To start the slide show please click “Slide Show” at top of Page then on the top left click “from beginning” you are now ready to start . Click each slide when finished to move to next slide. Feel free to email me with any Feel free to email me with any corrections that should be made and I corrections that should be made and I hope you enjoy this little presentation. hope you enjoy this little presentation. Terry Cummins Terry Cummins Irish Naval Association Irish Naval Association [email protected][email protected]
Transcript
To start the slide show please click “Slide Show” at top of Page then on the top left
click “from beginning” you are now ready to start .Click each slide when finished to move to next slide.
Feel free to email me with any corrections that Feel free to email me with any corrections that should be made and I hope you enjoy this little should be made and I hope you enjoy this little presentation.presentation.
Up to and during WW1 Britain controlled all waters around Up to and during WW1 Britain controlled all waters around Ireland.Ireland.
========================================== Irish deep water Harbours were situated at :-Irish deep water Harbours were situated at :-
Cobh, Cobh,
Berehaven Berehaven
and Lough Swilly , and Lough Swilly ,
Britain based some of their Submarine and Cruiser Fleets Britain based some of their Submarine and Cruiser Fleets at these Naval Bases.at these Naval Bases.
Queenstown Naval BaseQueenstown Naval Base
At the end of WW1 Britain had suffered dearly in the Trenches of At the end of WW1 Britain had suffered dearly in the Trenches of Belgium and France and had little stomach for the troubles in its Belgium and France and had little stomach for the troubles in its own back yard, as Ireland fought Britain for its Independenceown back yard, as Ireland fought Britain for its Independence
Feelers were put out to see if there might be some way of ending Feelers were put out to see if there might be some way of ending the hostilities in Ireland.the hostilities in Ireland.
Eamonn DeValera and others were invited to London to sit and Eamonn DeValera and others were invited to London to sit and discuss terms to end the conflict.discuss terms to end the conflict.
During discussion in London, Britain offered Independence to the During discussion in London, Britain offered Independence to the 26 counties, but not the 6 Counties in Ulster which were 26 counties, but not the 6 Counties in Ulster which were predominately Loyalist. Britain would retain control of the Sea predominately Loyalist. Britain would retain control of the Sea around Ireland and Ireland would not have its own Navy, but around Ireland and Ireland would not have its own Navy, but would be permitted to have un-armed Vessels for Fishery would be permitted to have un-armed Vessels for Fishery Protection. All members of the new Free State Government would Protection. All members of the new Free State Government would have to take an oath of allegiance to the King of Englandhave to take an oath of allegiance to the King of England
DeValera could not accept these terms and rejected the proposals DeValera could not accept these terms and rejected the proposals
and returned to Ireland.and returned to Ireland.
On his return to Dublin, DeValera briefed the Dail on the discussions that led On his return to Dublin, DeValera briefed the Dail on the discussions that led
to the break down of the talks in London. A decision was taken for a to the break down of the talks in London. A decision was taken for a delegation to return to London for more discussion. DeValera decided he delegation to return to London for more discussion. DeValera decided he would not go and sent Arthur Griffith to lead the delegation, with Michael would not go and sent Arthur Griffith to lead the delegation, with Michael Collin and others, hoping for a solutionCollin and others, hoping for a solution
This delegation accepted the terms originally offered to DeValera.This delegation accepted the terms originally offered to DeValera. Michael Collins said it was the best offer that could be hoped for and was a Michael Collins said it was the best offer that could be hoped for and was a
stepping stone to full Independence. The Delegates signed treaty in London on stepping stone to full Independence. The Delegates signed treaty in London on the December 1921the December 1921
On their return to the Dail, DeValera was furious and said they had no On their return to the Dail, DeValera was furious and said they had no Authority to sign the Treaty as they were basically messengers. This was Authority to sign the Treaty as they were basically messengers. This was strongly disputed as they were Plenipotentiaries with powers to sign such a strongly disputed as they were Plenipotentiaries with powers to sign such a Treaty. This caused a split in the Dail leading to Pro and Anti-Treaty.Treaty. This caused a split in the Dail leading to Pro and Anti-Treaty.
