HMS Royal Sovereign
Pennsylvania Class Battleship
Displacement: 31,400 tons (normal / 35,929 tons (full load)
Length: 608'
Beam: 106'3"
Draft: 33'6"
Speed: 25 knots
Armament: 4x3 14"/45, 12x1 5"/51, 8x1 5"/25, 8x1 .50-caliber MG, 2 21" tt
Complement: 1800
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 15 boilers, 4 shafts, 40,500 hp
In 1915 the engineers at the Philadelphia Navy Yard began construction on a new class of battleship. Her keel was laid on April 15, 1915 marking the start of the British Empire’s entrance into the latest arms race which began in 1912 when the Peoples Republic of England, Scotland, and Wales launched the October Sky (the largest and most powerful battleship at the time). Though her design and construction would put her to sea too late to have helped during World War I (1906-1910) the HMS Royal Sovereign would nonetheless become one of the Empire’s most famous war ships.
Though construction was started in 1915 due to the budget short fall of 1916-17 the ship was not completed until 1918. On November 1, 1918 His Royal Majesty King George V himself attended the commissioning ceremony where he christened the new ship with the traditional bottle of champagne. The launch was perfect however the Royal Sovereign would face considerable troubles with her engines over course of her shake down cruise (problems that although largely taken care of before entering active service would persist throughout her career – the Royal Sovereign’s engines were too powerful and, even for her great size, would often shake apart if pushed too hard).
Peace Time, 1918-1925:
During the first few years of service the Royal Sovereign undertook the normal duties of a navy ship in peace time, gunnery practice, fleet exercises, patrol duty, training missions, and routine maintenance. In 1922 she was temporarily refitted as a makeshift aircraft carrier so that she could carry and launch scouting planes as events in South America began to heat up.
Brazilian Civil War, 1926-1929:
On May 23, 1926 the forces of Juan Marko (the deposed Minister of War and pro-British dignitary) openly revolted against the Brazilian government and their former colonial overlords in Spain. The HMS Royal Sovereign, having been on “patrol” in the area at the time was ordered to lend aid and comfort to refugees. For a period of 2 months the Royal Sovereign would house nearly 500 civilians and act as a floating hospital for rebel troops. On August 3, 1926 she began ferrying refugees instead of housing them making 53 trips between Cartagena, Brazil and Santiago, Cuba over the next year. On August 19, 1927, on what would have been the start of her 54th trip the HMS Royal Sovereign was attacked. A Spanish fishing trawler requesting help attempted to pull along side the Royal Sovereign but Capt. James Barlow (the Capt. at that time, 1918-1935) would not allow it. The fishing vessel then made a run at the port side and before Capt. Barlow could order the ship sunk it exploded (it was later discovered that the trawler was packed with TNT and had orders to sink the HMS Royal Sovereign – there has been no explanation as to the premature detonation, though crew error is the most likely cause). Both the Spanish and Brazilian government denied any knowledge of the failed attack, this did not however stop our government in Philadelphia from stepping up their support for Juan Marko from secret to open. In February of 1929 the Royal Sovereign was reassigned from the Caribbean Command to the South Atlantic Command and became part of the blockade group at the mouth of the Amazon River. On June 21, 1929 a Spanish fleet attempted to break that blockade, though damaged in the ensuing barrage, the Royal Sovereign was able to sink two Toledo Class battleships as well as aiding in the bombing of Fort Mendoza when its batteries opened up on the blockade ships (two weeks later Juan Marko successfully stormed Brasilia and overthrew the government).
Refit and Modernization, 1930-31:
After helping secure and stabilize Brazil the HMS Royal Sovereign returned to its home port to undergo a major refit. Among the changes were; the entire superstructure was replaced, including the lattice or cage masts which had been in place since construction. Torpedo bulges were fitted, as was additional horizontal armor for protection from air attack. New boilers and turbines were fitted, the torpedo tubes were removed and new tripod masts replaced the cage masts.
Goodwill Tour, 1932-35:
In the aftermath of the bloody Brazilian civil war (which would be proved to be simply a testing ground for many of the nations as the world geared up for another global war) King George V felt the Empire and our allies needed a show of force to prove peace was not dying. In March of 1932 the Peace Flotilla was launched, a dozen ships including the Royal Sovereign, it would circle the globe promoting goodwill and peace.
It was at the end of this tour that Capt. James Barlow would retire. The HMS Royal Sovereign would fall under the leadership of Capt. Christopher Willingham (1935-1940).
