Monochrome Warships's Avatar

Monochrome Warships

@monochromewarships.bsky.social

Posting naval images from the 20th century that I accumulated from auction sites during lockdown.

186 Followers  |  18 Following  |  122 Posts  |  Joined: 07.12.2024  |  1.9755

Latest posts by monochromewarships.bsky.social on Bluesky

A 1950 postcard photo of Italian cruiser Raimondo Montecuccoli viewed in 2/3 profile from astern on the starboard side. Her name is picked out in white very clearly. The closeness of the twin gun barrels in each turret is very evident.

A 1950 postcard photo of Italian cruiser Raimondo Montecuccoli viewed in 2/3 profile from astern on the starboard side. Her name is picked out in white very clearly. The closeness of the twin gun barrels in each turret is very evident.

Post-war (1950) postcard of Italian Condottieri-class cruiser Raimondo Montecuccoli. The twin turret main guns are so close together that from a distance they look like a single barrel. #navalhistory

24.08.2025 19:52 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 15    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
An almost front-on shot of the Soviet cruiser Kirov taken somewhere late 1939 or early 1940 perhaps? Has a distinctly Italian appearance, which is unsurprising as it is modelled on a Regia Marina cruiser class.

An almost front-on shot of the Soviet cruiser Kirov taken somewhere late 1939 or early 1940 perhaps? Has a distinctly Italian appearance, which is unsurprising as it is modelled on a Regia Marina cruiser class.

Rear of first photo with Planet News Ltd press release stuck to it. It reads 'Soviet cruiser badly damaged by Finns - sailors injured. The Soviet cruiser Kirov is reported to have arrived in Tallinn, Estonia, badly damaged and with a number of her crew wounded after taking part in the attack on Finland...'

Rear of first photo with Planet News Ltd press release stuck to it. It reads 'Soviet cruiser badly damaged by Finns - sailors injured. The Soviet cruiser Kirov is reported to have arrived in Tallinn, Estonia, badly damaged and with a number of her crew wounded after taking part in the attack on Finland...'

Namesake of the Soviet Kirov-class cruisers. Upheld the fine tradition of the Russian navy of getting a bit of kicking from countries it has been sent to pick fight with. In this case the Finnish, during the Winter War. Don't start what you can't finish... (I'm here all week...).

20.08.2025 22:00 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 63    ๐Ÿ” 6    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Frodo asleep in a position that surely cannot be comfortable

Frodo asleep in a position that surely cannot be comfortable

18.08.2025 21:57 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A photo of the two Trento-class heavy cruisers looking in 3/4 profile from astern. Behind are the distinctive striped funnels of the liner Conte di Savoia. In the distant background can be seen the shape of a Conte di Cavour-class battleship.

A photo of the two Trento-class heavy cruisers looking in 3/4 profile from astern. Behind are the distinctive striped funnels of the liner Conte di Savoia. In the distant background can be seen the shape of a Conte di Cavour-class battleship.

Regia Marina heavy cruisers Trento & Trieste with the funnels of the liner Conte de Savoia visible behind. Conte di Cavour-class battleship lurks in the background. #navalhistory

04.08.2025 22:08 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 15    ๐Ÿ” 3    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Kreigsmarine destroyers Paul Jakobi (21), Z7 Hermann Schoemann (23) & possibly Z6 Theodor Riedel alongside a quay. Background looks like it may be Ceuta, which the 2nd Destroyer Division visited in 1938.

Kreigsmarine destroyers Paul Jakobi (21), Z7 Hermann Schoemann (23) & possibly Z6 Theodor Riedel alongside a quay. Background looks like it may be Ceuta, which the 2nd Destroyer Division visited in 1938.

Kreigsmarine destroyers Paul Jakobi (21), Z7 Hermann Schoemann (23) & possibly Z6 Theodor Riedel. Background looks like it may be Ceuta, which the 2nd Destroyer Division visited in 1938. #navalhistory

28.07.2025 17:15 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 6    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A WW2 photo of a liner with dazzle camouflage, a paint scheme guaranteed to brighten up the dullest looking boat.

A WW2 photo of a liner with dazzle camouflage, a paint scheme guaranteed to brighten up the dullest looking boat.

Not a warship but loving the dazzle. SS Europa in wartime paint scheme.
A liner with an 'interesting' history, including catching fire several times, a partial sinking, and making it through WW2 intact, it is incredible that she managed to have a 32 year career.

25.07.2025 21:44 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 26    ๐Ÿ” 8    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
a cartoon of a woman and a devil with the word do it in red Alt: Luci from Disenchanted saying 'Do it, do it, do it'
24.07.2025 22:50 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Damn it! Forgot #navalhistory again!

