Historical Naval Operations

Historical images of naval operations from different eras, including World War I and World War II. Scenes depict various vessels and crew during significant military missions.

Italian Submarine Surrender To British -- An Italian Submarine, blown to the surface by a depth charge, surrenders to British ships, according to British sources. After the crew were captured the submarine sank. September 30, 1940. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

British Trawler Destroys Submarine In Dramatic Action Off North Africa -- The dramatic moment when the Italian submarine crew run along the deck to jump into the sea before being picked up by the "Iord Nuffield".During operations off North Africa, the trawler H.M.S. "Lord Nuffield" (Skipper Lt. D.S. Mair, R.N.R.) detected an Italian submarine (later identified as the "EMO") and went into the attack. On the point of dropping depth charges, the crew of the "Lord Nuffield" were astonished to see the submarine's periscope breaking surface a few yards away. The "EMO" which was mounting heavier gun armament with a higher maximum speed than the "Lord Nuffield", crash dived in an attempt to escape but was not quick enough, and was forced to the surface with the result that the trawler immediately opened fire4 with every gun she could brig to ***** and scored a succession *****. May 12, 1943. (Photo by L.N.A.).

At Sea In A Destroyer: Escorting a convoy safely home. September 18, 1940. (Photo by British Official Photograph).

World War I, crew of the German U-boat U-58 on deck as it is captured by the American Navy, U.S. Navy photo, 1918

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Photos Liberation North Sumatra. Landing craft at sea. December 19, 1948. Indonesia, Dutch East Indies

Might Of Britain's Reserve Fleet Assembled For King's Inspection: Destroyers moving up into position for the inspection - picture from the air.A hundred and thirty-three units of the British Reserve Fleet, representing all types of warship, mustered off Weymouth, Dorset, for inspection by King George. August 08, 1939.

Invasion Of Normandy - All types of craft are being used to transport reinforcement to the beach-head, here is a "Rhino" ferry going ashore. July 17, 1944. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency Limited.).

Destroyer Sweep Against Tunisia Supply Ships. 12 April 1943, Malta. HM Destroyer PACKENHAM returning to Malta after a night patrol.

German submarine U20, on Danish coast, said to be the one that sank the LUSITANIA

Italian Submarine Surrender To British -- An Italian Submarine, blown to the surface by a depth charge, surrenders to British ships, according to British sources. After the crew were captured the submarine sank. September 30, 1940. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Picture shows a dawn impression of the landings in progress, smoke is drifting along the coastline and what appears to be a landing craft infantry (large) is underway in the foreground.

Morgan. June 24, 1940.

Anefo photo collection. Departure from Rotterdam of the submarines "seal" and O 24. Schout at night. Willinge inspects crew. September 15, 1948. Rotterdam

Japan/USA: US 1st Marine Division landing operations at Peleliu, Battle of Peleliu, September-November 1944

Anefo photo collection. Return Koningin Wilhelmina with the Piet Hein. September 26, 1947

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Landing craft leaving the assault ships off Tamatave, Madagascar's principle port.

Just Practice - A 40mm gun crew of a quad-40 mount aboard battleship USS New Jersey takes practice shots at a target sleeve being pulled by a tow plane."Big Jay" has been operating off the cast coast of Korea in recent weeks, providing fire support for UN troops and taking time out to hit enemy installations as far as 15 miles inland. September 18, 1951. (Photo by Official U S Navy Photo).

Exclusive And Amazing Picture Of Seamen's Rescue -- The rescue ship approached the two rafts of shipwrecked seamen.These dramatic pictures illustrate the rescue of shipwrecked seamen when their boat was struck by a U-boat torpedo. The men took to rafts and succeeded in lashing to together, as one was badly damaged. With no food and only two gallons of water they remained on the raft for fifteen days gradually posing strength, until eventually a ship was noticed close to the rafts and approaching them. By flashing tin lids in the sun they attracted the attention of the ship's crew; they were immediately taken on board and revived with brandy and water and then gradually broken in to solid food. December 15, 1941. (Photo by Fox Photos).

