HMS Bellerophon – Hamilton, BERMUDA - Drydock For Sale

HMS Bellerophon – Hamilton, BERMUDA – Drydock: HMS Bellerophon was a central battery ironclad built for the Royal Navy in the mid-1860s. Bellerophon was commissioned at Chatham, and served in the Channel Fleet until 1871. She was struck by Minotaur in 1868 while leaving Belfast Lough, but only suffered minimal damage. The ship served with the Mediterranean Fleet from 1871 to 1872, and then paid off for refit where she was given a poop deck. Bellerophon relieved HMS Royal Alfred as flagship on the North America station in 1873 and remained there until 1881. On her outbound voyage she was rammed by SS Flamsteed during an attempt to exchange newspapers. The merchant ship had her bow stove in and sank a few hours later after the scarcely damaged Bellerophon took off her passengers and crew. An extensive refit, including new boilers and new armament was followed by a further period on the North America station until 1892, when she paid off at Plymouth. She was re-commissioned as port guardship at Pembroke until 1903. Bellerophon was converted into a stokers' training ship in 1904 and renamed HMS Indus III. This Undivided Back Era (1901-07) postcard is in good condition. J. H. Bradley & Co. Hamilton, Bermuda. No. 600.