Following debate after debate an election was called to decide the Treaty this Following debate after debate an election was called to decide the Treaty this resulted in a small majority in favour of acceptance of the Treaty signed in resulted in a small majority in favour of acceptance of the Treaty signed in London in Dec 1921 and following the vote of the people ratified in January London in Dec 1921 and following the vote of the people ratified in January 1922. The Irish Free State and its constitution came into existence by Royal 1922. The Irish Free State and its constitution came into existence by Royal proclamation on 6proclamation on 6thth December 1922 December 1922
Part of the Treaty Agreement was Articles 6 and 7 Part of the Treaty Agreement was Articles 6 and 7 below. Under the agreement the new Free State below. Under the agreement the new Free State would not have any armed vessels but could have would not have any armed vessels but could have vessels for Fishery protectionvessels for Fishery protection
Article 6Article 6
Until an arrangement has been made Until an arrangement has been made between the British and Irish between the British and Irish Governments where by Ireland Governments where by Ireland undertakes her coastal defence, the undertakes her coastal defence, the defence of Great Britain and Ireland defence of Great Britain and Ireland shall be undertaken by HM Forces, shall be undertaken by HM Forces, but this shall not prevent the but this shall not prevent the construction of maintenance by the construction of maintenance by the Government of Ireland of such Government of Ireland of such vessels as are necessary for the vessels as are necessary for the protection of revenue or fisheries.protection of revenue or fisheries.
Article 7Article 7 The Government of Ireland shall The Government of Ireland shall
afford HM Forces – in time of peace, afford HM Forces – in time of peace, harbours and other facilities as harbours and other facilities as indicated or such facilities as may be indicated or such facilities as may be from time to time agreed. In time of from time to time agreed. In time of war – such harbour and other war – such harbour and other facilities as the British Government facilities as the British Government may require. may require.
The Treaty also agreed the following:-The Treaty also agreed the following:-
Dockyard Port at Berehaven – maintained on care and Dockyard Port at Berehaven – maintained on care and maintenance by Royal Navy maintenance by Royal Navy
Queenstown (Cóbh) – harbour defences and certain buoys Queenstown (Cóbh) – harbour defences and certain buoys retained.retained.
Belfast Lough and Lough Swilly – harbour defences to be Belfast Lough and Lough Swilly – harbour defences to be maintained.maintained.
Oil storage facilities at Haulbowline (Cóbh) and Rathmullen Oil storage facilities at Haulbowline (Cóbh) and Rathmullen (Lough Swilly) to be offered for sale to commercial (Lough Swilly) to be offered for sale to commercial concerns under a guarentee that they maintain a certain concerns under a guarentee that they maintain a certain minimum stock of fuel for admiralty requirements.minimum stock of fuel for admiralty requirements.
Aviation – facilities to be maintained in the named ports for Aviation – facilities to be maintained in the named ports for coastal air defence.coastal air defence.
other seaports other seaports Lough Foyle (NI)Lough Foyle (NI)Carlingford LoughCarlingford LoughDublinDublinWaterfordWaterfordCobhCobhFenitFenitGalwayGalwayWestportWestportKilleybegsKilleybegs
Heading for Civil WarHeading for Civil War
With the signing of the Treaty Britain started its withdrawal With the signing of the Treaty Britain started its withdrawal from Ireland. Most Barracks were handed over to the new from Ireland. Most Barracks were handed over to the new Free State Army, However, Anti-treaty forces south of a Free State Army, However, Anti-treaty forces south of a line from Waterford to Limerick took control of all the Britain line from Waterford to Limerick took control of all the Britain Establishments as the British withdrew.Establishments as the British withdrew.
No attempt was made to take control of the Rebel held No attempt was made to take control of the Rebel held South until the New Free State Army established itself in South until the New Free State Army established itself in the Pro Treaty areas. Britain was concerned with the many the Pro Treaty areas. Britain was concerned with the many areas held and controlled by the Anti-Treaty Forces and areas held and controlled by the Anti-Treaty Forces and worried that with 10,000 British Troops still in Ireland worried that with 10,000 British Troops still in Ireland waiting to depart there might be attempts to restart waiting to depart there might be attempts to restart hostilities or attack the six counties of Northern Ireland.hostilities or attack the six counties of Northern Ireland.
One of the major episodes that brought things to a head One of the major episodes that brought things to a head was the seizure of the unarmed SS Upnor leaving the was the seizure of the unarmed SS Upnor leaving the Naval Base in Cobh with a large shipment of arms Naval Base in Cobh with a large shipment of arms heading for Portsmouth in March 1922heading for Portsmouth in March 1922
Members of Tom Barry’s Flying Column using a Tug Members of Tom Barry’s Flying Column using a Tug “Warrior” boarded the Upnor forced the Captain to alter “Warrior” boarded the Upnor forced the Captain to alter course to Ballycotton Bay. On arrival in Ballycotton Bay course to Ballycotton Bay. On arrival in Ballycotton Bay several trucks were waiting to transportseveral trucks were waiting to transport
the weapons away.the weapons away.