Anefo photo collection. De Schelphoek on Schouwen. Let them be sink. July 9, 1953. Schouwen-Duiveland, Zeeland

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Photograph taken from the US destroyer MACKENZIE during the successful bombardment of enemy batteries, dumps, and roads to the west of Gaeta, Italy carried out by the cruiser HMS DIDO in support of the army.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War LCT beached with its bow doors open and loaded with tanks on the south coast during exercises for the Normandy landings.

U-boat Warfare 1939-1945 U-boat Losses: U 459, a Type XIV supply submarine known as a 'Milch Cow', sinking after being attacked by Vickers Wellington aircraft.

Ramming Technique Spells Doom Of Italian Submarine -- British destroyer crews have developed a new technique in battling submarines which prey on allied convoys in the Mediterranean. After forcing the enemy craft to surface with depth charges. The destroyer save sub. to prevent escape. Here is a series of excusive pictures showing British destroyer *****. December 28, 1942.

Nazis Abandon Sub Mortally Wounded by Depth Charges during World War II

Anefo photo collection. Mn Merchant Navy / Anefo London series. Caption: "on board dutch tanker" on board Dutch tanker. October 1943. Britain

Life on Board HMS Tracker. September To October 1943, in the North Atlantic. A gun crew fire the twin 40mm Bofor anti-aircraft guns on HMS TRACKER. Two crewmembers are seated operating the elevation and training handles, two crewmembers are loading the rounds into the chute, one crew-member is nearby receiving orders over the radio.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Ammunitioning the cruiser HMS ARGONAUT on her return to harbour after the successful night action with an enemy convoy bound for Tunisia. Large amounts of various ammunition can be seen next to the ship whilst sailors carry some of the ammunition up a gang plank to the ship.

The Second Boer War, 1899-1902 Troops watch a cluster of bum boats alongside a British troopship, as they prepare for departure possibly in May 1901.

Sweden Sees Some of Britain's Little Ships.Three motor torpedo boats of the British Navy, arrie in Landsort, outside Stockholm, on a goodwill visit to Sweden.The flotille is under the command of Captain R. Hawkins, R. N. and will give demonstrations off the Swedish coast. July 13, 1950. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency, Limited).

Ramming Technique Spells Doom Of Italian Submarine -- British destroyer crews have developed a new technique in battling submarines which prey on allied convoys in the Mediterranean. After forcing the enemy craft to surface with depth charges. The destroyer save sub. to prevent escape. Here is a series of excusive pictures showing British destroyer *****. December 28, 1942.

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Landing exercises I Infantry Brigade 7 December Division in Tjilinting. Exercises on Java's North Coast. The landing boats in full sea on the way to the point where the landing will be carried out .. May 1947. Indonesia, Dutch East Indies

War Prison exchange in Trelleborg.

High angle view of army soldiers in a military ship, Normandy, France, D-Day, June 6, 1944

Gripen by sea.Gripen at sea

The Royal Navy during the Second World War The White Ensign flying from a landing craft on the Rhine below Xanten. Bridge sections are in the background reaching a short distance into the river. The Royal Navy 'molcab'- mobile landing craft advanced base - is playing an important part in the army's crossing of the Rhine.

Italian Submarine On Way To Surrender -- The above picture flashed to the US by ***** Telephoto shows an Italian submarine ***** the invasion fleet en route to Italy. The surrendered at an Allied mediterranean *****. October 8, 1943. (Photo by US Army Signal Corps Radiotelephoto).

The Mulberry Harbour An aerial view of the Mulberry harbour at Arromanches, which clearly shows the effectiveness of the breakwater - outside the sea is rough, whilst inside ships are at anchor in calm water.

Anefo photo collection. Fleet days in Den Helder landing demonstration by Marines. August 6, 1965. Den Helder

Crew of British Mine-Sweeper lower an orapes a float into north Sea. Float is let out 400 to 500 yards Eastern of ship on wire hawser attached to the strong hawser is cutter, which severs mines cable, brings it to surface. During the last war Germany served 50,000 mines. June 01, 1940.

