John Oram's photos with the keyword: Frigate

In early June 2019, the Royal British Legion chartered the Fred Olsen Boudicca to take 250 D-Day veterans with companions and carers from Portsmouth to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the landings. The veterans are now generally aged from 95 to 101 so this was a significant and moving event. The Halifax-class frigate HMCS St John's put to sea to follow Boudicca and HMS St Albans [qv]. The Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour offers vantage points for such events but many are potentially obstructed by infrastructure and the masts of moored yachts. I worked hard with two cameras and using my height advantage over most of the crowd to get the pictures I wanted. This final image in a long series does show quite how busy the harbour was during the departure of the participating ships. 200_3_P1110173CE

In early June 2019, the Royal British Legion chartered the Fred Olsen Boudicca to take 250 D-Day veterans with companions and carers from Portsmouth to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the landings. The veterans are now generally aged from 95 to 101 so this was a significant and moving event. The great honour of accompanying Boudicca fell to the Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans (F83). In this picture, the Halifax-class frigate HMCS St John's is following the St Albans to sea. I have a deep affection for Canada and was very happy to see a ship from that great country participating in this event. 5300_DSC_0254CE

In early June 2019, the Royal British Legion chartered the Fred Olsen Boudicca to take 250 D-Day veterans with companions and carers from Portsmouth to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the landings. The veterans are now generally aged from 95 to 101 so this was a significant and moving event. The great honour of accompanying Boudicca fell to the Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans (F83). As she puts to sea, a glimpse can be had of the crowds on the Portsmouth side of the harbour. 200_3_P1110177CE

In early June 2019, the Royal British Legion chartered the Fred Olsen Boudicca to take 250 D-Day veterans with companions and carers from Portsmouth to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the landings. The veterans are now generally aged from 95 to 101 so this was a significant and moving event. The great honour of accompanying Boudicca fell to the Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans (F83). In this picture, the Halifax-class frigate HMCS St John's, which would follow the St Albans to sea, can be seen in the background whilst, to the port side of the departing ship, is HMS Warrior. 5300_DSC_0239CE

In early June 2019, the Royal British Legion chartered the Fred Olsen Boudicca to take 250 D-Day veterans with companions and carers from Portsmouth to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the landings. The veterans are now generally aged from 95 to 101 so this was a significant and moving event. The great honour of accompanying Boudicca fell to the Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans. 5300_DSC_0233CE

Although technically mediocre, I think the photographs I took on this occasion are to me the most important of all my cruise ship pictures. In early June 2019, the Royal British Legion chartered the Fred Olsen Boudicca to take 250 D-Day veterans with companions and carers from Portsmouth to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the landings. The veterans are now generally aged from 95 to 101 so this was a significant and moving event. In this picture, Boudicca is negotiating a busy Portsmouth Harbour accompanied by the Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans. The Boudicca carried Royal British Legion markings for the occasion. 20195300_DSC_0219E

Four Archer-class patrol vessels had the honour of leading D-Day veterans aboard the cruise ship Boudicca as she left Portsmouth for Normandy. Two of the quartet were HMS Explorer (P164) and HMS Biter (P270) with appropriate bow markings. The pair are seen passing the Halifax-class frigate HMCS St John's where the crew are performing Procedure Alpha. I have a deep affection for Canada and was very happy to see that great nation represented at the 75th anniversary commemorations of D-Day. 5300_DSC_0203CE

The Halifax-class frigate HMCS St John's alongside at HMNB Portsmouth shortly before leaving for Normandy with Fred Olsen Boudicca and HMS St Albans. 5300_DSC_0152CE

On the morning of 21 May 2018, I saw the Type 23 'Duke' Class frigate HMS Argyll (F231) leave Devonport but, by the evening, she was back in the waters inside the breakwater where she performed several manoeuvres before heading for the sea again. This shot was taken through a restaurant window as the evening light fell favourably on the Royal Navy's oldest serving Type 23 frigate. 200_3_P1050991CE