
  • 1930

    1930 - New Semaphore Tower Building
    04/07/1930

    4th July. New Semaphore Tower, Rangefinder Test House and Rigging House was opened. It was rebuilt on the foundation of the 1778 Rigging House and Sail loft destroyed by fire in 1913.... more information
    1930 - New Semaphore Tower Building
  • 1930

    1930 - Visiting Admirals
    26/05/1930

    26th May. A unprecedented event occurred in the Dockyard. The flags of one Admiral of the Fleet, three Admirals, three Vice-Admirals and two Commodores all flew their flags. The occasion... more information
  • 1930

    1930 - Navy Week
    08/1930

    The Admiralty granted to all Dockyard employees a week’s holiday with full pay; the holiday to coincide with Navy Week which was the first week in August. Navy Week... more information
  • 1930

    1930 - Royal Marine School of Music Transferred to Kent
    1930

    1st October. Due to over crowding at the Royal Marine Barracks at Eastney, the Royal Marine School of Music was transferred to Deal in Kent.
  • 1931

    1931 - East Gate Opened
    10/1931

    East Gate opened in October.
  • 1931

    1931 - CRUSADER & COMET Named
    30/09/1931

    30th September. The destroyers Crusader and Comet were christened and floated up in No. 13 Dry Dock where they had been built with the Mining School Tender Nightingale. They were the... more information
  • 1932

    1932 - HMS IMPLACABLE & FOUDROYANT to Portsmouth
    1932

    HMS “Implacable” (see 1949) and “Foudroyant” (see 1758) towed to Portsmouth and moored in Portsmouth Harbour.
  • 1932

    1932 - Sheer Jetty Reconstructed
    04/1932

    Sheer Jetty reconstructed in April. This jetty takes its name from the masting sheer legs that were built there between 1835-37 and were 142 ft. high. One of the hinge plates... more information
  • 1932

    1932 - HMS Duncan Named
    06/07/1932

    6th July. The destroyer leader Duncan was christened and floated up from No. 8. Dry Dock where she was built. The naming ceremony was performed by Mrs L. G. Preston, wife... more information
  • 1932

    1932 - Kings Stairs Jetty Re-built
    08/1932

    August King’s Stairs Jetty rebuilt into the form they are now (2008). Originally this jetty was referred to as the “Hulk” or landing jetty. Old drawings show it as a... more information
  • 1933

    1933 - Launch of NEPTUNE
    31/01/1933

    31st January. Saw the launching of the light cruiser Neptune from No.5 Slipway in the Dockyard. She commissioned for the Home Fleet 12th February 1934. The sinking of Neptune is one... more information
  • 1934

    1934 - HMS NELSON Runs Aground
    12/01/1934

    12th January. Battleship HMS Nelson ran aground on Hamilton Bank just outside the harbour entrance; she was got off on the next tide. At one point the whole crew assembled... more information
  • 1934

    1934 - HMS EXMOUTH Named
    30/01/1934

    30th January. The destroyer leader Exmouth was christened. She was the last of the destroyers to be built in Portsmouth Dockyard. On 21st January 1940, she was torpedoed and sunk by... more information
  • 1934

    1934 - Launch of AMPHION
    27/07/1934

    27th July. The launch of the light cruiser Amphion. She completed on 6th July 1936. Transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in June 1939 and re-named HMAS Perth, she was torpedoed and... more information
  • 1934

    1934 - No. 2 Slip Jetty Reconstructed
    1934

    In December No. 2 Slip Jetty was reconstructed
  • 1935

    1935 - Silver Jubilee Fleet Review
    16/07/1935

    16th July. King George V’s Silver Jubilee Fleet Review. There assembled 157 major warships over 60 merchant ships and hundreds of smaller craft it was an impressive show of strength. From 10... more information
  • 1936

    1936 - Death of King George V
    20/01/1936

    20th January. Death of King George V at Sandringham Palace.
  • 1936

    1936 - Navy Week
    08/1936

    August. Navy Week. 206,752 people attended Navy Week at Portsmouth Dockyard visiting ships, dockside shows and other attractions demonstrating the Navy’s power.
  • 1936

    1936 - Launch of AURORA
    20/08/1936

    20th August. Lady Fisher, wife of the Commander-in-Chief, launched the new light cruiser Aurora from No.5 slipway. The C-in-C said at the launch that Aurora had been built with all... more information
  • 1936

    1936 - King Edward VIII Abdication
    10/12/1936

    10th December. The new King Edward VIII abdicated. He spoke to the nation of his “final and irrevocable decision to give up his great heritage”. In the darkness of the... more information
  • 1936

