Year 9 Visit HMS Belfast for a Day of Recollection

Monday, 29th June 2026

Year 9 pupils marked their sixth Day of Recollection this year with a visit to HMS Belfast, the historic Royal Navy warship moored on the River Thames in London. Stepping aboard the floating museum, they explored what life was like for the hundreds of sailors who once lived and worked across its nine decks.

HMS Belfast, now part of The Imperial War Museum (IWM), served as a Royal Navy cruiser during the Second World War. After damage from a German magnetic mine, she returned to service in 1942, protected Arctic Convoys to the Soviet Union, took part in the Battle of North Cape, and later supported the D-Day landings in Normandy.

The visit brought classroom learning to life as pupils climbed ladders, crossed narrow passageways and explored the engine rooms, living quarters, operations rooms and gun decks, deepening their understanding of the Second World War, naval technology, teamwork and service at sea.

The group also reflected on the scale of the ship and the discipline required to keep such a complex vessel operating. Many pupils commented on how different daily life aboard HMS Belfast would have been compared with life today, especially the cramped sleeping spaces, the noise of the machinery and the responsibility carried by crew members during wartime.

“I really enjoyed exploring the different decks because it felt like we were stepping back in time. The engine rooms were amazing, and I could not believe how much work it took to keep the ship running.”

“My favourite part was seeing where the sailors slept and ate. It made me realise how difficult life must have been on board, especially when the ship was at sea for a long time.”

“The visit helped me understand history in a different way. Instead of just reading about warships, we were actually able to walk around one and see where important jobs were done.”

Staff were pleased with the pupils’ curiosity, thoughtful questions and excellent conduct. The visit connected history, faith values and personal reflection as pupils considered courage, service, sacrifice and responsibility.

Year 9 Visit to HMS Belfast - June 2026