The HMS Furious: A Tale of Two Protected Cruisers

The HMS Furious was the name given to two distinct protected cruisers that served in the Royal Navy at the turn of the 20th century.

The First HMS Furious

The first HMS Furious was laid down in 1895 and launched in 1896. She was a first-class protected cruiser designed for long-range reconnaissance and commerce raiding.

The ship featured a single 9.2-inch (234 mm) main gun, two 6-inch (152 mm) secondary guns and eight 4.7-inch (120 mm) quick-firing guns. She also had a complement of eight 3-pounder (47 mm) guns and two torpedo tubes.

HMS Furious served in the Mediterranean, Far East and Home Fleets during her career. She participated in the Spanish-American War and the Boxer Rebellion. In 1907, she was converted into a depot ship for submarines.

The Second HMS Furious

The second HMS Furious was laid down in 1915 and launched in 1916. She was initially intended to be a battlecruiser, but was converted into an aircraft carrier during construction.

As an aircraft carrier, HMS Furious had a flight deck that spanned the entire length of the ship. She could carry up to 50 aircraft, including fighters, bombers and torpedo planes.

HMS Furious served in the Royal Navy during World War I and World War II. She participated in the Battle of Jutland and the Norwegian Campaign. In 1942, she was converted into a training carrier and served in this role until 1944.

Transition: Similarities and Differences

While the two HMS Furious ships shared the same name, they were very different vessels. The first HMS Furious was a traditional protected cruiser designed for long-range reconnaissance and commerce raiding. The second HMS Furious was an innovative aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the development of naval aviation.

Comparison Table: HMS Furious Ships

Operational History: HMS Furious Ships

The HMS Furious ships had very different operational histories. The first HMS Furious served as a protected cruiser for over a decade. She participated in several notable engagements, including the Spanish-American War and the Boxer Rebellion. In 1907, she was converted into a submarine depot ship and served in this role until the outbreak of World War I.

The second HMS Furious was an experimental aircraft carrier. She participated in the Battle of Jutland and the Norwegian Campaign. In 1942, she was converted into a training carrier and served in this role until 1944.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the HMS Furious

The HMS Furious ships are an important part of the history of the Royal Navy. The first HMS Furious was a successful protected cruiser that served for over a decade. The second HMS Furious was an innovative aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the development of naval aviation.

The HMS Furious ships are a reminder of the ever-changing nature of naval warfare. As technology advances, so too must the ships that serve in the Royal Navy.

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1:

In 1898, the HMS Furious was part of the Royal Navy squadron that blockaded the Spanish fleet in Santiago de Cuba. During the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, HMS Furious engaged the Spanish cruiser Cristobal Colon. After a fierce battle, Cristobal Colon was forced to surrender.

Lesson: The HMS Furious was a well-armed and well-trained ship that was able to defeat a more powerful enemy.

Story 2:

In 1917, the HMS Furious was the first aircraft carrier to launch an air raid on land. During the Raid on Cuxhaven, HMS Furious launched four Sopwith Pup fighters that attacked German airship sheds. The raid was a success, and it demonstrated the potential of aircraft carriers to attack targets on land.

Lesson: The HMS Furious was an innovative ship that played a significant role in the development of naval aviation.

Story 3:

In 1940, the HMS Furious was part of the Royal Navy force that evacuated British troops from Dunkirk. During the evacuation, HMS Furious was attacked by German bombers. Despite the attacks, HMS Furious was able to evacuate over 5,000 troops.

Lesson: The HMS Furious was a resilient ship that served her country with distinction during World War II.

Effective Strategies

The HMS Furious ships were successful because they were well-armed, well-trained and well-led. The Royal Navy has a long tradition of developing effective strategies for naval warfare. Here are some of the key strategies that have contributed to the success of the Royal Navy over the centuries:

• Command of the sea: The Royal Navy has always sought to achieve command of the sea. This means controlling the sea lanes and denying them to the enemy.
• Sea power projection: The Royal Navy has the ability to project power from the sea. This means being able to launch attacks on land targets and to support amphibious operations.
• Flexible and adaptable: The Royal Navy is flexible and adaptable. This means being able to respond to changing circumstances and to operate in a variety of environments.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

If you are interested in learning more about the HMS Furious ships, here is a step-by-step approach:

1. Visit the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London. The museum has a collection of artifacts and documents relating to the HMS Furious ships.
2. Read books and articles about the HMS Furious ships. There are a number of books and articles available about the HMS Furious ships.
3. Watch documentaries about the HMS Furious ships. There are a number of documentaries available about the HMS Furious ships.

Call to Action

The HMS Furious ships are an important part of the history of the Royal Navy. If you are interested in learning more about these ships, I encourage you to visit the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, read books and articles about the ships, and watch documentaries about the ships.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• The National Maritime Museum
• The Royal Navy
• The HMS Furious Association