    1936 - Central Metallurgical Laboratory Established
    1936

    Central Metallurgical Laboratory established in Dockyard.
  • 1937

    1937 - Size of the Dockyard
    1937

    Dockyard Employees:- Captain of the Port 644 ConstructionDept 6,190 EngineeringDept 3,911 ElectricalDept 2,113 Naval StoresDept 803 Civil EngineeringDept 1,241 Others 59 Total 14,961
  • 1937

    1937 - Coronation Review of the Fleet
    22/05/1937

    22th May. Coronation Review of the fleet at Spithead by HM King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. 160 major warships assembled at Spithead, including 17 foreign vessels, for the Review by the... more information
  • 1937

    1937 - Portsmouth & Southampton Bombing Exercise
    16/07/1937

    16th July. Portsmouth and Southampton civic authorities organise an exercise in which the dockyard and city was bombed with many casualties. Government ministers and many other cities and town throughout... more information
  • 1937

    1937 - Navy Week
    08/1937

    August. The First Lord, Mr Duff Cooper DSO. M.P., opened Portsmouth’s Navy Week and visited other naval establishments. He visited the site of the proposed new Naval Signal... more information
  • 1938

    1938 - Victory Museum Opened
    1938

    Victory Museum (later the Royal Naval Museum, and now the National Museum of the Royal Navy) opened, including the Trafalgar panorama painted by W L Wylie, assisted by his daughter. ... more information
  • 1938

    1938 - Land for Naval Signal School
    28/05/1938

    28th May. The City Council adopted the recommendation of the Finance and General Purpose Committee to sell to the Admiralty 40.56 acres of land on the Western side of Northern Parade... more information
  • 1938

    1938 - Death of Queen Maud of Norway
    23/11/1938

    23rd November. Queen Maud of Norway had died in a nursing home in London on 20th November. Her body lay in state at the Chapel at Marlborough House, St James’... more information
  • 1938

    1938 - Portsmouth Garrison Commander
    11/1938

    November. Brigadier W. Robb, M.C., succeeded Major-General B. L. Montgomery, DSO as Garrison Commander. Montgomery had been very popular figure in the City.
  • 1939

    1939 - Visit by City Council to Dockyard Church
    30/04/1939

    30th April. At the invitation of the C-in-C, the City Council and their principal officer paid an official visit to the Dockyard Church. After robing at Admiralty House, the Civic... more information
  • 1939

    1939 - Last Train to use South Railway Jetty
    06/05/1939

    6th May. Last Royal Train to use South Railway Jetty when King George VI & Queen Elizabeth departed on an official visit to Canada and the United States of America... more information
  • 1939

    1939 - Floating Dock to Malta
    24/06/1939

    24th. June. The large Floating Dock was towed out of harbour by five dockyard tugs and two Dutch tugs followed astern to render assistance if necessary. For the journey the... more information
  • 1939

    1939 - War with Germany
    03/09/1939

    3rd September at 11am. Great Britain declared war on Germany.
  • 1939

    1939 - Guildhall City Chimes Silenced
    04/09/1939

    4th September. The City Chimes of the Guildhall clock were stopped in consequence of the introduction of war-time precautions.
  • 1939

    1939 - King George VI Visit to Dockyard
    19/12/1939

    19th December. King George VI made the first of his wartime visits to Portsmouth,and visiting establishments in the area and having tea at Admiralty House before departing for London. .
  • 1939

    1939 - The Pocket Built
    1939

    The Pocket on the west side of No. 3 basin built.
  • 1939

    1939 - Additional Storey added to No. 24 Store
    1939

    Additional storey added to No. 24 Store (see 1782).
  • 1939

    1939 - Duke & Duchess Windsor Arrive Portsmouth
    21/09/1939

    21st September. – Duke and Duchess of Windsor arrived in Portsmouth at 9pm on board the Destroyer HMS Kelly (Mountbatten’s ship) from France and stayed overnight at Admiralty House. They... more information
  • 1939

    1939 - Admiral Darlan Visit
    20/12/1939

    20th December – Admiral Darlan, the French First Sea Lord, and his staff came to Portsmouth and stayed the night at Admiralty House. They left for London the following day.
  • 1940

    1940 - Visit by Queen of Holland
    19/05/1940

    19th May – the Queen of Holland came to Portsmouth to visit Dutch ships that had come to Portsmouth to avoid capture by the Germans i.e.: 1 cruiser, 1 half completed cruiser, 3... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - Withdrawal from France
    21/05/1940

