The Image above is of HMS Hood, anchored in Portland Harbour (UK). A harbour that I lived within 5 minutes walk for 45 years of my life – my playground as a kid. I can tell you that this image was made on the water, I can tell this from the angle, background and a knowledge of where ships anchor within the harbour. It was made with a glass plate camera. I know this as I own the glass plate! What I don’t know is a date, but it must be between 1921 and 1941, I have reason the believe between 1930 and 1932. In fact I have two plates, the other is from a different angle. This HMS Hood was sunk while attacking the Bismark, with a huge loss of 1415 lives, I understand, all on board except 3. A massive explosion pretty much blew her in half, although there are mysteries, or rather un-known reasons for this massive blast. There is a very good page from the Naval Encyclopaedia .Com here, that is well worth a read if you are interested.
In a further twist of fate, the bell of HMS Hood (pictured above) was passed on to her from the original HMS Hood. That HMS Hood was deliberately sunk at the south entrance of Portland Harbour to block German U Boats being able to enter at the start of the first world war. She was sunk, as I understand on 4th November 1914. Almost within throwing distance from the strern in the photo above!
I am embarking on a little project involving glass plates and ships… more to follow in due course!
S.H.O.U.T. 