The Panama Rebellion, 1935-38:
The Royal Sovereign was once again reassigned to the Caribbean Command after its world tour. In April of 1935 the Peoples Front of Panama (which had long operated in Panama despite repeated arrests and raids by British authorities) captured and or destroyed several government buildings. Though there were no sea encounters with the rebels the Royal Sovereign did commence with coastal bombardment on several occasions as well as having her marines ordered ashore to aide in the capture of rebels.
World War II, 1938-1942:
On September 1, 1935 Dictator Felipe Gabrio forcibly annexed war-torn Italy, gaining immediate outrage from several countries including the British Empire. Seventeen days later Gabrio would launch a two pronged attack, one by air, the other by land, into France and The Peoples Republic of England, Scotland, and Wales. World War II had begun. The HMS Royal Sovereign would fight in several sea battles from Novi Scotia to Argentina, from Ireland to South Africa attacking Spain and its allies throughout the Atlantic (as well as defending allied troop and supply convoys).
In 1939 however the HMS Royal Sovereign would gain a lifelong nickname, the Ship of a thousand Faces. In the Spring of 1939 the Allies would try for a second time to break the blockade Spain had on the Mediterranean (the first attempt made in 1935 was a colossal failure). As the armada made its way towards the blockade the Royal Sovereign would suffer from engine failure (and soon after an electrical short in their navigational equipment). She would fall back from the pack with the destroyer HMS Jarvis for repairs. Four hours later the Royal Sovereign was underway again though the navigational failure would go unnoticed for more than an hour. By the time repairs were made both the battleship and the destroyer were several kilometers north of the battle zone. With all speed they made their way south to the blockade, what they didn’t know was that the attack on the blockade had not gone well for the Allies. They were in retreat and being perused by several Spanish vessels. It was at this time that the Royal Sovereign came into view of the Spanish radar. Thinking that the Royal Sovereign was the lead ship of a second armada and that he had been outflanked the commander of the Spanish blockade ordered his ships back to Gibraltar. Several salvos from the destroyer and the battleship caused enough panic and confusion in the Spanish fleet that the Allies were able to regroup and make another attempt on the blockade fleet (which was victorious).
On November 3, 1940 the Royal Sovereign was escorting a convoy from Norfolk to Dublin when they came under attack of German U-boats. Though two submarines were destroyed the Royal Sovereign took heavy damage which would leave her in dry dock for the remainder of the war. It was during this attack that Capt. Willingham, as well as 45 crewmen, was killed.
War with Japan, 1945-1951:
Under the command now of Capt. Robert Cooper (1940-1960) the HMS Royal Sovereign was reassigned to the Pacific Command. Tensions between the British and Japanese Empires had been on the rise even before WWII. On July 4, 1945 tensions would come to a head when the Japanese launch an attack on Los Angles – sinking the bulk of the British Northern Pacific Fleet. No ships from the South Pacific Fleet could be spared as the Japanese began their invasion of Australia and the Philippines. The Royal Sovereign was one of only a dozen ships that had been sent to rendezvous the North Pacific Fleet but hadn’t yet arrived that would now be responsible for safeguarding the west coast of British North America.
War Patrol, 1951-1965:
The HMS Royal Sovereign was kept in the Pacific Command during the War Patrol Era. Even though the war had been devastating to both sides and technically it was a British victory conflict with Japan was expected to flare up again at anytime. The Royal Sovereign sailed out of Pearl Harbor (Hawaii having been made a concession at the peace talks) at this time and spent the next 14 years on border patrol.
Decommissioned, 1965-1972:
During routine maintenance and upgrades word came down from the Admiralty that the HMS Royal Sovereign (as well as 40 other ships) would be decommissioned). Though the repairs were hastily finished she never received the upgrades.
Peace Keeping Mission, 1972-1980:
With civil wars ongoing and new ones spring up all over formally controlled French territories and China trying to throw off the yoke of Japan the International Peace Commission dispatches a contingent of international peace keepers for humanitarian efforts. The British Empire recommissions several battleships as part of their obligation to the peace effort – the HMS Royal Sovereign is reinstated.
