This nostalgic handbook from the archive of the National Maritime Museum was originally published in 1909 and was intended to "interest and educate the public mind in the men who constitute the first line of our defensive forces." In these pages, each rank found in the Royal Navy is beautifully illustrated with images of its uniform and markings, with additional information provided on the distinctive insignia of each rank of officers in the Royal Navy in the Executive and Civil branches, as well as the distinguishing badges of petty officers, men, and boys.

Newly updated fifth edition: The remarkable reference that is “absolutely essential in every naval historian’s library” (Warship World). This is the latest updated edition of the book known simply as “Colledge” for its longtime reputation as the first stop for anyone wanting more information on any British warship from the fifteenth century to the present day when only the name is known. Each entry gives concise details of dimensions, armament, and service dates, and the volume’s alphabetical and chronological arrangement makes it easy to track down the right ship—avoiding the confusion and errors that can result due to the Royal Navy’s tradition of re-using the same names. This fifth edition contains some 200 new entries and revisions to many older entries. These reflect the demise of the post-Cold War ships as the Royal Navy was shrunk down as part of the peace dividend and successive defense reviews saw the loss of significant ships classes such as the Type 42 destroyers, Type 22 frigates, and the Illustrious class carriers. It is now being re-equipped in the face of new global challenges and has seen the introduction of the Queen Elizabeth class carriers, the largest ships ever built for the RN; the Type 45 destroyers; and Type 26 frigates and new patrol ships which will take on more global policing roles. Regarding submarines, the Cold War S and T classes are being replaced by the Astute class, and the deterrent role undertaken by the Vanguard class is to be carried forward by the Dreadnought class. Also included are the new RFAs, which are increasingly taking on frontline operations to release the small number of escorts to more combative roles. In addition, there are updates to the Royal Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand navies, which have programs to introduce new destroyers, Arctic patrol vessels, submarines, and support ships. Since the death of Jim Colledge, who was widely respected for his pioneering research on the technical details of warships, his magnum opus has been updated, corrected and expanded with similar enthusiasm and attention to detail by Ben Warlow, a retired naval officer and author of a number of books in the field. “An authoritative guide to British warships through the ages.” —Ships Monthly “The automatic starting point of research on Royal Navy ships.” —Lloyd’s List “[A] quite invaluable reference tool.” —The Mariner’s Mirror