Videos tagged with Royal Navy

This video explores the surprising origins of the tank, revealing it was an invention of the Royal Navy, not the British Army, who initially dismissed the need for such a vehicle. Winston Churchill championed the 'land ship' concept, which became integral to modern warfare.

This "American Rifleman Television" segment, "I Have This Old Gun," focuses on the British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol, a significant firearm utilized by the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. The video highlights the pistol as a workhorse weapon for naval engagements, emphasizing its role in Britain's dominance at sea. It also promotes further content from American Rifleman TV and encourages viewers to join the NRA.

This online lecture by naval historian Dr. Mark Barton explores the history of the British Royal Navy cutlass from its official adoption in 1804 through its final withdrawal in 2014. The talk covers the motivations behind its adoption during wartime, reasons for its initial inferiority and subsequent rejection of improvements, new patterns in the Victorian era, a procurement scandal, and its eventual uses in action and ceremonial service. The video is presented by the Royal Armouries.

This video features an interview with Dan Barton, founder of the 'Standing with Giants' art installation at Fort Nelson. The installation commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, highlighting Portsmouth's crucial role in preparing ships and welcoming troops home. The exhibition is contextualized by the museum's 'Falklands 40: What Portsmouth Saw' display, which includes personal stories and media from the war. The video also touches on the Royal Armouries' broader mission of bringing arms and armor history to life.

This video commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, featuring interviews with ten British veterans who recount their experiences during the conflict and their return home. It highlights personal stories and memories, some of which will be featured in an upcoming exhibition at Fort Nelson. The Royal Armouries, the UK's national collection of arms and armour, presents this content, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses and expert insights.

This video explores the unique Pattern 1787 Nock Volley gun, a seven-barreled flintlock weapon primarily used by the Royal Navy. Expert Jonathan Ferguson details its design, intended naval tactical applications for clearing enemy decks, and the significant recoil issues encountered. The entry highlights its historical context and construction, offering insights into a rare piece of military firearms history.

The Royal Navy's SMLE MkI** was a unique variant designed to retain compatibility with older MkVI round-nose ammunition while incorporating improved sights for MkVII spitzer rounds. Key features included a charger guide on the bolt and a windage-adjustable rear sight. Later versions around 1912 adopted a fixed charger bridge. Original MkI** rifles are rare today due to subsequent upgrades.

This video from the Royal Armouries delves into the historical events surrounding Operation Dynamo during the Second World War, specifically the Dunkirk evacuation in May 1940. It details how British, French, and Belgian troops were trapped by the German army on the coast of France and Belgium, and the crucial role of the Royal Navy in rescuing stranded soldiers by sea. The description also highlights the Royal Armouries' collection of arms and armor, inviting viewers to explore their museum, website, and social media for more content on military history and weaponry.

The Enfield MkI, adopted in 1880, was the British military's first interchangeable revolver, designed by Owen Jones and featuring a unique forward-sliding cylinder for extraction. Despite its innovative design, it suffered from a significant safety flaw discovered in 1886, leading to a retrofitted hammer safety. It used the .455 Enfield cartridge, considered underpowered compared to American contemporaries.

The Nock Volley Gun, designed by James Wilson and manufactured by Henry Nock for the Royal Navy, fired seven .55 caliber balls simultaneously. Intended for clearing enemy decks from masts, its extreme recoil and unreliable flintlock ignition led to its obsolescence. Despite its historical context, its modern legacy is partly due to its appearance in 'The Alamo'.

The Lanchester MkI was Britain's first emergency submachine gun, developed by reverse-engineering the German MP28. Initially adopted by the Royal Navy and RAF, it featured a distinctive brass magazine well and utilized SMLE rifle stocks. The MkI* variant simplified production by removing the semi-auto selector. Despite its weight and parts non-interchangeability, it served until the 1970s.

The Webley 1913 was the only semi-automatic pistol adopted by the British military during WWI, designed by William Whiting. It underwent rigorous testing, including endurance and environmental trials, proving highly reliable. The Royal Navy adopted it in 1912, with production numbers reaching over 8,000 military units.