HMS Plymouth and HMS Bronnington in Birkenhead docks

The 2 remaining vessels from the Historic warships display are now sitting in Victoria dock, Birkenhead. They are no longer open to the public. Both vessels are in a very sorry state with no ongoing maintenance going on since they have been placed in that dock. HMS Bronnington was one of the last wooden hulled mine counter measures vessels to be built and was once captained by HRH Prince Charles. HMS Plymouth is a veteran of the Falklands war, she was struck by several bombs (which did not explode) and the surrender of the Argentine forces was signed onboard her.

Very sorry to see these ships in such a state.

A catch up!!

A busy few weeks for various reasons so here a catch up, mainly Alfred lock Birkenhead docks. River quiet today.

HMS Illustrious leaving Liverpool 27th Oct

After a 5 day visit the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious left the River Mersey at around 2pm today, 3 smit tugs in attendance. One of the best weeks on the Mersey for a long time with the Queen Mary 2 visit at the start of last week! Took hundereds of images and have not even sorted all of them out yet.

Onboard HMS Illustrious 26th Oct

Paid a visit to the carrier today, she was open from 10am this morning. Lots on show to see above and below decks, it was very well organised and well worth the trip, excellent showcase for the Royal Navy.

RFA Orangeleaf on the move

The fleet tanker RFA Orangeleaf was moved out of Birkenhead and into Cammel Lairds yesterday. 4 Smit tugs were on hand. The RFA is one of the RFA fleet of vessels that will be here for servicing/refit etc at the Lairds yard

HMS Illustrious in Liverpool events

Heres a copy of the ships itinary over the weekend, these taken from the RN website (some times are obviously subject to change...

She will be sailing on Tuesday 27th Oct between 2pm and 4pm

0900	Aircraft take off from HMS Illustrious in preparation for Fly Past
1000-1600	Royal Navy Static Park Open
1400	Centenary Fly Past along The River Mersey
1600	Royal Navy Helicopter Display Team 'The Black Cats' flying display in front of Albert Dock
1630	Aircraft land back on HMS Illustrious following Fly Past

Saturday 24 October

1000-1600	Royal Navy Static Park Open
1430-1530	Flying Display in front of Albert Dock

Sunday 25 October

1000-1600	Royal Navy Static Park Open
1130-1230	Flying Display in front of Albert Dock
1300-1700	HMS Illustrious open to members of the public

Monday 26 October

1000-1600	Royal Navy Static Park Open
1000-1600	HMS Illustrious open to members of the public

Royal Navy River Mersey flypast

A quick selection from todays activities on the Mersey, more to follow............A fantastic day