Ships of the Royal Navy: The Definitive Naval History Reference
For historians, archivists, and maritime enthusiasts, tracking the vast lineage of British naval power requires a meticulous record. Ships of the Royal Navy serves as the gold standard for this purpose, providing a comprehensive, dictionary-like catalog of every recorded vessel commissioned by the Royal Navy from the 14th century to the modern era.
Originally conceived by J. J. Colledge, this reference work has evolved over five decades to become the primary authority on naval nomenclature. Its influence is so significant that museums, libraries, and archives worldwide adopt Colledge's specific conventions and spellings when documenting naval history.
Key Facts
- Scope: Covers Royal Navy ships from 1300 to the present.
- Volume of Data: The 2020 edition contains over 15,000 individual entries.
- Details Provided: Each entry includes construction location, launch date, tonnage, specifications, and the ship's ultimate fate.
- Authorship: Founded by J. J. Colledge and later updated by Ben Warlow and Steve Bush.
- Publisher: Greenhill Books, based in the United Kingdom.
Evolution of the Publication
The work began in 1969 as a two-volume set. Volume 1 focused on major warships, while Volume 2 detailed auxiliary vessels, including trawlers (fishing vessels adapted for naval use), drifters, tugs, and requisitioned ships such as Armed Merchant Cruisers.
Following the original release, the work underwent several critical revisions to keep pace with naval developments:
- 1987 & 1989: J. J. Colledge revised both volumes to include late 20th-century vessels.
- 2003 & 2006: Ben Warlow, a retired naval officer from the Naval Historical Branch, took over the revisions, reinstating smaller vessels previously omitted.
- 2010: A fourth revision merged Volumes 1 and 2 into a single expanded work, incorporating exotic vessels like Merchant aircraft carriers and landing craft.
- 2020: The fifth revision, authored by Warlow and Steve Bush, expanded the scope further to include the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a separate branch that provides logistical support to the Royal Navy.
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Reference Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Authors | J. J. Colledge, Ben Warlow, Steve Bush |
| Publication Period | 1969–2020 |
| ISBN | 978-1-86176-281-8 |
| Total Entries (2020) | 15,000+ |
| Genre | Non-fiction / Naval History |
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific information is included for each ship?
Each entry provides the location where the ship was constructed, its date of launch, its tonnage, technical specifications, and its final fate.
Who is the primary authority for the naming conventions used in the book?
The conventions and spellings established by J. J. Colledge are the standard used by archives, libraries, and museums.
Does the book cover non-combat vessels?
Yes. Through its various revisions, the work has included tugs, drifters, trawlers, landing craft, and requisitioned merchant ships.
What was added in the most recent 2020 edition?
The 2020 edition, completed by Ben Warlow and Steve Bush, incorporated ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary for the first time.
Where can I find more data on ships from before 1863?
For more detailed data on pre-1863 Royal Navy ships, the source recommends referring to British Warships in the Age of Sail.