Royal Air Force Coastal Command, 1939-1945. A German type XXI submarine, U-2502, comes under cannon fire from a De Havilland Mosquito FB Mark VI during an attack on four surfaced U-boats and an M-class minsweeper escort in the Kattegat by 22 Mosquitos of the Banff Strike Wing. U-2502 received only slight damage, but a type VIIC submarine was sunk, a type XXIII seriously damaged and the minesweeper left burning.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War As seen from the Cruiser HMS SHEFFIELD during The Battle of Cape Spartivento an engagement off Sardinia. A distant view of the Italian Fleet.

Brilliant Rescue Of/Dorsetshire" Survivors -- The boats from the Destroyer were greeted with the heartfelt cheer as they arrived to pick up the Dorsetshire survivors before nightfall.These dramatic pictures show the magnificent rescue effected by one of H.M. Destroyers which rushed to the aid of H.M.S. Dorsetshire, one of the two cruisers sunk by enemy action in the Indian Ocean. Many hundreds of survivors were picked up and these pictures, taken from on board the rescuing destroyers, show how the heroic calm and courage of these brave men when their lives were in the gravest danger. September 01, 1949. (Photo by Fox Photos).

Royal Thai Marines head for the beach as a cargo truck is offloaded from the Thai-built Thong Lang (LCU-8) during Cobra Gold '90, a combined Thai/U.S. exercise. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '90 State: Rayong Province Country: Thailand (THA)

American Invasion Craft Head For Rendova -- Pulling away from their mother-ships, the first wave of U.S. Troops to attack Jap-held Rendova is borne across the sea in landing craft. Note the smoke screen in the background. The yanks quickly took the Island. July 20, 1943. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. Soldiers talk to each other on board a vessel. 1947. Indonesia, Dutch East Indies

Royal Air Force 1939-1945- Coastal Command Convoy attack. In April 1943 No 144 Squadron joined with No 404 Squadron RCAF to form a second Beaufighter strike wing, based at Wick. The two units flew their first operation together on 27 April, when they attacked a convoy off Norway. One large merchant ship was hit by at least three torpedoes, one of which is seen exploding in this photograph. No Beaufighters were lost.

''La fin de L' "Emden"; La captivite du personnel de "Emden" a bord du "Sydney"', 1914. From "L'Album de la Guerre 1914-1919: Volume I". L'Illustration, Paris, 1926.

Army soldiers leaping forward to storm a North African beach

The First World War -- Secret Film, from Nations' Archives edited by Lawrence Stallings. A fox Release."Abandon Ship!" -- The sinking of the German Cruiser "Blucher" in the North Sea, January 24th, 1915. July 29, 1935.

Los Negros, Admiralty Islands-The crew of the submarine which rescued flyers of two 13th AAF bombers from the 394th Bomb Squadron, 5th Bomb Group shot down over Yap Island in the Caroline Group, line up to hear a note of thanks from Colonel A.H.

Walcheren Epic; November, 1944 -- Landing craft sinking, with crew abandoning ship after being hit by shore batteries. She went in to within 50 yards of a German pill box, and received point-blank hits.In the background is smoke from shore battle.Striking, action pictures just released (Sept, 1945) show something of the ordeal undergone by the Navy's close ' support bombardment craft in the Walcheren landings in Nov, 1944. They were taken from an infantry lending craft which was acting as rescue ship during the Royal Marines landing at Westkapelle. Our close support bombardment craft, manned by the Royal Navy, ran the gauntlet of the shore batteries and drew the enemy's fire while the assault went through. October 01, 1945. (Photo by British Official Photograph).

DN-SN-88-01912. Subject Operation/Series: SANDCRAB '86 Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Knatchbull M (capt the Hon) Collection On the way to the landing soon after dawn: Gallipoli, 25th April 1915.

On Board the Battleship HMS Warspite. 3 July 1943, in the Sicilian Narrows, En Route From Gibraltar To Alexandria. A sack of secret messages being passed across from an escorting destroyer to HMS WARSPITE during their passage through the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to Alexandria.