14.07.2025 19:50 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Photo taken on the foredeck of a Kriegsmarine M1935 minesweeper, looking towards the 4'1" gun and the bridge. However, the main item of interest is the very fine-looking almost white German Shepherd dog sitting obediently in front of the gun. Because he's a good boy, oh yes he is.

Photo taken on the foredeck of a Kriegsmarine M1935 minesweeper, looking towards the 4'1" gun and the bridge. However, the main item of interest is the very fine-looking almost white German Shepherd dog sitting obediently in front of the gun. Because he's a good boy, oh yes he is.

Who's a good boy? You're a good boy, yes you are. Go on, bite a Nazi.
A German Shepherd sitting in front of the main 4.1" gun on a Type 1935 M-class minesweeper.

14.07.2025 19:49 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 12    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Served in two navies before it was sold to Argentina.

10.07.2025 23:00 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Filth!

10.07.2025 21:34 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Three very old cruisers from early 1900s in Shanghai harbour in 1927. The fact the vessels are obsolete at the time of the photo actually makes the photo look older than it is.

Three very old cruisers from early 1900s in Shanghai harbour in 1927. The fact the vessels are obsolete at the time of the photo actually makes the photo look older than it is.

Shanghai, 1927. French armoured cruiser Jules Michelet, US armoured cruiser Pittsburgh, and Japanese protected cruiser Chikuma(?) flying their respective flags and trying to look menacing amid mounting tensions. Though how obsolete cruisers will menace anyone is beyond me.
#navalhistory

10.07.2025 19:21 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 10    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Nice!

07.07.2025 14:41 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Dang! Forget to tag #navalhistory

06.07.2025 10:39 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
At least qty 3 Type 1935 M-class minesweepers of the Kriegsmarine docked alongside each other. Closest to quayside is M8, with M3 alongside it. A group of Kriegsmarine sailors are chatting on the quayside. In the foreground is a rail turntable, allowing trucks to be wheeled alongside.

At least qty 3 Type 1935 M-class minesweepers of the Kriegsmarine docked alongside each other. Closest to quayside is M8, with M3 alongside it. A group of Kriegsmarine sailors are chatting on the quayside. In the foreground is a rail turntable, allowing trucks to be wheeled alongside.

Type 1935 M-class minesweepers M3 & M8 in harbour. Of interest is the rail turntable in the foreground. 69 built, 34 lost in WW2. #navalhistory

06.07.2025 10:26 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 11    ๐Ÿ” 3    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

I loaned my copy to my Dad and he's never given it back. I guess a) he really likes it, and b) I'd better get another copy.

05.07.2025 21:54 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A lot of Spica class torpedo boats of the Regia Marina lined up, sterns to the quayside, at Naples, post October 1938. There's a lot of Spicas. I mean, there's Spicas as far as the eye can see. I count fourteen but there may be more. They are being reviewed by some blackshirt types on a vessel that is passing by. Boo them. Boo the blackshirts. Boo!!!!

A lot of Spica class torpedo boats of the Regia Marina lined up, sterns to the quayside, at Naples, post October 1938. There's a lot of Spicas. I mean, there's Spicas as far as the eye can see. I count fourteen but there may be more. They are being reviewed by some blackshirt types on a vessel that is passing by. Boo them. Boo the blackshirts. Boo!!!!

Hi! I'm back! Sorry for being a bit quiet of late. As a way of an apology, have a collection of Spica class torpedo boats at Naples. The closest two boats, Aldebaran and Altair, were both sunk 20/10/1940 by mines laid by mine-laying sub HMS Rorqual.
What would the collective noun would be?

05.07.2025 14:09 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 21    ๐Ÿ” 4    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 3    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Lock, Sock & Two Smoking Barrels

04.05.2025 20:15 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Tar Wars

04.05.2025 19:25 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Nimitz-class carrier Abraham Lincoln doing what it does best by lugging a shit-load of aircraft around. The flight deck is packed with parked aircraft. I can see Hawkeyes, Prowlers, F-14s, F-18s, Vikings, and Sea Hawks. Any other spots?

Nimitz-class carrier Abraham Lincoln doing what it does best by lugging a shit-load of aircraft around. The flight deck is packed with parked aircraft. I can see Hawkeyes, Prowlers, F-14s, F-18s, Vikings, and Sea Hawks. Any other spots?

Nimitz-class carrier USS Abraham Lincoln looking the business and showing off her air wings.
No source for this one, back of the photo is blank, so if anyone is able to advise, I'm all ears.
#NavalHistory

23.04.2025 18:58 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 7    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
British sailors being thrown ropes from a presumably Kriegsmarine vessel. The photo is quite grainy and quite dramatic.

British sailors being thrown ropes from a presumably Kriegsmarine vessel. The photo is quite grainy and quite dramatic.