The Journey Home, 1980-81:
The HMS Royal Sovereign begins its final mission, the long journey home. It will make stops in the Philippines, Australia, India, and South Africa before finally heading to its place of birth Philadelphia. On December 7, 1981 terrorists take over the Capetown nuclear facility as well as the two destroyers stationed there for refit and repairs. The Royal Sovereign was 20 kilometers from Capetown when the incident occurred and was ordered to head off the destroyers before they could flea with their nuclear arsenal (the Ivory Coast Unit – consisting of two carriers, a battleship, and two destroyers – was dispatched but would not arrive in time). Though out matched and out classed Capt. William Hunt would engage the destroyers exchanging salvos for an hour an a half before finally sinking the HMS Timberland. The Royal Sovereign had lost the use of their turrets in the final exchange with the Timberland allowing the HMS Belmont, which wasn’t fairing much better, to beat a hasty retreat. Capt. Hunt issued orders to peruse with all possible speed closing the gap between the captured vessel and eventually overtaking it. With munitions low and her big guns silent Capt. Hunt ordered the Royal Sovereign to ram the Belmont. Timing his order with precision Capt. Hunt had his engines thrown into full reverse as his ship and the destroyer slammed into one another. The Royal Sovereign gauged a 12 meter V shaped whole in the aft quarter of the Belmont and brought her to a stop. After securing the ship with a border party (who stayed behind to hold the ship until the Ivory Coast Unit could arrive) Capt. Hunt gave orders to return to Cape town. The HMS Royal Sovereign made the 20+ Kilometers back to shore where Capt. Hunt ordered his marines ashore to help in taking back the nuclear facility; this was followed by an order to abandon ship. With the help of a dozen commercial and private vessels the crew of the HMS Royal Sovereign was safely brought to shore. However, during the rescue the watertight doors (which had come down in response to the damage taken during the collision with the Belmont) failed. 23 crewmen, including Captain William Hunt and several other officers, died while trying to keep the ship afloat so the rest of the crew could escape.
Dive engineers investigating the wreckage of the Royal Sovereign stated that it was a minor miracle that the ship had made it the 20 kilometers back to Captown. The damage inflicted by the collision with the Belmont was all below the waterline and had crumpled several bulkheads – everyone who saw the damage first hand were surprised the battleship hadn’t sunk long before reaching shore.
At the memorial ceremony Rear Admiral Joseph Pemberton had this to say about the HMS Royal Sovereign, “She was a warrior and a mother and she died a soldier’s death but not before seeing her boys safely home.”
Pennsylvania Class Battleship
Displacement: 31,400 tons (normal / 35,929 tons (full load)
Length: 608'
Beam: 106'3"
Draft: 33'6"
Speed: 25 knots
Armament: 4x3 14"/45, 12x1 5"/51, 8x1 5"/25, 8x1 .50-caliber MG, 2 21" tt
Complement: 1800
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 15 boilers, 4 shafts, 40,500 hp
In 1915 the engineers at the Philadelphia Navy Yard began construction on a new class of battleship. Her keel was laid on April 15, 1915 marking the start of the British Empire’s entrance into the latest arms race which began in 1912 when the Peoples Republic of England, Scotland, and Wales launched the October Sky (the largest and most powerful battleship at the time). Though her design and construction would put her to sea too late to have helped during World War I (1906-1910) the HMS Royal Sovereign would nonetheless become one of the Empire’s most famous war ships.
Though construction was started in 1915 due to the budget short fall of 1916-17 the ship was not completed until 1918. On November 1, 1918 His Royal Majesty King George V himself attended the commissioning ceremony where he christened the new ship with the traditional bottle of champagne. The launch was perfect however the Royal Sovereign would face considerable troubles with her engines over course of her shake down cruise (problems that although largely taken care of before entering active service would persist throughout her career – the Royal Sovereign’s engines were too powerful and, even for her great size, would often shake apart if pushed too hard).
Peace Time, 1918-1925:
During the first few years of service the Royal Sovereign undertook the normal duties of a navy ship in peace time, gunnery practice, fleet exercises, patrol duty, training missions, and routine maintenance. In 1922 she was temporarily refitted as a makeshift aircraft carrier so that she could carry and launch scouting planes as events in South America began to heat up.
