HMS Iron Duke | Royal Navy

HMS Iron Duke (F234)

Currently in the process of decommissioning after more than 30 years' outstanding service, HMS Iron Duke has been one of the Royal Navy’s most versatile warships. She's played a key role in protecting our nation’s interests, from policing vital trade routes to supporting humanitarian aid missions.

Role

As a Type 23 frigate, HMS Iron Duke was originally designed to hunt Soviet submarines.

Since the end of the Cold War, the role has evolved to become the workhorses of the Fleet.

Deployed around the globe, HMS Iron Duke has proved herself to be invaluable in the final years of her long life providing security for the UK in home waters especially, deployed frequently to track the activity of Russian warships, working alongside fellow NATO nations.

Duke Class

Unit history

1655

The First Iron Duke

The Audacious-class battleship was officially known as Duke but during her construction at Pembroke shipyard, she acquired the nickname Iron Duke – and the name stuck.

1871

Suez Canal

HMS Iron Duke became the first battleship to pass through the new Suez Canal on her way to take up her role as the flagship of the China Fleet, where she spent much of her active career.

1912

The Second Iron Duke

The second and most famous Iron Duke was the legendary World War I battleship which served as the flagship of the Grand Fleet – the largest and most powerful Naval force of the day.

1916

World War I

Admiral Jellicoe directed the Battle of Jutland from the bridge of HMS Iron Duke on 31 May 1916. The ship suffered no damage but inflicted heavy punishment on the German battleship, König.

1920

Training vessel

Iron Duke remained on active service through the 1920s until she became a training vessel in the 1930s. She spent World War 2 in Scapa Flow as a base/port defence ship before being scrapped.

1991

Today's Iron Duke

The third and latest HMS Iron Duke was launched on 2 March 1991 as the fifth Type 23 Frigate. She was commissioned to the fleet in May 1993.

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