Rear of photo with 'Copyright Associated Press Photo' stamp. Also has the following somewhat dramatic and remarkably short on facts press release stuck to it:
"Picture by wire - Passed by censors
British sailors rescued off Norwegian coast.
Associated Press photo shows: British sailors being rescued by an unnamed vessel off the Norwegian coast where the biggest sea battle in history has been raging the past few days. Many thousands of men, mostly Germans, have been drowned in the fatal waters. These are some of the lucky ones."

Rear of photo with 'Copyright Associated Press Photo' stamp. Also has the following somewhat dramatic and remarkably short on facts press release stuck to it: "Picture by wire - Passed by censors British sailors rescued off Norwegian coast. Associated Press photo shows: British sailors being rescued by an unnamed vessel off the Norwegian coast where the biggest sea battle in history has been raging the past few days. Many thousands of men, mostly Germans, have been drowned in the fatal waters. These are some of the lucky ones."

Another Associated Press photo, sent by wire, of the rescue of British sailors in Norwegian waters. Possibly Glowworm crew? The press release is not short on hyperbole, but is rather short on accuracy, with some rather wild claims, including "...the biggest sea battle in history."
#NavalHistory

09.04.2025 19:54 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 5    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Oil-soaked Glowworm survivors wearing life preservers, in a half-submerged raft, cling to ropes hanging down from the Hippers deck. An incredible shot looking directly down from the heavy cruiser's deck to the desperate men below.

Oil-soaked Glowworm survivors wearing life preservers, in a half-submerged raft, cling to ropes hanging down from the Hippers deck. An incredible shot looking directly down from the heavy cruiser's deck to the desperate men below.

Rear of photo of Glowworm survivors. Associated Press stamp, with following press release stuck over it: 
"Passed as censored. Remarkable Nazi war pictures just received: rescuing British Glowworm survivors.
Remarkable Nazi war pictures of the sinking of the British destroyer Glowworm have been published in Holland, the Dutch newspapers at the same time commenting on the efficiency of German propaganda and regretting that they cannot publish British photographs of the same event, as none is available. This is one of the remarkable pictures which have attracted so much attention in Holland. It has just arrived in England today, April 18.
Associated Press photo shows: a close-up of the Glowworm survivors at the side of the German warship. A remarkable impression of the water's oiliness can be gained from this picture. Ropes and rope ladders helped the seaman to the deck."

Rear of photo of Glowworm survivors. Associated Press stamp, with following press release stuck over it: "Passed as censored. Remarkable Nazi war pictures just received: rescuing British Glowworm survivors. Remarkable Nazi war pictures of the sinking of the British destroyer Glowworm have been published in Holland, the Dutch newspapers at the same time commenting on the efficiency of German propaganda and regretting that they cannot publish British photographs of the same event, as none is available. This is one of the remarkable pictures which have attracted so much attention in Holland. It has just arrived in England today, April 18. Associated Press photo shows: a close-up of the Glowworm survivors at the side of the German warship. A remarkable impression of the water's oiliness can be gained from this picture. Ropes and rope ladders helped the seaman to the deck."

Another photo of Glowworm survivors.
Source Associated Press photo.
#NavalHistory

08.04.2025 17:14 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 12    ๐Ÿ” 4    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Rear of photo of Glowworm survivors. Associated Press stamp, with following press release stuck over it: 
"Passed as censored. Remarkable Nazi war pictures just received: rescuing British Glowworm survivors.
Remarkable Nazi war pictures of the sinking of the British destroyer Glowworm have been published in Holland, the Dutch newspapers at the same time commenting on the efficiency of German propaganda and regretting that they cannot publish British photographs of the same event, as none is available. This is one of the remarkable pictures which have attracted so much attention in Holland. It has just arrived in England today, April 18.
Associated Press photo shows: the Glowworm survivors, exhausted by their ordeal and almost smothered by the oil from the sunken destroyer, find hope again as they watch their shipmates being hauled aboard the German warships - and wait for deliverance themselves."

Rear of photo of Glowworm survivors. Associated Press stamp, with following press release stuck over it: "Passed as censored. Remarkable Nazi war pictures just received: rescuing British Glowworm survivors. Remarkable Nazi war pictures of the sinking of the British destroyer Glowworm have been published in Holland, the Dutch newspapers at the same time commenting on the efficiency of German propaganda and regretting that they cannot publish British photographs of the same event, as none is available. This is one of the remarkable pictures which have attracted so much attention in Holland. It has just arrived in England today, April 18. Associated Press photo shows: the Glowworm survivors, exhausted by their ordeal and almost smothered by the oil from the sunken destroyer, find hope again as they watch their shipmates being hauled aboard the German warships - and wait for deliverance themselves."