    21st May – the Commander-in-Chief Portsmouth receives the signal to prepare for withdrawing the Army from France. Rapid survey of all small craft in home waters followed. “Dynamo”, the evacuation code... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - Parachute Mines Laid by Germans
    25/05/1940

    25th May – Parachute mines laid by the German aircraft in both the Western and Eastern channels. On the 30th they were also laid off the Nab Tower.
  • 1940

    1940 - Dunkirk Evacuation
    29/05/1940

    29th May. Armada of small ships set off for Dunkirk. The ships included destroyers, motor torpedo boats, minesweepers, IOW ferry “Whippingham”, Hayling Island Ferries, Pickford’s coasters, yachts and fishing... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - French Warships in Portsmouth Harbour
    03/07/1940

    3rd July. There were many French warships in the harbour, including one battleship, which had come to Portsmouth to escape the Germans. With the fall of France it was feared... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - Departure of HMS NELSON
    06/06/1940

    6th June – HMS Nelson that had been in Portsmouth having repairs to mine damage left the Dockyard at slow speed while minesweepers swept the channel. As she passed through the... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - Evacuation from St. Valery
    08/06/1940

    8th June – Portsmouth prepared a small armada of 200 boats from south coast ports to evacuate the 51st Highland division from St Valery. They had been attached to the French army... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - Air Attacks on Dockyard
    1940

    11th July 1940 – 1 bomb in the Pocket north of D Lock and a stick in Fountain Lake with ex French vessel “Savorgnan de Brazza” damaged by near miss. 12 August 1940 – major attack. ... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - Launch of SIRIUS
    18/09/1940

    18th September. The Anti-aircraft cruiser Sirius was launched from No. 5 slipway of the Dockyard. It was a period of anxiety for the Dockyard Management as an air raid during the... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - Dockyard Round Tower
    1940

    Round Tower (eastern end of Fountain Lake Jetty) was used as an air raid observation post where a painted representation of Portsmouth was created inside the perimeter of the parapet.... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - Clarence Yard Damaged
    1940

    Royal Clarence Yard - many buildings damaged by bombing in 1940.
  • 1940

    1940 - Two Major Fires in Dockyard
    05/12/1940

    5 December 1940 – 2 major fires in Dockyard, one at South Railway Jetty. The other in No. 8 Dock badly damaged ex-US destroyer HMS “Cameron”, which was declared a loss; she was stripped of... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - Chain Cable Test House Hit
    06/12/1940

    6 December 1940 – Chain Cable Test House badly damaged by a direct hit.
  • 1940

    1940 - Loss of HMS ACHERON
    17/12/1940

    17th December. The destroyer HMS Acheron, which had had her stern blown off in the bombing of the 24th August was quickly repaired and while running trials just south of... more information
  • 1940

    1940 - Explosion near Unicorn Gate
    23/12/1940

    23rd December. Tremendous explosion near the Unicorn gate that left a huge crater and did much damage to the surrounding area. It was believed to have been a German aircraft... more information
  • 1941

    1941 - Loss of SS PORTSDOWN
    20/09/1941

    20th September. The Southern Railway Steamer SS Portsdown blew up and sank off Southsea Beach. Eight of the crew and an unknown number of passengers were missing. It was believed... more information
  • 1941

    1941 - Major Air Raid on Portsmouth
    10/01/1941

    10th January. Air raid lasted from 7-30 until 2 in the morning. The City and Dockyard very badly hit with much damage, numerous fires and large numbers of casualties. Between 11th... more information
  • 1941

    1941 - Admiralty House Bombed
    11/03/1941

    11 March 1941 – “Admiralty House” twice hit by bombs. Admiral James moved HQ to HMS “Victory” when a bomb exploded on 17th April.
  • 1941

    1941 - More Bomb Damage
    10/03/1941

    10th March 1941 – Floating Dock sunk in a direct hit from a bomb. In January, 200 incendiary bombs had fallen on Fort Blockhouse. Over 200,000 sq ft of storage space containing food were... more information
  • 1941

    1941 - St. Ann’s Church Hit
    18/04/1941

    18th April 1941 – Northwest corner of St. Ann’s Church wrecked by a bomb. Bombed again a fortnight later.
  • 1941

    1941 - Spirited Defence by Paddle Sweeper LORNA DOONE
    03/04/1941

    3rd April. The Admiralty announced the spirited defence by the Naval Paddle Sweeper Lorna Doone that before the war was well known as a pleasure steamer in the Solent. She... more information
  • 1942

