This month’s set is an
interesting issue, in colour, covering practically every phase of the
Navy’s activities. There are examples of battleships, cruisers, aircraft
carriers, destroyers, submarines and various small craft as well a numerous
scenes showing the routine of a seaman’s life. This set was issued in 1937
at a time when the world’s then most powerful fleet was gearing up for the
war that was soon to come. Just three years later HMS Warspite, pictured
mooring on card no. 25 and in heavy seas on no.48 was in action at Narvik
inflicting great damage on shore installations and sinking every German ship.
Then in May 1941 came the tragic demise of the battle cruiser Hood, which was
sunk by the Bismarck. There were only three survivors from the crew of 1,400.
The Navy had its revenge – aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm (card 44)
disabled the Bismarck’s rudder and the crippled ship was sunk by torpedoes
from HMS Dorsetshire. In October 1941, Hood’s sister ship The Repulse
(pictured on card no.1) was sunk off the coast of Malaya and Singapore fell
shortly after. How many of the gallent men pictured on these cards survived the
war we cannot tell, but at least we can see them here enjoying lighter moments
– playing deck hockey, receiving the rum ration and collecting their pay.
This set of 48 cards is well
worth adding to your collection and is available in very good condition at
£30.00.
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