DM-SN-88-08625. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Italian anti-submarine boat squadrons, World War II, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year LXIX, No 38, September 20, 1942.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War The burial service on the quarterdeck of HMS SHEFFIELD, which helped to shadow the BISMARCK, of three ratings who lost their lives in the BISMARCK operation. A large number of the crew can be seen attending the service. The photograph was taken from on top of the triple 6 inch X turret. Y turret can be seen in the foreground.

Britain's Midget Submarines: X-craft with members of her crew on the deck.Here are the first photographs of Britain's X-craft of midget submarines. April 01, 1944. (Photo by British Official Admiralty Photo).

Torpedo.Halland (depicted name)

Anti-Communist Pows Freed -- Anti-Communists North Korean prisoners of war are welcomed as they arrive in Seoul after their recent release. January 26, 1954.

Waiting For High Tide -- Marines on Inchon sea wall watch comrades clear mud-marooned landing stage after low tides had left LST's in background high and dry. Water drops 30 feet at this point, making landing operations impossible at low tide. September 22, 1950. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

Anefo photo collection. Ouwerkerk work. November 11, 1953. Ouwerkerk

The British Navy's latest Midget Submarine, the XE-7, is pictured at speed in the Gareloch, Scotland, during recent trials. On deck are Lieutenants Fisk (left)and Wiles. The Admiralty has announced that the XE-7 will join the U.S. Navy this summer for exercises and demonstrations. Following the policy of exchanging technical and operational information between the British and U.S. navies. The submarine will be shipped from Portland, Dorset to a U.S. Navy Base on the East Coast of America. The XE-7 is a development of the British three-man Midget Subs which sank the Nazi Battleship Tirpitz near Altenfjord, Norway, in 1943. The new craft, however, carries a five-man crew. April 27, 1950. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

Marines to Guantanamo, Spanish American War

Provence, France, August 22, 1944Holding their, rifles high over their heads, Yank troops splash toward the beaches of Southern France as H-Hour strikes. Jumping down from their landing barge, the fighters wade through waist-deep water as they open the fourth front with Operation Dragoon.

Marines and equipment come ashore as the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit arrives to participate in a multinational peacekeeping operation. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

On Board the Destroyer HMS Atherstone, Off Plymouth, March 1942 A convoy escorted by HMS ATHERSTONE approaches Falmouth, England. Note balloon protection.

Duikers and Kikvorsmen demonstrations at the diving center of the Royal Navy in Den Oever. Kikvorsmen lying in the water in a row are picked up by a fast sailing ship.

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Zegeis from the Y-Brigade with the Boissevain from Bali to Palembang (Sumatra) 1st series. From the LCT, plunge bags are lifted aboard the Boissevain. October 24, 1946. Bali, Indonesia, Dutch East Indies

The Royal Navy during the Second World War An aerial view of a convoy escorted by a battleship during the Battle of the Atlantic. The ships stretch as far as the eye can see.

The torpedo boat hunter Hr.Ms. Evertsen seen from the fence of Cruiser Hr.Ms. The seven provinces (C 802) during a practice period 1956-01-12 to 1956-03-29 of Practsmaleel 5.

Anefo photo collection. Fleet inspection for princely pair Den Helder. June 25, 1948

Submarines - General - American Navy. May 01, 1953.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Action stations in the anti aircraft control tower in HMS SHEFFIELD whilst she is at sea in the Mediterranean.

Pontoons Mark New Grave Of Squalus And Her Dead -- Looking down on the scene of the isles of Shoals after the ill-fated submarine Squalus had ripped loose from the pontoons attached to her hull as the task of bringing her and her cargo of dead to the surface began on July 13th. With a rush and roar that turned the waters into a mass of foam and waves. The bow of the Squalus broke through the surface and then the submersible sank back to her grave on the ocean floor. July 13, 1939. (Photo by Acm

Fishing inspection in the North Sea with the frigate of predator class Hr.Ms. Wolf (F 817) (1954-1984) (EX-USS PCE 1607). Attractive picture at sea.

