Her Majesty's Dreadnought VICTORY

By the turn of the century the traditional dominance of the Imperial Navy over the oceans was in question, with the Prussian and Vulgarian Dreadnought fleets closing the technological gap. The Victory was the Admiralty's response.

At the time of her launch she was the largest and most expensive vessel afloat, costing the then-vast sum of one and a half million pounds. Armed with six long-range guns designed to fire the new nitroglycerine shells, she was capable of a devastating strike against both naval and shore targets. For close-range defence she was also equipped with carbines and anti-aircraft weapons.

She was also home to a midget submarine and a squad of the famous Navy Seal-Divers. These brave men, equipped with their distinctive diving apparatus made from the skins of rare seal pups, were to become world-famous for their exploits - in particular the daring wartime raid on the Prussian submersible yards of Kiel.

Interested readers can see a rare colour photograph of the Victory and a collection of technical blueprints here.

HMS "Pollyanna" - Imperial Pocket Battleship

The Pollyanna is a fine example of the P-Class pocket battleships which formed the backbone of the Imperial Atlantic Fleet from their introduction in 1852 until their replacement with the D-Class Destroyers during the 1890s.

This particular vessel, affectionately named "Polly Pocket" by her crew, saw extensive action during the Gibralter Incident of 1866, and was responsible for the sinking of seven Seccesionist gunboats.

In the Great Winter Storm of 1871, the Pollyanna was to engage in a daring and heroic mercy mission, delivering much-needed food and medical supplies to St Kilda. The islanders had been denied airship supply for three months due to the appalling weather, and the situation was becoming desperate. Defying terrifying seas, and the rocky approaches to the island, the Pollyanna completed its mission, undoubtedly saving many lives and earning the Captain and crew a letter of commendation from Her Imperial Majesty herself.

The interested reader may view more photographic images of the Pollyanna here.