The Quarterdeck

Your tour of HMS Belfast begins here. Officers and ratings always salute when stepping onto the Quarterdeck of a Royal Naval vessel. It was here that flag officers, captains of ships and others who were entitled to the honour were 'piped' on board and where guards and bands were paraded.

Officers and men gathered on the Quarterdeck of a British cruiser (IWM neg A11316)

The Quarterdeck on HMS Belfast was 'Officer Country' and ratings were not normally permitted to set foot on it except when on duty or to attend the regular Sunday church services presided over by the Captain of the ship. This tradition of worship is maintained when each November the Quarterdeck is the setting for HMS Belfast's annual Remembrance Day Service. The White Ensign is flown here day and night by all Royal Naval vessels at sea, and from 'Colours' (8.00 am in summer, 9.00 am in winter) to sunset when in harbour.