SS. Upnor siezed by Cork No 1 Brigade IRA boarding SS. Upnor siezed by Cork No 1 Brigade IRA boarding from tug Warrior. Ballycotton Bay March 1922from tug Warrior. Ballycotton Bay March 1922
Weapons sized from the USS UpnorWeapons sized from the USS Upnor
1500 Rifles1500 Rifles 61 Machine Guns61 Machine Guns 2000 Revolvers and Pistols2000 Revolvers and Pistols 3000 Grenades3000 Grenades ½ millions rounds of ammunition½ millions rounds of ammunition
In June 1922 Rory O’Connor Joe McKelvey Ernie O’Malley, Oscar In June 1922 Rory O’Connor Joe McKelvey Ernie O’Malley, Oscar
Traynor and hundreds of men took control of the Four Courts in Traynor and hundreds of men took control of the Four Courts in Dublin Dublin
Declaring they were the real Government of the Irish Republic.Declaring they were the real Government of the Irish Republic.
This would be the straw that broke the Camels back and forced the This would be the straw that broke the Camels back and forced the British to inform the Free State Government that things were now British to inform the Free State Government that things were now out of hand and forced the Free State Army to take action. Two 18 out of hand and forced the Free State Army to take action. Two 18 pound Artillery Guns was handed over to the Free State Army. pound Artillery Guns was handed over to the Free State Army. However they had no experience with such Guns but Emmet Dalton However they had no experience with such Guns but Emmet Dalton had served as an officer in WW1 and now a General in the Free had served as an officer in WW1 and now a General in the Free State Army took charge of the Battery.State Army took charge of the Battery.
After negotiations failed the Guns opened up on the FourAfter negotiations failed the Guns opened up on the Four
Courts on the 28Courts on the 28thth June. June.
Free State Army attack the Four Courts on the 28Free State Army attack the Four Courts on the 28thth June 1922 June 1922
Emmet Dalton (former WW1 Officer) now Free State General took Emmet Dalton (former WW1 Officer) now Free State General took control of the Artillerycontrol of the Artillery
Gun Battery at Merchents QuayGun Battery at Merchents Quay
Four Courts explodes in flamesFour Courts explodes in flames
Cathal Brugha in attempting to take pressure off the Four Courts took over the Gresham Hotel. Artillery was moved from the four Courts and attacked the Gresham Hotel. Cathal Brugha held cover while the rest of his squad tunnelled their way out. Cathal Brugha charged out onto O’Connell Street Gun in hand shouting “No Surrender” he was shot in the Legs and died of loss of Blood on the way to Hospital
The Beginning of the Irish NavyThe Beginning of the Irish Navy
The Free State Army while having control of Dublin and The Free State Army while having control of Dublin and most counties North of a line from Dublin to Galway and a most counties North of a line from Dublin to Galway and a strong Army presence in Castlebar it had to gain controlstrong Army presence in Castlebar it had to gain control
of the rebel South. This proved difficult as the Anti-Treaty of the rebel South. This proved difficult as the Anti-Treaty Forces blew up many bridges and adopted Guerrilla Forces blew up many bridges and adopted Guerrilla warfare with mined road blocks. warfare with mined road blocks.
The best option for the Free State forces was obtain The best option for the Free State forces was obtain seagoing vessels to land by sea around the Irish Coast seagoing vessels to land by sea around the Irish Coast transporting, Troops, Armoured Cars and transporting, Troops, Armoured Cars and Field Guns, to Field Guns, to the areas held by the anti-treaty forcesthe areas held by the anti-treaty forces
The next slides will show the Free State Forces landing in The next slides will show the Free State Forces landing in Cork and Kerry.Cork and Kerry.
B&I Steamer “Lady Wicklow” B&I Steamer “Lady Wicklow” Departed South Wall Dublin on July 31, 1922 Departed South Wall Dublin on July 31, 1922 with 450 officers and men of the Dublin Guards, with 450 officers and men of the Dublin Guards, armoured car and 18-pounder field gun armoured car and 18-pounder field gun bound for Fenit where a successful landing was made.bound for Fenit where a successful landing was made. ..
Landing Troops, Armoured Cars and Field Guns Landing Troops, Armoured Cars and Field Guns from Lady Wicklow at Fenit, Kerry.from Lady Wicklow at Fenit, Kerry.
SS Arvonia Loading troops and supplies at Dublin.SS Arvonia Loading troops and supplies at Dublin.
On board SS Arvonia
On board SS ArvoniaOn board SS Arvonia
Anti-treaty Forces sink ships to block Free State ships Anti-treaty Forces sink ships to block Free State ships on the River Lee. However the Free State Forces just on the River Lee. However the Free State Forces just steered around the sunken vessels, and successfully steered around the sunken vessels, and successfully landed Troops and Field Guns in Corklanded Troops and Field Guns in Cork
Discharging a “Peerless” armoured car from Discharging a “Peerless” armoured car from Arvonia at Passage West.Arvonia at Passage West.
