Barrow Built Ships

Further covers relating to Naval Ships built at Barrow-in-Furness
from 1960 (Dreadnought) to 2020 (Astute-class)
HMS Dreadnought (S101)
Nuclear-powered submarine

Yard Number: 1062

Laid down 12 June 1959
Launched 21 October 1960
Commissioned 17 April 1963
Decommissioned 1980

Click link for 2nd Commission VSEL cover 10.9.1970

Click link for Visit to Gibraltar VSEL cover 27.8.1971

HMS Mawhawk (F125)
Tribal-class frigate

 Yard Number: 1063

Laid down 23 December 1960
Launched 5 April 1962
Commissioned 29 November 1963
Decommissioned 1980




HMS Osiris (S13)
Oberon-class submarine

Yard Number: 1064

Laid down 26 January 1962
Launched 29 November 1962
Commissioned 11 January 1964
Decommissioned 1989


HMS Valiant (S102)
Valiant-class nuclear-powered submarine

Yard Number: 1066


Laid down 22 January 1962
Launched 3 December 1963
Commissioned 18 July 1966
Decommissioned 12 August 1994
Status Laid up


OHMS Ministry of Defence (Naval)
undated cover with cachet on reverse.


Postcard
(blank on reverse)








HMS Warspite (S103)
Valiant-class nuclear-powered submarine

Yard Number: 1072


Laid down 10 December 1963
Launched 25 September 1965
Commissioned 18 April 1967
Decommissioned 1991


Postcard
(blank on reverse)



HMS Resolution
Resolution class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)

Yard Number: 1074


Laid down 26 February 1964
Launched 15 September 1966
Commissioned 2 October 1967
Decommissioned 22 October 1994


HMS Repulse
Resolution-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)

Yard Number: 1075

Ordered from Vickers-Armstrongs on 8 May 1963
Laid down 12 March 1965
Launched 4 November 1967
Commissioned 28 September 1968
Decommissioned 28 August 1996




First Launch of Polaris A-3 Nuclear Missile by Starboard Crew, 27th March 1969 off Cape Canaveral.


De-commissioning Ceremony
28th August 1996
Royal Navy Covers, Series 3 no.47














HMS Churchill (S46)
Churchill-class (repeat Valiant-class) nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number 1076


Ordered 21 October 1965
Laid down 30 June 1967
Launched 20 December 1968
Commissioned 15 July 1970
Decommissioned 28 February 1991


Click link for First Commission VSEL cover 15.7.1970
HMS Courageous (S50)
Churchill-class (repeat Valiant-class) nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number: 1077


Laid down 15 May 1968
Launched 7 March 1970
Commissioned 16 October 1971
Decommissioned 10 April 1992



Rededication Ceremony at Devonport Naval Base
11th October 1986
RNCC cover No. 77

Davenport Navy Days
24th-26th August 2002
Royal Navy Covers, Series 6 No.37
Click link for First Commission VSEL cover 16.10.1971

HMS Swiftsure (S126)
Swiftsure-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number 1078

Laid down 6 June 1969
Launched 7 September 1971
Commissioned 17 April 1973
Decommissioned 1992

Click link for Launch VSEL cover 7.9.1971

Click link for First Commission VSEL cover 17.4.1973

IIS Rostam (Sabalan) (73)
Iranian Navy, Vosper Mark V-class (or Avland-class) Frigate

Yard Number 1079


Launched 4 March 1969
Commissioned 26 May 1972
Renamed Sabalan, 1985



IIS Zaal (Alborz) (72)
Iranian Navy, Vosper Mark V-class (or Avland-class) Frigate

Yard Number 1080


Laid down 3 March 1968
Launched 4 March 1969
Commissioned 1 March 1971
Renamed Alborz, 1985


HMS Sheffield (D80)
Type 42 guided missile destroyer

Yard Number: 1084



Laid down 15 January 1970
Launched 10 June 1971
Commissioned 16 February 1975
Fate Sunk on 10 May 1982

Launch
10th June 1971
Royal Navy Series cover
Click link for Launch VSEL cover 10.6.1971

HMS Sovereign (S108)
Swiftsure-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number: 1086
Laid down 18 September 1970
Launched 17 February 1973
Commissioned 11 July 1974
Decommissioned 12 September 2006

Click link for Launch VSEL cover 17.2.1973

Click link for First Commission VSEL cover 11.7.1974

S Humaitá (S41)
Brazilian Navy, Oberon-class submarine

Yard Number: 1087
Ordered 23 December 2008
Laid down 9 September 2013
Launched 11 December 2020
Commissioned 12 January 2024

Click link for First Commission VSEL cover 18.6.1973

S Tonelero (S21)
Brazilian Navy, Oberon-class submarine

Yard Number: 1088
Laid down 18 November 1971
Launched 22 November 1972
Commissioned 10 December 1977
Decommissioned 21 June 2001