Brazilian Civil War, 1926-1929:
On May 23, 1926 the forces of Juan Marko (the deposed Minister of War and pro-British dignitary) openly revolted against the Brazilian government and their former colonial overlords in Spain. The HMS Royal Sovereign, having been on “patrol” in the area at the time was ordered to lend aid and comfort to refugees. For a period of 2 months the Royal Sovereign would house nearly 500 civilians and act as a floating hospital for rebel troops. On August 3, 1926 she began ferrying refugees instead of housing them making 53 trips between Cartagena, Brazil and Santiago, Cuba over the next year. On August 19, 1927, on what would have been the start of her 54th trip the HMS Royal Sovereign was attacked. A Spanish fishing trawler requesting help attempted to pull along side the Royal Sovereign but Capt. James Barlow (the Capt. at that time, 1918-1935) would not allow it. The fishing vessel then made a run at the port side and before Capt. Barlow could order the ship sunk it exploded (it was later discovered that the trawler was packed with TNT and had orders to sink the HMS Royal Sovereign – there has been no explanation as to the premature detonation, though crew error is the most likely cause). Both the Spanish and Brazilian government denied any knowledge of the failed attack, this did not however stop our government in Philadelphia from stepping up their support for Juan Marko from secret to open. In February of 1929 the Royal Sovereign was reassigned from the Caribbean Command to the South Atlantic Command and became part of the blockade group at the mouth of the Amazon River. On June 21, 1929 a Spanish fleet attempted to break that blockade, though damaged in the ensuing barrage, the Royal Sovereign was able to sink two Toledo Class battleships as well as aiding in the bombing of Fort Mendoza when its batteries opened up on the blockade ships (two weeks later Juan Marko successfully stormed Brasilia and overthrew the government).
Refit and Modernization, 1930-31:
After helping secure and stabilize Brazil the HMS Royal Sovereign returned to its home port to undergo a major refit. Among the changes were; the entire superstructure was replaced, including the lattice or cage masts which had been in place since construction. Torpedo bulges were fitted, as was additional horizontal armor for protection from air attack. New boilers and turbines were fitted, the torpedo tubes were removed and new tripod masts replaced the cage masts.
Goodwill Tour, 1932-35:
In the aftermath of the bloody Brazilian civil war (which would be proved to be simply a testing ground for many of the nations as the world geared up for another global war) King George V felt the Empire and our allies needed a show of force to prove peace was not dying. In March of 1932 the Peace Flotilla was launched, a dozen ships including the Royal Sovereign, it would circle the globe promoting goodwill and peace.
It was at the end of this tour that Capt. James Barlow would retire. The HMS Royal Sovereign would fall under the leadership of Capt. Christopher Willingham (1935-1940).
The Panama Rebellion, 1935-38:
The Royal Sovereign was once again reassigned to the Caribbean Command after its world tour. In April of 1935 the Peoples Front of Panama (which had long operated in Panama despite repeated arrests and raids by British authorities) captured and or destroyed several government buildings. Though there were no sea encounters with the rebels the Royal Sovereign did commence with coastal bombardment on several occasions as well as having her marines ordered ashore to aide in the capture of rebels.
World War II, 1938-1942:
On September 1, 1935 Dictator Felipe Gabrio forcibly annexed war-torn Italy, gaining immediate outrage from several countries including the British Empire. Seventeen days later Gabrio would launch a two pronged attack, one by air, the other by land, into France and The Peoples Republic of England, Scotland, and Wales. World War II had begun. The HMS Royal Sovereign would fight in several sea battles from Novi Scotia to Argentina, from Ireland to South Africa attacking Spain and its allies throughout the Atlantic (as well as defending allied troop and supply convoys).
In 1939 however the HMS Royal Sovereign would gain a lifelong nickname, the Ship of a thousand Faces. In the Spring of 1939 the Allies would try for a second time to break the blockade Spain had on the Mediterranean (the first attempt made in 1935 was a colossal failure). As the armada made its way towards the blockade the Royal Sovereign would suffer from engine failure (and soon after an electrical short in their navigational equipment). She would fall back from the pack with the destroyer HMS Jarvis for repairs. Four hours later the Royal Sovereign was underway again though the navigational failure would go unnoticed for more than an hour. By the time repairs were made both the battleship and the destroyer were several kilometers north of the battle zone. With all speed they made their way south to the blockade, what they didn’t know was that the attack on the blockade had not gone well for the Allies. They were in retreat and being perused by several Spanish vessels. It was at this time that the Royal Sovereign came into view of the Spanish radar. Thinking that the Royal Sovereign was the lead ship of a second armada and that he had been outflanked the commander of the Spanish blockade ordered his ships back to Gibraltar. Several salvos from the destroyer and the battleship caused enough panic and confusion in the Spanish fleet that the Allies were able to regroup and make another attempt on the blockade fleet (which was victorious).