Civil War EndsCivil War Ends
As the months passed and the Free State Army (now called the National Army) gained control of most counties , the As the months passed and the Free State Army (now called the National Army) gained control of most counties , the head of the Anti-Treaty Forces General Liam Lynch died in an attack on the Knockmealdown Mountains on 3head of the Anti-Treaty Forces General Liam Lynch died in an attack on the Knockmealdown Mountains on 3rdrd April April 1923.1923.
Shortly after on the orders of Frank Aiken the new Shortly after on the orders of Frank Aiken the new Anti-Treaty commander all Anti-Treaty Forces were ordered to lay down their arms and return home.Anti-Treaty commander all Anti-Treaty Forces were ordered to lay down their arms and return home.
Thus ended the Irish Civil WarThus ended the Irish Civil War
Coastal & Marine ServiceCoastal & Marine Service
While relative peace returned to Ireland it still had to be While relative peace returned to Ireland it still had to be sure it was not only a lull to allow time to re-group and sure it was not only a lull to allow time to re-group and re-arm so in May 1923 a Coastal and Marine Service re-arm so in May 1923 a Coastal and Marine Service was established to interdict gun runners and provide was established to interdict gun runners and provide fisheries protection. It was controlled by the Army in 3 fisheries protection. It was controlled by the Army in 3 sections:-sections:-
1.Coastal Patrols1.Coastal Patrols
2. Marine Investigation Department2. Marine Investigation Department
3. Coastal Infantry3. Coastal Infantry
Infantry and Marine Investigations disbanded during autumn 1923.Infantry and Marine Investigations disbanded during autumn 1923.
The new Coastal & Marine Service was based at :- The new Coastal & Marine Service was based at :-
Haulbowline Island – CóbhHaulbowline Island – Cóbh
Dún LaoghaireDún Laoghaire
GalwayGalway
KillybegsKillybegs
Coastal & Marine ServiceCoastal & Marine Service While Ireland was not allowed to have a Navy and was also not to While Ireland was not allowed to have a Navy and was also not to
have armed vessels the British obviously turned a blind eye to the have armed vessels the British obviously turned a blind eye to the vessels obtained by the Free State Army during the Civil War which vessels obtained by the Free State Army during the Civil War which resulted in the following large fleet at the end of the Civil War in resulted in the following large fleet at the end of the Civil War in 1923 1923
SS “Dainty” deep sea tug / patrol sloopSS “Dainty” deep sea tug / patrol sloop patrol vessel “Murichu” (ex HMS Helga)patrol vessel “Murichu” (ex HMS Helga) 6 Mersey class armed trawlers6 Mersey class armed trawlers 6 Canadian Castle class armed trawlers6 Canadian Castle class armed trawlers 2 drifters “Inisherer” & “John S. Somers”2 drifters “Inisherer” & “John S. Somers” 5 chartered river patrol boats5 chartered river patrol boats 3 80ft motor launches3 80ft motor launches 2 steam launches2 steam launches
Most of the crews were former Merchant SeamenMost of the crews were former Merchant Seamen
Dainty and Helga two Vessels handed over to Dainty and Helga two Vessels handed over to the Free State Government by the Britishthe Free State Government by the British
Dainty 468grtDainty 468grt Built Chepstow 1918Built Chepstow 1918 Transferred to Irish Free State 1922Transferred to Irish Free State 1922 Ex Admiralty Deep-Sea tugEx Admiralty Deep-Sea tug Sold out of service to French interestsSold out of service to French interests
Muirchu (formerly Helga) Shelled Dublin during 1916 Easter Rising.Muirchu (formerly Helga) Shelled Dublin during 1916 Easter Rising.Handed over to New Free State Government in 1923 .Handed over to New Free State Government in 1923 .
Coastal & marine Service Coastal & marine Service May 4 May 4thth, 1923 to March 31, 1923 to March 31stst, 1924, 1924
The destruction that had taken place during the Civil War placed The destruction that had taken place during the Civil War placed the Free State very poor economically . The Finance the Free State very poor economically . The Finance Department insisted that there was no need for the Coastal & Department insisted that there was no need for the Coastal & marine service and this led to the service being wound up after marine service and this led to the service being wound up after 10 months and 27 days.10 months and 27 days.
Murichu was transferred to the Department of Agriculture.Murichu was transferred to the Department of Agriculture. for use as a Fishery Protection Vesselfor use as a Fishery Protection Vessel
Other vessels were transferred to Office of Public Works for Other vessels were transferred to Office of Public Works for sale or disposal.sale or disposal.
From 1924 until 1936 the Irish Free State had no armed vessels.From 1924 until 1936 the Irish Free State had no armed vessels.