    1942 - AFD 18 Launched
    01/07/1942

    1st July. Admiralty Floating Dock No.18 was launched from No. 5 Slipway.
  • 1942

    1942 - King George VI Visit
    12/10/1942

    12th October. King George makes his fourth visit to the Dockyard and town since the beginning of the war. In the Naval Barracks he takes the salute as 6,000 men of... more information
  • 1942

    1942 - Collection for HMS SIRIUS Construction
    1942

    In 1942 the citizens of Portsmouth collected £1,200,000 in Warship Week, which helped pay for the cruiser HMS “Sirius” that was built at Portsmouth Dockyard. She was launched on 18th September 1940. Her... more information
  • 1943

    1943 - Frederick Street, Gloucester Street & Marlborough Row
    1943

    1943. Frederick Street, Gloucester Street and Marlborough Row, Portsea taken into the Dockyard (5 acres). Marlborough Gate originally built in 1711 was moved to the apex at Bonfire Corner. This area had been... more information
  • 1943

    1943 - Launch of AFD 21
    09/03/1943

    9th March. The Lady Lord Mayoress of Portsmouth, Lady Margaret Daley, launches Admiralty Floating Dock No. 21 from No. 5 slipway in the Dockyard.
  • 1943

    1943 - Submarines TIRELESS & TOKEN Floated-up
    19/03/1943

    19th March. The submarines Tireless and Token built in No. 13 Dry Dock were floated up and completed in 1944.
  • 1943

    1943 - Keel-laying of HAWK
    01/07/1943

    1st July. Miss Clark, the sister of Vice Admiral Sir Michael Llewellyn Clark KB.DSO., Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard, laid the keel plate on No. 5 Slipway for the new... more information
  • 1943

    1943 - Main Gate Widened
    11/1943

    November. The Main Gate (Victory Gate) of the Dockyard was widened from 12ft. to 22ft. to cater for the wider loads of modern warfare. In widening it lost its ornamental... more information
  • 1944

    1944 - Overlord Victualing
    1944

    The Victualing Department at Priddy’s Hard, in the run-up to D-Day supplied to the waiting forces:- 20.000 tons of water per day. 400 tons of potatoes per week. 23.000 pounds of... more information
  • 1944

    1944 - Block Ships
    1944

    HMS Centurion, Durban, and HMNS Sumatra were prepared as block ships in the Dockyard. HMS Dispatch, Largs, Hilary and Bulolo were converted as Headquarter ships for Force Commanders while in... more information
  • 1944

    1944 - Post D-Day Repairs
    10/06/1944

    Post D-Day. There was a period of calm and operations such as supply, casualty reception and marshalling prisoners of war were dealt with. By the 10th of June numbers of... more information
  • 1944

    1944 - Admiralty Testing Tank, Haslar
    1944

    The Admiralty Testing Tank Department at Haslar was almost continually at work on testing models and other experiments for PLUTO, Phoenix Caissons and many other aspects of the Mulberry Harbours... more information
  • 1944

    1944 - Submarines THOR & TIARA
    18/04/1944

    18th April. The submarines Thor and Tiara that had been built in No. 13 Dry Dock were floated up and christened. Their fitting out was stopped in 1945 and they were discarded... more information
  • 1944

    1944 - General Eisenhower Visit
    05/06/1944

    5th June. General Eisenhower visited troops embarking from South Parade Pier.
  • 1944

    1944 - King George VI Sails for Normandy
    16/06/1944

    16 June 1944 – King George VI sailed aboard HMS “Arethusa” from Portsmouth to visit the Normandy beaches.
  • 1944

    1944 - Last Air Raid
    15/07/1944

    15th July. The last serious raid on Portsmouth when a V.1. (Dooglebug) crashes in Newcomen Rd., Stamshaw. Brian Patterson was a small boy attending Stamshaw school at this time and... more information
  • 1945

    1945 - Removal of Sea Gates
    01/10/1945

    1st October. The Boom Defence Vessel Rogate, began to remove the Sea Gates that had kept the harbour safe from surface attacks’ during the war. There were three Sea Booms... more information
  • 1945

    1945 - Total Dry-Dockings during World War II
    1945

    From 3rd September 1939 until the end of the Second World War, the Dockyard had Dry Docked 2.548 vessel of all classes.
  • 1946

    1946 - “D” Day Map
    07/08/1946

    7th August. The ‘D’ Day map in what was the Naval war room at HMS Dryad, Southwick Park, was preserved as a permanent memorial, and the ceremony of its unveiling... more information
  • 1946