Click link for Launch VSEL cover 22.11.1972

ARA Hercules (B-52)
Argentine Navy, Type 42 destroyer

Yard Number 1089


Ordered 18 May 1970
Laid down 16 June 1971
Launched 24 October 1972
Acquired 10 May 1976
Commissioned 12 July 1976
Reclassified 1999

Click link for Launch VSEL cover 24.10.1972
HMS Superb (S109)
Swiftsure-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number 1090


Ordered 20 May 1970
Laid down 16 March 1972
Launched 30 November 1974
Commissioned 13 November 1976
Decommissioned 26 September 2008






HMS Cardiff (D108)
Type 42 guided missile destroyer

Yard Number 1091


Laid down 6 November 1972
Launched 22 February 1974
Commissioned 24 September 1979
Decommissioned 14 July 2005


Click link for Launch VSEL cover 22.2.1974
HMS Sceptre (S104)
Swiftsure-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number 1092


Ordered 1 November 1971
Laid down 19 February 1974
Launched 20 November 1976
Commissioned 14 February 1978
Decommissioned 10 December 2010



Re-dedication Ceremony
1st July 2000
Royal Navy Covers, Series 5 No.51





INS Gal
Israeli Navy, Type 540  GAL-classsubmarine

Yard Number 1093


Launched 2 December 1975
Commissioned
 June 1976
De-commissioned
 2000



INS Tanin
Israeli Navy, Type 540  GAL-classsubmarine

Yard Number 1094


Launched 25 October 1976
Commissioned June 1977
De-commissioned 2002

TANIN, launched 25 October 1976, decommissioned 2002

INS Rahav
Israeli Navy, Type 540  GAL-classsubmarine

Yard Number 1095


Launched 8 May 1977
Commissioned 18 December 1977
De-commissioned 1977



S Riachuelo (S40)
Brazilian Navy, Oberon-class submarine

Yard Number 1096


Ordered 23 December 2008
Laid down 27 May 2010
Launched 14 December 2018
Commissioned 1 September 2022



HMS Spartan (S105)
Swiftsure-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number 1097


Ordered 7 February 1976
Laid down 26 April 1976
Launched 7 May 1978
Commissioned 22 September 1979



HMS Invincible (R05)
Invincible-class (light) aircraft carrier

Yard Number 1098


Ordered 17 April 1973
Laid down July 1973
Launched 3 May 1977
Commissioned 11 July 1980
Decommissioned 3 August 2005



Click link for other Invincible related covers
HMS Splendid (S106)
Swiftsure-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number 1099


Ordered 26 May 1976
Laid down 23 November 1977
Launched 5 October 1979
Commissioned 21 March 1981
Decommissioned 14th August 2003



De-commissioning Ceremony
14th August 2003
Royal Navy Covers, Series 7 No.9A




HMS Trafalgar (S107)
Trafalgar-class nuclear submarine

Yard Number 1100


Ordered 7 April 1977
Laid down 15 April 1979
Launched 1 July 1981
Commissioned 27 May 1983
Decommissioned 4 December 2009



Re-dedication Ceremony
7th October 1995
Royal Navy Covers, Series 3 No.21a




HMS Turbulent (S87)
Trafalgar-class nuclear submarine

Yard Number 1101


Ordered 28 July 1978
Laid down 8 May 1980
Launched 1 December 1982
Commissioned 28 April 1984
Decommissioned 14 July 2012



Re-dedication Ceremony
19th July 1997
Royal Navy Covers, Series 4 No.20a





HMS Manchester (D95)
Type 42 (Batch 3) destroyer

Yard Number 1102


Laid down 19 May 1978
Launched 24 November 1980
Commissioned 16 December 1982
Decommissioned 24 February 2011



HMS Tireless (S88)
Trafalgar-class nuclear submarine

Yard Number 1103


Ordered 5 July 1979
Laid down 6 June 1981
Launched 17 March 1984
Commissioned 5 October 1985
Decommissioned 19 June 2014



Re-dedication Ceremony
26th June 1999
Royal Navy Covers, Series 5 No.31A




HMS Torbay (S90)
Trafalgar-class nuclear submarine

Yard Number 1104


Laid down 3 December 1982
Launched 8 March 1985
Sponsored by Lady Ann Herbert
Commissioned 7 February 1987
Decommissioned 14 July 2017



HMS Trenchent (S91)
Trafalgar-class nuclear submarine

Yard Number 1105


Ordered 22 March 1983
Laid down 28 October 1985
Launched 3 November 1986
Commissioned 14 January 1989
Decommissioned 20 May 2022



HMS Upholder (S40)
Upholder-class, Type 2400 diesel-electric submarine

 Yard Number: 1106


Ordered
 2 November 1983
Launched 2 December 1986
Commissioned 9 June 1990
Decommissioned 29 April 1994


Launch at VSEL
2nd December 1986
RNCC cover No. 90


Commissioning Ceremony  at VSEL
9th June 1990
RNCC cover, Series 6 No.21a


De-commissioning Ceremony
29th April 1994
Royal Navy Covers, Series 1 No.52
Click link for Launch VSEL cover 2.12.1986
HMS Talent (S92)
Trafalgar-class nuclear submarine