The Murichu while acting as Fishery Protection was rammed The Murichu while acting as Fishery Protection was rammed several times by Trawlers. Ireland asked and was granted several times by Trawlers. Ireland asked and was granted permission by the British to re-arm the Murichupermission by the British to re-arm the Murichu
The Treaty Ports remained under the control The Treaty Ports remained under the control of the UK until the signing of the Anglo-Irish of the UK until the signing of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement in 1938 between Free Trade Agreement in 1938 between Neville Chamberlain and Eamonn DeValeraNeville Chamberlain and Eamonn DeValera
Irish NeutralityIrish Neutrality From an Irish point of view, the handover of the ports in the lead-up to From an Irish point of view, the handover of the ports in the lead-up to
WWII was felt to be vital to consolidate Ireland's neutrality. Winston WWII was felt to be vital to consolidate Ireland's neutrality. Winston Churchill was totally against handing back the Ports and was in favour of Churchill was totally against handing back the Ports and was in favour of invading Ireland to protect its own interests in the event of War.invading Ireland to protect its own interests in the event of War.
As part of Irelands Neutrality , Ireland had to establish its own Navy. This As part of Irelands Neutrality , Ireland had to establish its own Navy. This led to the formation of the Marine and Coast Service which had a led to the formation of the Marine and Coast Service which had a strength of no more than 300 during WW2, however it was supplemented strength of no more than 300 during WW2, however it was supplemented by the Maritime Inscription, which was a part time volunteer reserve.by the Maritime Inscription, which was a part time volunteer reserve.
Ireland had an Army of 20,000 and this was increased to 40,000. It also Ireland had an Army of 20,000 and this was increased to 40,000. It also established the LDF (Land Defense Force)established the LDF (Land Defense Force)
This reached a strength of over 100.000 during WW2This reached a strength of over 100.000 during WW2
Marine & Coastwatching ServiceMarine & Coastwatching Service
Coastwatching Service founded August 29, 1939.Coastwatching Service founded August 29, 1939. Marine Service founded September 06 1939Marine Service founded September 06 1939
The Marine Service and Coastwatching service The Marine Service and Coastwatching service merged on December 07, 1939.merged on December 07, 1939.
Set up to comply with the 1907 Hague Convention Set up to comply with the 1907 Hague Convention on neutral powers in a naval war.on neutral powers in a naval war.
Marine & Coast watching ServiceMarine & Coast watching Service
Control the use of territorial waters and ports by Control the use of territorial waters and ports by belligerent warships.belligerent warships.
Control of the use of territorial waters and ports by Control of the use of territorial waters and ports by merchant shipping.merchant shipping.
Minelaying, minesweeping and the notification and Minelaying, minesweeping and the notification and distruction of mines.distruction of mines.
Protection of the country’s fishing limits.Protection of the country’s fishing limits. Escort duties.Escort duties. Protection of navigational aids and sea rescue.Protection of navigational aids and sea rescue.
Ireland placed an order in Britain for 3 MTB Boats.Ireland placed an order in Britain for 3 MTB Boats. On the outbreak of WW2 this was increased to 6 On the outbreak of WW2 this was increased to 6
Marine & Coastwatching Service CommanderMarine & Coastwatching Service Commander
Marine service took over the Marine service took over the former Royal Naval yard and former Royal Naval yard and hospital at Haulbowline Island, hospital at Haulbowline Island, Cóbh on July 07, 1940.Cóbh on July 07, 1940.
Lt. Commander James Morris RN Lt. Commander James Morris RN appointed commanding officer. appointed commanding officer.
Changed his name to Seamus Changed his name to Seamus O’Muiris on appointment. O’Muiris on appointment.
Murichu (Helga)Murichu (Helga)
Built John Lewis & Sons, Aberdeen 1936 - 258grtBuilt John Lewis & Sons, Aberdeen 1936 - 258grt Ordered by Department of Fisheries 1938 Ordered by Department of Fisheries 1938 Transferred to Department of Defence 1939Transferred to Department of Defence 1939 Armament: Twelve Pounder GunArmament: Twelve Pounder Gun
Built Porthmadog, Wales 1909 - 134grtBuilt Porthmadog, Wales 1909 - 134grt Bought by the Marine Service from a private owner in Skibbereen in 1940.Bought by the Marine Service from a private owner in Skibbereen in 1940. Sold to a private owner in 1945. Sold to a private owner in 1945. Sank off Wicklow Head – December 1947.Sank off Wicklow Head – December 1947. Armament: noneArmament: none
Built Grimsby Trawling Company -1891 163grtBuilt Grimsby Trawling Company -1891 163grt Operated by Palmer Bros. Ringaskiddy as a salvage vessel from 1926. Operated by Palmer Bros. Ringaskiddy as a salvage vessel from 1926.