    1946 - Removal of Railway Swing Bridge
    19/12/1946

    19th December. The swing bridge connecting the Railway Viaduct at Portsmouth Harbour Station to South Railway Jetty in the dockyard was lifted out of position and subsequently reduced to scrape. ... more information
  • 1946

    1946 - Farewell to HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH
    15/05/1946

    15th May. At 7 pm. All the ships in the harbour dipped their ensign in a farewell salute as the colours were hauled down for the last time on board the... more information
  • 1946

    1946 - Establishment of WRNS Barracks
    1946

    The bombed out buildings that once formed Clarence Barrack, Southsea were transformed into the first permanent home for members of the W.R.N.S. at Portsmouth. By permission of... more information
  • 1947

    1947 - Size of the Reserve Fleet
    27/03/1947

    27th March. Reserve Fleet. The Evening News, Portsmouth’s own paper, reports that there 70 warships lying in the creeks of Portsmouth Harbour as part of the Royal Navy’s reserve... more information
  • 1947

    1947 - Royal Tour of South Africa
    01/02/1947

    On 1st February the King, Queen, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret sailed from Portsmouth aboard HMS “Vanguard” for a Royal tour of South Africa. It was a dreary wet day... more information
  • 1949

    1949 - Scuttling of HMS IMPLACABLE
    01/12/1949

    1st December. HMS “Implacable” (see 1932), was towed out of Portsmouth and scuttled off the Owers lightship. Bombing up the main deck which continued to float. The ship had fought at... more information
  • 1949

    1949 - Formation of Admiralty Constabulary
    01/10/1949

    1st October. At the end of the War the Chief Constable at the Admiralty had three police forces under his control: Royal Marine Police, Royal Marine Police Special Reserve and... more information
  • 1950

    1950 - Explosion at Bedenham
    14/07/1950

    14th July. Enormous explosion in Ammunition barges at Beddenham. An estimated 5,000 tons of explosives exploded but no one was killed although there was damage to property.
  • 1950

    1950 - Winston Churchill receives Freedom of Portsmouth
    11/12/1950

    11th December Winston Churchill receives the Freedom of the City. In his reply to the Freedom address he said: “Portsmouth is the main cradle of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth has... more information
    1950 - Winston Churchill receives Freedom of Portsmouth
  • 1951

    1951 - Loss of HMS AFFRAY
    17/04/1951

    17th April. HMS Affray fails to respond to signals and, as time drifted on, she was given up for lost along with her crew. She was found on 14th June... more information
  • 1951

    1951 - Statue of Nelson Unveiled
    11/07/1951

    11th July. The statue of Lord Nelson presented to the City by Dr. H. J. Aldous was erected in Pembroke Gardens and unveiled by the Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir Arthur Power.
  • 1952

    1952 - Dockyard Railway
    1952

    Dockyard railway comprised 27 miles of track (see 1849).
  • 1953

    1953 - Keel-laying of LEOPARD
    25/03/1953

    25th March. Keel laying Ceremony of the new Anti Aircraft Frigate Leopard by Mrs. A. G. V. Hubback, wife of the Admiral Superintendent. She switched on an automatic welding set... more information
  • 1953

    1953 - Coronation Fleet Review
    15/06/1953

    15th June. Coronation Review at Spithead by HM Queen Elizabeth II. There were 14 miles of ships moored for the Review and over 300 aircraft from the Fleet Air Arm flew in... more information
  • 1955

    1955 - Launch of LEOPARD
    23/05/1955

    23rd May. The launching of HMS Leopard. She was one of a class of four vessels designed as Anti-Aircraft Frigates entitled Type 41 although they were affectionately were known as the... more information
    1955 - Launch of LEOPARD
  • 1956

    1956 - Disappearance of Lt Cdr Crabb RNVR
    19/04/1956

    Lt Cdr L P K Crabb RNVR disappeared on 19th April, believed drowned in Portsmouth harbour, whilst trying to obtain information about the Russian cruiser “Ordzhonikidze”, berthed at South Railway... more information
  • 1958

    1958 - HMS VICTORIOUS Re-commissioned
    14/01/1958

    14th January. HMS “Victorious” re-commissioned after a £20 million refit. She came in hand in the Dockyard on 10th October 1950 and was dry-docked in D Lock on 12th December 1950. It was... more information
    1958 - HMS VICTORIOUS Re-commissioned
  • 1958

    1958 - Closure of HMS HORNET
    13/10/1958

    13th October. HMS Hornet the Coastal Force Base at Haslar is closed. It started life during the First World War and at different periods in its early life came under... more information
  • 1959

