November 30. HMS Vanguard last and largest RN Battleship launched. Roll of Honour

On This Day in 1944, the last and largest Royal Navy Battleship, and the last Battleship in the world was launched. The then Princess Elizabeth launched HMS Vanguard at Clydebank. She was over 50,000 tonnes at full load and capable of over 30 Knots. Truly the end of an era.

In today’s Roll for 1918 is the name and entry of Alicia Watt from Dungannon who died serving with Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps. Two from the Royal Ulster Rifles, Richard Stewart from Ballycastle and George Williamson from Ballyclare, died on this day in 1944, fighting for the liberation of the Netherlands. Richard Stewart’s body was buried by Dutch civilians and he was initially believed Missing In Action until the advancing British army were told by local residents where he had been laid to rest. Veteran spot – Henry Coalston born today in Coleraine in 1883 transferred from RN Air Service to the newly formed RAF in March 1918.

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