Used to salvage material from the “Celtic”.Used to salvage material from the “Celtic”. Purchased by Marine Service October 1940Purchased by Marine Service October 1940 Sold to Halbowline Industries, Cóbh for breaking 1952.Sold to Halbowline Industries, Cóbh for breaking 1952. Armament: noneArmament: none
Built by Thornycroft 1940 40grtBuilt by Thornycroft 1940 40grt M1 originally built for EstoniaM1 originally built for Estonia M2 originally built for LatviaM2 originally built for Latvia Armament: 2 torpedoes. Depth Charges. Madsen or Hotchkiss M/gunsArmament: 2 torpedoes. Depth Charges. Madsen or Hotchkiss M/guns
All sold out of service to Col. Fitzmaurice between 1948 and 1950.All sold out of service to Col. Fitzmaurice between 1948 and 1950.
M1 – M6M1 – M6
Irish Naval ServiceIrish Naval Service
In March 15, 1946 the Marine Service was In March 15, 1946 the Marine Service was
reorganised into the present dayreorganised into the present day
Naval Service. Naval Service.
An order was placed in Britain for 3 Flower Class An order was placed in Britain for 3 Flower Class CorvettesCorvettes
One year later the Maritime Inscription One year later the Maritime Inscription
was renamed was renamed
An Slua MuiriAn Slua Muiri
The CorvettesThe Corvettes
Flower Class CorvettesFlower Class Corvettes
CheapCheap Easily maintained.Easily maintained. RobustRobust Intention had been to obtain six.Intention had been to obtain six.
Launched: George Brown, Grenock 1942. - 1020 tons displacementLaunched: George Brown, Grenock 1942. - 1020 tons displacement Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Borage.Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Borage. Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – November 15, 1946.Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – November 15, 1946. Sold to Haulbowline Industries for breaking on November 02, 1970Sold to Haulbowline Industries for breaking on November 02, 1970 Armament: 4 inch gun, 2 pounder gun 2 single 20mm AA guns, hedgehog mortar, Armament: 4 inch gun, 2 pounder gun 2 single 20mm AA guns, hedgehog mortar,
four depth charge throwers, two depth charge racks. four depth charge throwers, two depth charge racks.
Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Oxlip.Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Oxlip.
Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – December 20, 1946 at Devonport.Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – December 20, 1946 at Devonport.
Sold to Haulbowline Industries for breaking on March 23, 1972Sold to Haulbowline Industries for breaking on March 23, 1972
Two pounder “pom-pom” gun.Two pounder “pom-pom” gun.
Anti-Aircraft gun.Anti-Aircraft gun.
Launched: George Brown, Grenock 1941. - 1020 tons displacementLaunched: George Brown, Grenock 1941. - 1020 tons displacement Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Bellwort.Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Bellwort. Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – February 03, 1947 at Devonport.Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – February 03, 1947 at Devonport. Sold to Haulbowline Industries for breaking on November 04, 1970Sold to Haulbowline Industries for breaking on November 04, 1970 Flag ship – equipped with suite of cabins for Defence Forces senior officers.Flag ship – equipped with suite of cabins for Defence Forces senior officers.
Inspection by Taoiseach Seán Lemass 1954Inspection by Taoiseach Seán Lemass 1954
Pom pom gun training 1954Pom pom gun training 1954
InspectionInspection
The Second Generation ShipsThe Second Generation Ships
The Corvettes had by now gone well outside The Corvettes had by now gone well outside its sell by date and it was heading to a its sell by date and it was heading to a situation that the Navy would have no ships as situation that the Navy would have no ships as the Corvettes were withdrawn from service. the Corvettes were withdrawn from service. The Government immediately placed an order The Government immediately placed an order for 3 Minesweepers.for 3 Minesweepers.
Launched: Thornycroft, July 20, 1954. - 360 tons displacementLaunched: Thornycroft, July 20, 1954. - 360 tons displacement Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Oulston.Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Oulston. Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – January 30, 1971.Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – January 30, 1971. Sold to Spanish interests for breaking - 1987Sold to Spanish interests for breaking - 1987 Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 20mm Oerlikon. Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 20mm Oerlikon.
Launched: Thornycroft, March 24, 1954. - 360 tons displacementLaunched: Thornycroft, March 24, 1954. - 360 tons displacement Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Alverton.Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Alverton. Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – February 23, 1971 at GibraltarCommissioned into Irish Naval Service – February 23, 1971 at Gibraltar Sold to Spanish interests for breaking - 1984Sold to Spanish interests for breaking - 1984 Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 20mm Oerlikon.Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 20mm Oerlikon.