Glowworm lost her bow, drifted away & her boilers exploded shortly after, taking many of her crew with her.
Her commander Lt Cdr Gerard Roope, drowned during rescue. He received a posthumous VC, partially on the recommendation of Hipper's commander.
Source Associated Press photo.
#NavalHistory

08.04.2025 17:02 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 9    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Oil-soaked crew from HMS Glowworm cling to debris close to the side of the Hipper. Ropes hang down from Hipper's deck where her crew are pulling survivors aboard. Photo taken from aboard the Hipper.

Oil-soaked crew from HMS Glowworm cling to debris close to the side of the Hipper. Ropes hang down from Hipper's deck where her crew are pulling survivors aboard. Photo taken from aboard the Hipper.

On this day in 1940, off the Norwegian coast, a lone RN destroyer encountered the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper & her escorts. The outcome was predictable but HMS Glowworm didn't go down without a fight. After being severely mauled and set ablaze, Glowworm turned and rammed the Hipper.
1/2

08.04.2025 17:02 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 20    ๐Ÿ” 5    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A starboard side profile view of U-boat tender Saar, making progress in relatively calm seas.

A starboard side profile view of U-boat tender Saar, making progress in relatively calm seas.

The rear of the postcard. The printed text reads:
U-Boot-Mutterschiff "Saar"
Geschwindigkeit 16 Seemeilen, Lรคnge 95m
Breite 14.3m, Tiefgang 4.3m, 2710t
214 Mann Besatzung

The rear of the postcard. The printed text reads: U-Boot-Mutterschiff "Saar" Geschwindigkeit 16 Seemeilen, Lรคnge 95m Breite 14.3m, Tiefgang 4.3m, 2710t 214 Mann Besatzung

A postcard of U-boat tender Saar. Launched in 1934, she survived the war, was captured by the US, transferred to the French navy, and served until the 70's. Eventually sunk as a target in 1976.
#NavalHistory

31.03.2025 21:56 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 5    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Qty 2 Dido / Bellona class AA cruisers moored alongside each other, dockside. The Union flag is flying proudly from both jackstaffs. We are looking bow on and can see qty 2 x 5.25" turrets on the left-hand ship, and qty 3 on the right. Photo appears to have been taken from a vessel on a harbour tour.

Qty 2 Dido / Bellona class AA cruisers moored alongside each other, dockside. The Union flag is flying proudly from both jackstaffs. We are looking bow on and can see qty 2 x 5.25" turrets on the left-hand ship, and qty 3 on the right. Photo appears to have been taken from a vessel on a harbour tour.

A brace of Didos / Bellonas. Possibly post-war? Anyone able to ID? Looks like the left one has qty 2 x 5.25" forward turrets, and the right one has qty 3.
#NavalHistory

29.03.2025 13:54 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A National 12 capsizing to starboard whilst a pair of legs disappear in comic fashion to port.

A National 12 capsizing to starboard whilst a pair of legs disappear in comic fashion to port.

Very much so

15.03.2025 00:14 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Forgot the hashtag, goddammit!
#NavalHistory

14.03.2025 20:08 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Crew of one of the Scharnhorsts gather to watch a wounded sailor brought aboard on a stretcher. An interesting selection of uniforms suggesting crew members from various different departments of the ship are taking an interest in proceedings.

Crew of one of the Scharnhorsts gather to watch a wounded sailor brought aboard on a stretcher. An interesting selection of uniforms suggesting crew members from various different departments of the ship are taking an interest in proceedings.

French press release photo dated 22/04/1941. Translation reads: "War at Sea. After a battle, wounded British captives, among other prisoners, are taken on board a German warship. Photo Hoffman N.O.R.A."

French press release photo dated 22/04/1941. Translation reads: "War at Sea. After a battle, wounded British captives, among other prisoners, are taken on board a German warship. Photo Hoffman N.O.R.A."

The wounded are brought aboard one of the Scharnhorsts. My guess is that this was taken during Operation Berlin, a successful Atlantic raiding sortie carried out by the sisters from January to March 1941, judging by the date of the press release.
Anyone able to shed more light?

14.03.2025 20:07 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A couple of views Leander-class frigate HMS Sirius docked alongside a quay, taken from a passing harbour tour boat perhaps? Various cranes are visible behind.

A couple of views Leander-class frigate HMS Sirius docked alongside a quay, taken from a passing harbour tour boat perhaps? Various cranes are visible behind.

"Surely you can't be Sirius?"
"I am Sirius - and don't call me Shirley.'
Leander-class frigate pre-1975 Exocet conversion. Photos from someone's harbour tour perhaps?
#NavalHistory

04.03.2025 19:27 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 14    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

@monochromewarships is following 18 prominent accounts