Destination's Journey Military Photos

HTMS Sukhothai was a gunboat of the Royal Siamese Navy, built in the United Kingdom by Vickers Armstrong in Barrow-in-Furness. Laid down in December 1928 she was launched in 1929 and entered service in December 1930. The vessel formed part of Siam’s efforts to modernise its naval forces during the reign of King Vajiravudh and the early years of King Prajadhipok.

Designed primarily for coastal defence and patrol duties, HTMS Sukhothai displaced around 1,000 tonnes and was armed with a battery of medium-calibre naval guns suitable for protecting Siam’s coastline and maritime approaches. Although modest in size compared with contemporary cruisers and destroyers, she represented a significant enhancement of Siam’s naval capabilities and was among the most modern warships in the fleet at the time of her commissioning.

Throughout her career, Sukhothai undertook routine patrols, training exercises, and ceremonial duties. She served during a period of considerable political and military change in Siam, including the 1932 revolution that transformed the country from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy.

The Supermarine Walrus was operated by both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Designed by R. J. Mitchell of Supermarine, the amphibious biplane first flew in 1933 and entered British service in 1935. Although originally intended as a fleet reconnaissance and gunnery-spotting aircraft, the Walrus proved adaptable to a wide variety of roles and became an invaluable asset throughout the war. Approximately 740 aircraft were built.

In Royal Navy service, the Walrus was primarily operated by the Fleet Air Arm from cruisers, battleships, and seaplane tenders. The aircraft could be launched by catapult from warships and recovered from the sea after landing alongside the ship. During the early years of the war, Walruses served aboard numerous vessels, including Town-class and County-class cruisers as well as battleships. Their duties included reconnaissance, artillery spotting, anti-submarine patrols, convoy escort work and communications flights.

Although naval gunnery spotting had been the aircraft’s original purpose, opportunities to perform this role in combat were limited. Walruses nevertheless took part in major naval operations, including the Battles of Cape Spartivento and Cape Matapan, where they directed gunfire and provided reconnaissance. The aircraft also conducted anti-submarine patrols and, from 1941, some were equipped with Air-to-Surface Vessel (ASV) radar, enhancing their ability to detect enemy submarines and surface raiders. In secondary roles, Walruses attacked shore targets during operations in Norway, East Africa and the Mediterranean.

By 1943, improvements in shipborne radar reduced the need for catapult-launched aircraft aboard major warships. As catapults and aircraft handling equipment were removed, many naval Walruses transferred to other duties. The aircraft continued to operate from Royal Navy aircraft carriers, where its exceptionally low landing speed allowed it to land safely despite lacking a tailhook. Walruses were frequently employed for communications and air-sea rescue tasks in support of fleet operations.