    1959 - Launch of RHYLL
    23/03/1959

    23rd March. HMS Rhyl launched from the Dockyard. Known as a Type 12 Anti-Submarine Frigate. A class of 15 vessels built in two groups; the earlier version was known as the Whitby... more information
    1959 - Launch of RHYLL
  • 1959

    1959 - Royal Marines awarded Freedom of the City
    1959

    Royal Marines given Freedom of the City (RM left Portsmouth in 1991).
  • 1960

    1960 - Re-building of Ropehouse
    1960

    Great Ropehouse, until this date the longest building in Europe (1095 ft 8 ½ ins), was divided into two, gutted, restored and the roof replaced. (Now No. 18 Store).
    1960 - Re-building of Ropehouse
  • 1960

    1960 - Departure of HMS VANGUARD
    04/08/1960

    4th August. HMS “Vanguard” last of the British Battleships was released from her moorings at 10-30 am to commence her tow to the ship-breakers at Faslane. There were no cheers,... more information
    1960 - Departure of HMS VANGUARD
  • 1960

    1960 - Admiralty Floating Dock No. 59
    13/03/1960

    13th March. Admiralty Floating Dock 59 was floated up. The 400ft long Dock was built in No. 15 dry dock to suit destroyers, frigates and nuclear submarines.
  • 1960

    1960 - Launch of NUBIAN
    06/09/1960

    6th September. HMS Nubian launched from No 5 Slipway by Lady Holland-Martin, wife of Vice-Admiral Sir Deric Holland-Martin, the 2nd Sea Lord. Built at a cost of £4, 360, 000, she was one of... more information
    1960 - Launch of NUBIAN
  • 1962

    1962 - Last Steam Locomotive Retired
    1962

    Last steam locomotive in dockyard retired from service. From this date diesel engines took over (see 1940). Three steam locomotives were retained for use as mobile dockside boilers and were finally... more information
  • 1963

    1963 - Ice in Portsmouth Harbour
    1963

    Ice formed in shallow waters of Portsmouth Harbour during 2 month freeze.
  • 1963

    1963 - Navy Works Department Transferred to MPBW
    01/04/1963

    1st April. After 168 years of service with the Admiralty the Navy Works Department was transferred to the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works.
  • 1964

    1964 - Departure of Coal Lighter C.1
    15/01/1964

    15th January. Saw the departure of C.1. (Coal Lighter No.1.) from Portsmouth harbour. C.1. was the world’s largest coal lighter. Built under an Admiralty contract by Swan, Hunter &... more information
  • 1964

    1964 - Size of the Dockyard
    1964

    1,300 Shipwrights employed in the Dockyard at this date.
  • 1964

    1964 - Launch of SIRIUS
    22/09/1964

    22nd September. Launch of HMS Sirius by Lady Woods from No. 5 slipway in the Dockyard (see 1939-45, 1990).
    1964 - Launch of SIRIUS
  • 1965

    1965 - Admiralty Floating Dock 60 Completed
    1965

    Admiralty Floating Dock 60 built in C Lock was completed. It had a lifting capacity of 6000 tons and was intended for use by nuclear submarines.
  • 1966

    1966 - Search for MARY ROSE Commenced
    1966

    Search for “Mary Rose” commenced. (See 1509, 1536, 1545, 1967, and 1982).
  • 1966

    1966 - Central Office Block 1 Opened
    1966

    Central Office Block 1 opened. The seven storey building had a rare “paternoster” lift.
  • 1970

    1970 - Dockyard Technical College Closed
    1970

    Dockyard Technical College closed after 127 years. The Dockyards were among the first of the government departments to institute schools for their apprentices.
  • 1970

    1970 - Navy Rum Issue Abolished
    31/07/1970

    31stJuly. Naval Rum issue abolished. For a fascinating insight into the making of the rum and other barrels for the Royal Navy view the film made in 1970 at:“Vanishing craft... more information
    1970 - Navy Rum Issue Abolished
  • 1971

    1971 - Admiral Superintendents become Port Admirals
    15/09/1971

    15th September. Flag Officers of the Royal Navy holding positions of Admiral Superintendents at Royal Dockyards were restyled as Port Admirals. At the same time, Dockyard General Managers were appointed,... more information
  • 1971

    1971 - Float-up of Dumb Lighters 1706 & 1707
    30/09/1971

    30th September. Mrs Gibbon, wife of the Production Manager performed the floating up ceremony of Dumb Lighters 1706 and 1707. Both vessels were designed and built in the dockyard in No. 8 dry... more information
  • 1971