Launched: Thornycroft, June 21, 1955. - 360 tons displacementLaunched: Thornycroft, June 21, 1955. - 360 tons displacement Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Blaxton.Commissioned Royal Navy as HMS Blaxton. Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – February 23, 1971 at GibraltarCommissioned into Irish Naval Service – February 23, 1971 at Gibraltar Sold to Spanish interests for breaking - 1987Sold to Spanish interests for breaking - 1987 Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 20mm Oerlikon.Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 20mm Oerlikon.
1972 Ireland applied to join the EEC 1972 Ireland applied to join the EEC
However as it was likely Ireland would be admitted to However as it was likely Ireland would be admitted to the ECC and our Fishery Limits extended to 200 the ECC and our Fishery Limits extended to 200 miles It would be impossible to police our valuable miles It would be impossible to police our valuable Fish Stocks with the Ships at our disposal so with Fish Stocks with the Ships at our disposal so with possible financial aid from the EEC Ireland possible financial aid from the EEC Ireland commenced replacing it ageing vessels with orders commenced replacing it ageing vessels with orders for Ships to be built in Ireland at Verolme Shipyard in for Ships to be built in Ireland at Verolme Shipyard in Cork. The first ship LE Deidre was launched in 1972Cork. The first ship LE Deidre was launched in 1972
Ireland joined the EEC in 1973Ireland joined the EEC in 1973
Launched: Verolme Cork Dockyard, January 21, 1972. - 972 tons displacementLaunched: Verolme Cork Dockyard, January 21, 1972. - 972 tons displacement Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – June 19, 1972Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – June 19, 1972 Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 120 rounds/minute 2 x 12.7mm heavy machine guns.Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 120 rounds/minute 2 x 12.7mm heavy machine guns. Sold at auction for IR£190,000 to Seastream International Limited, Cornwall 2001Sold at auction for IR£190,000 to Seastream International Limited, Cornwall 2001 Rebuilt as a private charter yacht operating on the Mediterranean.Rebuilt as a private charter yacht operating on the Mediterranean.
Launched: Liffey Dockyard, Dublin 1953. - 1173 tons dis.Launched: Liffey Dockyard, Dublin 1953. - 1173 tons dis. Delivered to Commissioners of Irish Lights as tender ISOLDADelivered to Commissioners of Irish Lights as tender ISOLDA Bought by Irish Naval Service in 1976 as training and supply shipBought by Irish Naval Service in 1976 as training and supply ship Sold to Haulbowline Industries, Cóbh for breaking 1984.Sold to Haulbowline Industries, Cóbh for breaking 1984. Armament: 2 x 20mm Oerlikon.Armament: 2 x 20mm Oerlikon.
Built: Denmark 1965 as stern trawler Helen Basse 651grt. Had a later Built: Denmark 1965 as stern trawler Helen Basse 651grt. Had a later career as a seismic survey vessel.career as a seismic survey vessel.
Chartered to Irish Naval Service for use as a patrol vessel between 1977 Chartered to Irish Naval Service for use as a patrol vessel between 1977 and 1978.and 1978.
Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – January 16, 1978Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – January 16, 1978
Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 120 rounds/minute, 2 x 20 mm heavy machine guns.Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 120 rounds/minute, 2 x 20 mm heavy machine guns.
Launched: Verolme Cork Dockyard, May 25, 1979. - 1020 tons disp.Launched: Verolme Cork Dockyard, May 25, 1979. - 1020 tons disp. Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – November 29, 1978Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – November 29, 1978 Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 120 rounds/minute, 2 x 20 mm heavy machine Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 120 rounds/minute, 2 x 20 mm heavy machine
guns.guns. Fitted with bow thrusterFitted with bow thruster Still in serviceStill in service
Launched: Verolme Cork Dockyard, July 27, 1979. - 1020 tons dispLaunched: Verolme Cork Dockyard, July 27, 1979. - 1020 tons disp Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – May 21, 1978Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – May 21, 1978 Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 120 rounds/minute, 2 x 20 mm heavy machine guns.Armament: 40mm Bofors Gun 120 rounds/minute, 2 x 20 mm heavy machine guns. Fitted with bow thrusterFitted with bow thruster Still in serviceStill in service
With the new scourge of Drug SmugglingWith the new scourge of Drug Smuggling and Gun running during the Northern Ireland and Gun running during the Northern Ireland
Troubles the Irish Government placed a final Troubles the Irish Government placed a final order for LE Eithne the biggest in the Irish order for LE Eithne the biggest in the Irish Fleet and carrying a HelicopterFleet and carrying a Helicopter
Launched: Verolme Cork Dockyard, December 19, 1983. - 1760 tons displacementLaunched: Verolme Cork Dockyard, December 19, 1983. - 1760 tons displacementCommissioned into Irish Naval Service – December 07, 1984Commissioned into Irish Naval Service – December 07, 1984Armament: 57mm Bofors Gun 200 rounds/minute, 2 x 20 mm Rheinmettal heavy machine guns. 2 x Wallop Armament: 57mm Bofors Gun 200 rounds/minute, 2 x 20 mm Rheinmettal heavy machine guns. 2 x Wallop
illuminant launchers.illuminant launchers.