DM-SN-86-07460. Country: Unknown

Vintage Photograph. Destroyer fueling from carrier.

Traffic node and central storage place, possibly the 4th K.U.K. Army near Kowel.

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Photo reportage on the island of Bangka and the town of Pangkal Pinang. Bringing a shore from proviand. January 1947. Banka, Indonesia, Dutch East Indies

North Africa Operations. 12 November 1942, British Troop Convoy Beaches at Bougie, Algeria. British troops disembarking from LCPs during the landing at Bougie, Algeria.

The End of the British Aircraft Carrier, HMS Eagle, Whilst on Convoy Duty To Malta. 19 August 1942. The EAGLE capsizing.

British troops man a machine-gun post as a tanker passes along the Suez Canal between them and an Egyptian Army position at Ferry Point. November 19, 1951. (Photo by Daily Mail Contract Picture).

Vera Cr. -- Landing party from MICH.

Motor Minesweeper. March 1943, Devonport. MMS 87 at work off the South West Coast.

Britain's Pocket Submarine: To Exercise With U.S. Navy - The Royal Navy's midget submarine XE7, a development of the midgets which torpedoed the German battleship Tirpitz at Altenfjord in 1943. Photographed at Gareloch, Scotland where she has been undergoing trials. She will exercise with the U.S. Navy during the summer and will be shipped aboard a larger vessel to be taken from Britain to an American east coast base. April 26, 1950. (Photo by Paul Popper Ltd.).

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Report for assembly "The Dutch soldier in Medan". Reporting area Belawan. Landing navigation N-218. April 5, 1948. Belawan, Indonesia, Medan, Dutch East Indies, Sumatra

AMS-65 , Ships, Naval Vessels, Boats, Naval History, Navy

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Armers and artillery: Ambarawa, Bringin, Salatiga. On the way to the unknown. With troops and combat cars on board, the Poelau lauds the port of Tandjong. PRIOK .. July 1947. Batavia, Indonesia, Jakarta, Java, Dutch East Indies, Tandjong Priok

U.S. Marines disembark from a utility landing craft during landing operations. U.S. Marines have been assigned to Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force following a confrontation between Israeli forces and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Base: Port Of Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

''Sauvetages d'allemands; Le submersible U8, surpris le 4 mars 1915, pres de Douvres, par deux torpilleurs anglais, coule ; du haut du kiosque, des hommes de son equipage demandent du secours desesperement. On les sauva, en effet', 1915 (1924). From "L'Album de la Guerre 1914-1919, Volume I" L'Illustration, Paris, 1924.

Italian naval squadron opening fire on the Turkish forts in the Dardanelles, Turkey, April 18, 1912, Italian-Turkish war, photograph by Rino Matteucci, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year XXXIX, No 18, May 5, 1912.

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Palembang. The supplementation from 7 R.S. Departs from Palembang to Semarang. Part of the troops that emerged at the time to supplement 7 Rs will go on the way to Semarang from where they will be demobilized. The journey of Palembang along the MoSi to Street Banka was made with the LST Albatros Release to Semarang?. March 15, 1948. Indonesia, Indonesia, Dutch East Indies, Palembang, Sumatra

Anefo photo collection. Allied soldiers are at a destroyed lock. A boat with three soldiers in the water, one seems to stick to a destroyed lock door. February 14, 1946

Kut-El-Amara , Tigris River and Kut, Iraq circa 1910-1920.

Anefo photo collection. Prince Claus at rescue demonstration in Katwijk. Rescue operation with helicopter. July 16, 1967. Katwijk, South Holland

Gilbert Islands, Pacific Ocean: 1943 United States Marines on a landing barge share viewing a pin-up girl as they approach the Japanese held island of Tarawa.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War One of the crew makes his way from the bridge down to the main deck of HMT NORTHERN SKY. The trawler is pitching and rolling at slow speed along her patrol lines. There is a slight sea running and she ships water continually, but this is mild weather for trawlers.

DN-SN-87-06247. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

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