Yard Number: 1107


Ordered 10 September 1984
Laid down 13 May 1986
Launched 15 April 1988
Commissioned 12 May 1990
Decommissioned 20 May 2022



Launch Ceremony
15th April 1988
RNCC cover, Series 3 No.7A


Re-Dedication Ceremony
7th September 2006
Royal Naval Covers, Series 8 No.17
Click link for Launch VSEL cover 15.4.1988
HMS Triumph (S93)
Trafalgar-class nuclear submarine

Yard Number 1108


Ordered 3 July 1986
Laid down 2 February 1987
Launched 16 February 1991
Commissioned 2 October 1991



Commissioning Ceremony
12th October 1991
RNCC cover, Series 7 No.40


De-commissioning Ceremony
31st January 2004
Royal Navy Covers, Series 7 No.21






HMS Vanguard (S28)
Vanguard-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)

Yard Number:  1109


Ordered 30 May 1986
Laid down 3 September 1986
Launched 4 March 1992
Commissioned 14 August 1993





HMS Victorious (S29)
Vanguard-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)

Yard Number:  1110


Laid down 3 December 1987
Launched 29 September 1993
Commissioned 7 January 1995



First Commissioning Ceremony
7th January 1995
Royal Naval Covers, Series 2 No.35



End of First Commission Ceremony
16th January 2005
Royal Navy Covers, Series 7 No.34








HMS Vigilant (S30)
Vanguard-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)


Yard Number: 1111


Laid down 16 February 1991
Launched 14 October 1995
Commissioned 2 November 1996



Official Naming Ceremony
14th October 1995
Royal Navy Covers, Series 3 No.23


First Commissioning Ceremony
2nd November 1996
Royal Naval Covers, Series 4 No.5








HMS Vengence (S31)
Vanguard-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)


Yard Number: 11122


Laid down 1 February 1993
Launched 19 September 1998
Commissioned 27 November 1999
In service 12 February 2001




Naming/Launch Ceremony
19th September 1998
Royal Naval Covers, Series 5  No.11




HMS Ocean (L12)
Amphibious Helicopter Carrier

Yard Number: 1113


Ordered 11 May 1993
Laid down 30 May 1994 (Govan)
Launched 11 October 1995 (Govan)
Commissioned 30 September 1998
Decommissioned 27 March 2018


Launched 11th November 1995 (Govan, Clyde)
and fitted out at VSEL, Barrow prior to trials and subsequent acceptance in service.

Named 20th February 1998 (VSEL)

Commissioning Ceremony (Devonport)
30th September 1998
Royal Navy Covers, Series 5 No.10







HMS Albion (L14)
Albion-class assault ship - amphibious transport dock

Yard Number: 1117

Ordered 18 July 1996
Laid down 23 May 1998
Launched 9 March 2001
Commissioned 19 June 2003



HMS Bulwark (L15)
Albion-class assault ship - amphibious transport dock

Yard Number: 1118


Ordered 18 July 1996
Laid down 27 January 2000
Launched 15 November 2001
Commissioned 28 April 2005







RFA Wave Knight (A389)
Wave-class fast fleet tanker

Yard Number: 1119


Ordered 12 March 1997
Laid down 22 October 1998
Launched 29 September 2000
Commissioned 8 April 2003



RFA Wave Ruler (A390)
Wave-class fast fleet tanker

Yard Number: 1120


Ordered 12 March 1997
Originally ordered from VSEL in Barrow but her construction was transferred to the Govan shipyard in Glasgow which was acquired by BAE Systems in 1999.
Launched 9 February 2001
Commissioned 27 April 2003


HMS Astute (S119)
Astute-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number: 1122


Ordered March 1997
Laid down 31 January 2001
Launched 8 June 2007
Commissioned 27 August 2010
In service May 2014



Naming Ceremony
8th June 2007
Royal Navy Covers, Series 8 No.25


HMS Ambush (S120)
Astute-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number: 1123


Ordered March 1997
Laid down 22 October 2003
Launched 6 January 2011
Commissioned 1 March 2013



HMS Artful (S121)
Astute-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number: 1124


Ordered March 1997
Laid down 11 March 2005
Launched 17 May 2014
Commissioned 18 March 2016



HMS Audacious (S122)
Astute-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number: 1127


Ordered May 2007
Laid down 24 March 2009
Launched 28 April 2017
Commissioned 23 September 2021



HMS Anson (S123)
Astute-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number: 1128


Ordered March 2010
Laid down 13 October 2011
Launched 20 April 2021
Commissioned 31 August 2022



HMS Agamemnon (S123)
Astute-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number: 1129


Ordered March 2010
Laid down 18 July 2013
In service Projected mid-late 2024



HMS Agincourt (S125)
Astute-class nuclear fleet submarine

Yard Number: 1131


Laid down 14 May 2018
In service Projected late 2026