On November 3, 1940 the Royal Sovereign was escorting a convoy from Norfolk to Dublin when they came under attack of German U-boats. Though two submarines were destroyed the Royal Sovereign took heavy damage which would leave her in dry dock for the remainder of the war. It was during this attack that Capt. Willingham, as well as 45 crewmen, was killed.
War with Japan, 1945-1951:
Under the command now of Capt. Robert Cooper (1940-1960) the HMS Royal Sovereign was reassigned to the Pacific Command. Tensions between the British and Japanese Empires had been on the rise even before WWII. On July 4, 1945 tensions would come to a head when the Japanese launch an attack on Los Angles – sinking the bulk of the British Northern Pacific Fleet. No ships from the South Pacific Fleet could be spared as the Japanese began their invasion of Australia and the Philippines. The Royal Sovereign was one of only a dozen ships that had been sent to rendezvous the North Pacific Fleet but hadn’t yet arrived that would now be responsible for safeguarding the west coast of British North America.
War Patrol, 1951-1965:
The HMS Royal Sovereign was kept in the Pacific Command during the War Patrol Era. Even though the war had been devastating to both sides and technically it was a British victory conflict with Japan was expected to flare up again at anytime. The Royal Sovereign sailed out of Pearl Harbor (Hawaii having been made a concession at the peace talks) at this time and spent the next 14 years on border patrol.
Decommissioned, 1965-1972:
During routine maintenance and upgrades word came down from the Admiralty that the HMS Royal Sovereign (as well as 40 other ships) would be decommissioned). Though the repairs were hastily finished she never received the upgrades.
Peace Keeping Mission, 1972-1980:
With civil wars ongoing and new ones spring up all over formally controlled French territories and China trying to throw off the yoke of Japan the International Peace Commission dispatches a contingent of international peace keepers for humanitarian efforts. The British Empire recommissions several battleships as part of their obligation to the peace effort – the HMS Royal Sovereign is reinstated.
The Journey Home, 1980-81:
The HMS Royal Sovereign begins its final mission, the long journey home. It will make stops in the Philippines, Australia, India, and South Africa before finally heading to its place of birth Philadelphia. On December 7, 1981 terrorists take over the Capetown nuclear facility as well as the two destroyers stationed there for refit and repairs. The Royal Sovereign was 20 kilometers from Capetown when the incident occurred and was ordered to head off the destroyers before they could flea with their nuclear arsenal (the Ivory Coast Unit – consisting of two carriers, a battleship, and two destroyers – was dispatched but would not arrive in time). Though out matched and out classed Capt. William Hunt would engage the destroyers exchanging salvos for an hour an a half before finally sinking the HMS Timberland. The Royal Sovereign had lost the use of their turrets in the final exchange with the Timberland allowing the HMS Belmont, which wasn’t fairing much better, to beat a hasty retreat. Capt. Hunt issued orders to peruse with all possible speed closing the gap between the captured vessel and eventually overtaking it. With munitions low and her big guns silent Capt. Hunt ordered the Royal Sovereign to ram the Belmont. Timing his order with precision Capt. Hunt had his engines thrown into full reverse as his ship and the destroyer slammed into one another. The Royal Sovereign gauged a 12 meter V shaped whole in the aft quarter of the Belmont and brought her to a stop. After securing the ship with a border party (who stayed behind to hold the ship until the Ivory Coast Unit could arrive) Capt. Hunt gave orders to return to Cape town. The HMS Royal Sovereign made the 20+ Kilometers back to shore where Capt. Hunt ordered his marines ashore to help in taking back the nuclear facility; this was followed by an order to abandon ship. With the help of a dozen commercial and private vessels the crew of the HMS Royal Sovereign was safely brought to shore. However, during the rescue the watertight doors (which had come down in response to the damage taken during the collision with the Belmont) failed. 23 crewmen, including Captain William Hunt and several other officers, died while trying to keep the ship afloat so the rest of the crew could escape.
Dive engineers investigating the wreckage of the Royal Sovereign stated that it was a minor miracle that the ship had made it the 20 kilometers back to Captown. The damage inflicted by the collision with the Belmont was all below the waterline and had crumpled several bulkheads – everyone who saw the damage first hand were surprised the battleship hadn’t sunk long before reaching shore.
At the memorial ceremony Rear Admiral Joseph Pemberton had this to say about the HMS Royal Sovereign, “She was a warrior and a mother and she died a soldier’s death but not before seeing her boys safely home.”