Hangar for Dauphin 2 helicopterHangar for Dauphin 2 helicopter
Still in serviceStill in service
In 1988 the Irish Navy expands In 1988 the Irish Navy expands further with its newest fleet of further with its newest fleet of modern shipsmodern ships
Built: Hall Russell, September 11, 1984. - 712 tons displacementBuilt: Hall Russell, September 11, 1984. - 712 tons displacement Commissioned into Royal Navy – October 17, 1984 – HMS SwiftCommissioned into Royal Navy – October 17, 1984 – HMS Swift Sold to Irish Naval Service November 21, 1988. Sold to Irish Naval Service November 21, 1988. Armament: 76mm OTO Melara gun 120 rounds/minute, 2 x 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. 4 Armament: 76mm OTO Melara gun 120 rounds/minute, 2 x 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. 4
x 7.62mm machine gunsx 7.62mm machine guns Still in serviceStill in service
Built: Hall Russell, March 31, 1984. - 712 tons displacementBuilt: Hall Russell, March 31, 1984. - 712 tons displacement Commissioned into Royal Navy – May 03, 1984 – HMS SwallowCommissioned into Royal Navy – May 03, 1984 – HMS Swallow Sold to Irish Naval Service November 21, 1988. Sold to Irish Naval Service November 21, 1988. Armament: 76mm OTO Melara gun 120 rounds/minute, 2 x 12.7 mm Armament: 76mm OTO Melara gun 120 rounds/minute, 2 x 12.7 mm
heavy machine guns. 4 x 7.62mm machine gunsheavy machine guns. 4 x 7.62mm machine guns Still in serviceStill in service
LE Rosín P51LE Rosín P51
Launched: Appledore 1999, December 15, 1999. - 1500 tons displacementLaunched: Appledore 1999, December 15, 1999. - 1500 tons displacement Speed 23 knotsSpeed 23 knots Armament: 1x76mm OTO Melara Cannon, 2x1.27mm HMG and 4x7.62mm GPMG Armament: 1x76mm OTO Melara Cannon, 2x1.27mm HMG and 4x7.62mm GPMG
In 2005 the roll of the Reserve Defence Force In 2005 the roll of the Reserve Defence Force was re-organised.was re-organised.
An Slua Muiri became the Naval Service Reserve An Slua Muiri became the Naval Service Reserve and although a Voluntary organisation and part and although a Voluntary organisation and part time they are now trained at the Naval Base in time they are now trained at the Naval Base in Haulbowline and onboard the Naval Ships.Haulbowline and onboard the Naval Ships.
The FCA was reorganised into the present day The FCA was reorganised into the present day Army ReserveArmy Reserve
Role of the Irish Naval ServiceRole of the Irish Naval ServicePrimary RolePrimary Role National Security National Security
Secondary RoleSecondary Role Fishery Protection Fishery Protection Aid to the Civil Power Aid to the Civil Power Drug Interdiction Drug Interdiction Maritime Safety Maritime Safety Diving Operations Diving Operations Pollution Control Pollution Control Overseas Mission Support s Overseas Mission Support s In 2013 the Irish Government allocated €150 millionIn 2013 the Irish Government allocated €150 million For the building of 3 new state of the art Ships.For the building of 3 new state of the art Ships. The first LE Samuel Beckett was deliver in 2014 and The first LE Samuel Beckett was deliver in 2014 and
the next LE James Joyce will be delivered in 2015the next LE James Joyce will be delivered in 2015 The last of the new ships will be delivered in 2016The last of the new ships will be delivered in 2016
L.E. Samuel BeckettL.E. Samuel Beckett
LE Samuel BeckettLE Samuel Beckett
Offshore Patrol Vessel Offshore Patrol Vessel Length 90.0m Beam 14m Length 90.0m Beam 14m Draught 3.8m Draught 3.8m Speed 23 knots Range Speed 23 knots Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots Crew 44 (6 Officers) Crew 44 (6 Officers) Armament 1 x 76mm OTO MelaraArmament 1 x 76mm OTO Melara 2 x 20mm RH 202 Rhienmetall Cannon2 x 20mm RH 202 Rhienmetall Cannon 2 x 12.7mm Browning HMG’s2 x 12.7mm Browning HMG’s 4 x 7.62mm GPMG’s - /4 x 7.62mm GPMG’s - /