    1971 - Prince Charles Joins RN
    1971

    HRH Prince Charles joined Royal Navy as 2nd Officer of the Watch aboard HMS “Norfolk” (see 1977).
  • 1971

    1971 - The Last Dockside Steam Crane Dismantled
    11/1971

    November. The last of the dock-side steam cranes was dismantled. It ran along the west side of No. 14 dry dock and was one of four erected when the dry dock... more information
  • 1972

    1972 - Naval Memorabilia
    1972

    Collection of Nelsonian memorabilia donated to the Royal Naval Museum by Mrs John McCarthy, CBE. Nautical paraphernalia comprising mooring anchors, ground chain, and propellers etc. were sited in Queen St.,... more information
  • 1973

    1973 - Central Office Block 2 Opened
    03/1973

    Central Office Block II opened in March. The building was 200ft. x 42.6” and had seven floors which provided accommodation for the Design Division Staff, records, and printing section. Also included... more information
  • 1973

    1973 - Closure of Old Timber Saw Mills
    04/1973

    April. The old Timber Saw Mills closed along with the old Saw Sharpening Sheds.
  • 1974

    1974 - Amalgamated Pipe Shop Opened
    1974

    Amalgamated Pipe Shop opened.
  • 1976

    1976 - Heavy Plate Shop Opened
    11/02/1976

    11th February. The New Combined Workshop was opened by Chief of Fleet Support, Vice Admiral Sir Peter White. This building became known as the Heavy Plate Shop.
  • 1976

    1976 - Formation of Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service
    01/10/1976

    1st October. In 1959 it was decided that all yard craft previously under the control of various dockyard, victualling, naval stores and armaments departments should be brought under one authority that... more information
  • 1977

    1977 - Silver Jubilee Fleet Review
    28/06/1977

    28th June. Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee and Fleet Review of 180 ships of 18 nations in 10 lines seven miles long assembled at Spithead..
  • 1977

    1977 - Prince Charles Commands HMS BRONINGTON
    1977

    HRH Prince Charles took command of Coastal Minesweeper HMS Bronington (see 1971).
  • 1977

    1977 - Last B.R. Train leaves Dockyard
    30/11/1977

    30th November. Last British Rail train left Dockyard. Track from Unicorn Gate to town Station removed 12 April 1978. Last diesel engine ceased working in the yard in 1979. (See 1843, 1846, 1876, 1972).
  • 1977

    1977 - Preparations for Filling-in Slipways
    1977

    Cranes dismantled in preparation for filling in No 1, 2 & 5 slipways.
  • 1978

    1978 - Launching of 100 ton Sullage Lighter
    16/02/1978

    16th February. The floating of the 100 ton sullage lighter 03 from the Promontory using the 240 ton crane to lift the craft into the water. The craft was launched by Mrs Gail... more information
  • 1978

    1978 - Size of the Dockyard
    1978

    Dockyard work force 8325.
  • 1978

    1978 - Closure of Haslar Gunboat Yard
    26/05/1978

    26th May. Haslar Gunboat Yard closes. Built between 1856-57 principally for the refit and storage of gun-boats, it came under Ship Group 1 in the dockyard. The last vessel refitted in... more information
  • 1978

    1978 - Dockyard Strike
    20/06/1978

    20th June. The dockyard came to a virtual standstill as the work force down tools and marched out of the dockyard on a one day’s token strike. This followed... more information
  • 1978

    1978 - New Design for East Gate
    05/12/1978

    5th December. Newly designed East Gate opened by the Port Admiral Rear Admiral Wilfred Graham. The work was mainly performed by apprentices from PSA (Dockyard Area)
  • 1979

    1979 - Launch of Sullage Lighter SL 04
    1979

    The giant 240 ton crane on the Promontory was used to lift the latest new construction into the water, the 100 ton sullage lighter SL04. She is one of a pair the... more information
  • 1979

    1979 - Floating-up of TCL 05
    1979

    The floating up of TCL 05 in D Lock was performed by Mrs Pamela Hart the wife of DCP (Cdr. Bill Hart). Before launching the bottle down a wire on to... more information
  • 1980

    1980 - The Last Paddle-wheel Tug
    12/1980

    December. RMAS Tug Forceful, last of the Portsmouth dockyard paddle tugs goes out of service with a bang. It was to be her last duty with the press; photographers and... more information
  • 1980

    1980 - Demolition of Oldest Iron-Arched Structure
    1980

    Demolition of the oldest surviving iron arched building, No. 3. Ship Shop in the Dockyard. It was built in 1844 as a cover to the shipbuilding slipways. Part of the Dockyard (including... more information
  • 1981

    1981 - Closure of Chatham & Portsmouth Dockyards
    25/06/1981

    25th June Mr John Nott, Defence Secretary, announced severe contraction of Portsmouth Dockyard and closure of Chatham Dockyard by 1984. Proposed reduction of Portsmouth Dockyard labour force from 7,200 to 1,200.(see 1984)
  • 1981

    1981 - London Lobby against Defence Cuts
    07/07/1981

    7th July. Men and women from Portsmouth Dockyard travel to London to join with men from other defence establishments to lobby Parliament over the proposed Defence cuts.
  • 1981

    1981 - John Nott Visit to Portsmouth
    09/09/1981

    9th September. The Secretary of State for Defence, Mr. John Nott made a visit to the Dockyard and tried to address a crowd of up to 2.000 employees outside Central Office... more information
  • 1982

    1982 - Preparations for Falklands War
    02/04/1982

    2nd April. At 2-45 am while the people of Portsmouth slept, the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher received a message informing her of Argentina’s impending invasion of the Falkland Islands. ... more information
  • 1982

    1982 - End of Falklands War
    21/07/1982

    21st July. Ecstatic scenes in Portsmouth Harbour as Flagship of the Falklands Islands War, Task Force, HMS “Hermes”, returns to her home port. Since leaving Portsmouth on 5th April she... more information
  • 1982

    1982 - Return of Prince Andrew & HMS INVINCIBLE
    17/09/1982

    17th September the Queen welcomed home Prince Andrew, serving as a helicopter pilot aboard HMS “Invincible”.
  • 1982

    1982 - Closure of HMS Phoenix, Excellent & Vernon
    1982

    Government announced plans to close HMS “Phoenix” in 1984. HMS “Excellent, HMS “Vernon” with Fraser Gunnery Range to close in 1986.
  • 1982

    1982 - Raising of the MARY ROSE
    11/10/1982

    11th October. “Mary Rose” which sank off Southsea Castle in July 1545 successfully raised and installed in No. 3 Dock. Prince Charles witnessed the raising on 11th as the culmination of sixteen... more information
  • 1983

    1983 - New Fleet Maintenance Facility
    26/07/1983

    26th July. The new Fleet Maintenance Facility at North Corner was opened by Admiral Sir William Staveley, Commander-in-Chief Fleet. This new facility was staffed mainly by RN personnel.
  • 1983

    1983 - Closure of Hosemaker’s Shop
    08/1983

    August. The Hose Makers Shop closes and the last hose-maker, Mr.Walter Foster retires. During the war the Hose Maker’s Shop produced over 10,000 hoses a year.
  • 1983

    1983 - Closure of Iron Foundry & Pattern Shop
    31/10/1983

    31st October. The last Foreman of the Foundry, Mr Ken Snook, turned the key for the last time on the closure of the Iron Foundry and Pattern-Makers shop. The last... more information
  • 1983

    1983 - Dismantling of 240 ton Crane
    01/1983

    January. A start was made on dismantling the 240 ton hammer head crane that had since 1911 been a land-mark on the Portsmouth skyline. The operation was completed by May 1984 and had... more information
  • 1984

    1984 - Discovery of Old No. 2 Basin Caisson
    03/1984

    March. Discovery of No. 2 basin caisson. During road surfacing works on the north-western corner of No. 2 basin the top of the original iron caisson of 1845 was discovered at the site... more information
  • 1984

    1984 - No. 1 Basin Docks Declared Redundant
    11/03/1984

    11th March. All the Dry Docks linked to No.1 Basin were declared surplus to the future requirements of the fleet.
  • 1984

    1984 - Scrapping of HMS BULWARK
    10/07/1984

    10th March. The 27,000 ton aircraft carrier HMS Bulwark made her last journey from Portsmouth. Known affectionately in the yard as the “rusty B”, she was towed out of the harbour... more information
  • 1984

    1984 - AFD 26 Leaves Portsmouth
    09/05/1984

    9th May. Admiralty Floating Dock No 26 (AFD 26) leaves Portsmouth. AFD 26 came to Portsmouth in 1959 from Portland. Her first dry docking was the submarine Trespasser on 15th June 1959, her last dry... more information
  • 1984

    1984 - Fire in No. 1 Ship Shop
    05/07/1984

    5th July. A serious fire burnt out the north entrance to No 1 Ship Shop. The original name was No. 1 Shipbuilding Shop but for some unknown reason the word building was... more information
    1984 - Fire in No. 1 Ship Shop
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