British destroyer 'opens fire' in Pacific with huge arsenal of weapons amid WW3 fears
A British naval destroyer, HMS Dauntless, has 'opened fire' in the Pacific during a successful live-fire exercise to confirm its combat readiness amidst escalating World War 3 fears.
The Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyer participated in Operation Highmast on July 6, where it was seen utilising General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) and 30mm cannons against floating targets while escorting the UK Carrier Strike Group on its inaugural flagship deployment of the year.
Operation Highmast is an eight-month task group mission spearheaded by HMS Prince of Wales, with support from ships, aircraft and personnel from over a dozen allied nations.
This deployment spans the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific, culminating in joint exercises with key regional partners.
In total, it involves more than 4,500 British military personnel, including approximately 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines, as well as 600 Royal Air Force personnel and 900 soldiers, reports the Express.
In addition to large-scale training serials, the task group will also provide support for diplomatic port visits and promote UK defence exports.
Commanded by Commander Ben Dorrington, HMS Dauntless has been operational since its initial launch in Govan in January 2007, before being formally handed over in December 2009 and commissioned into the Royal Navy in June 2010.
The vessel measures 152.4 metres in length and is a guided missile destroyer weighing between 8,000 and 8,500 tonnes.
Built chiefly for fleet-wide air defence, the warship runs on two Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines and three MTU diesel generators, powering two Converteam electric motors that enable speeds of more than 30 knots.
Its fighting capability is formidable, with a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles at 18 knots and accommodation for 191 crew members, with berths for up to 235.
Meanwhile, Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has wrapped up its first visit to Australia after participating in a major military drill.
The fleet flagship has now departed for Japan as the next leg of its eight-month Indo-Pacific deployment.
The £3billion vessel left Portsmouth in April for the mission encompassing visits to 40 nations across the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan and Australia.
A Royal Navy spokesperson revealed the carrier had departed Darwin following participation in the Talisman Sabre exercise whilst also serving as venue for diplomatic meetings, including with representatives of the indigenous Larrakia people.
He added: "The flagship hosted a string of senior British and Australian politicians, including Defence Secretary John Healey and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, his Australian counterpart Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
"The aircraft carrier has also served as the impressive setting for a business and industry event, discussing the growing importance of defence links between London and Canberra.
"And the 2,500-plus personnel in the task group have enjoyed down time to explore the largest city in Australia's Northern Territory."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
King Charles to make historic address in tribute to thousands who died in war
King Charles will make a historic address to the nation next week as he honours the thousands of British soldiers who perished for our freedom during the Second World War. The King is set to deliver a historic speech marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, when allied forces triumphantly celebrated victory over Japan and brought the Second World War to its conclusion. King Charles will mirror the sentiments of his grandfather, King George VI, who honoured the thousands of British servicemen who gave their lives for our liberty on August 15, 1945. Charles will present an audio message, to be issued by Buckingham Palace, on the morning of next Friday's anniversary. Sources reveal the King has personally crafted the statement, eager to acknowledge the "duty and sacrifice of our greatest generation". The King spearheaded the nation three months ago during the VE Day commemorations, when 80 years previously in 1945, Britain and its allies rejoiced in defeating Nazi oppression following six years of conflict which left Europe teetering on the edge of ruin, reports the Mirror. On August 15, 1945, King George VI addressed the nation to announce the dawn of a fresh chapter for Britain and Europe, declaring: "Japan has surrendered, so let us join in thanking Almighty God that war has ended throughout the world, and that in every country men may now turn their industry, skill, and science to repairing its frightful devastation and to building prosperity and happiness. "Our sense of deliverance is overpowering, and with it all, we have a right to feel that we have done our duty. I ask you again at this solemn hour to remember all who have laid down their lives, and all who have endured the loss of those they love." George also took a moment to acknowledge the grief felt even by our adversaries, following the devastation Hitler's war machine inflicted across Europe and subsequently Asia through Japan's participation in the conflict. As part of nationwide commemorations next week, the nation will observe two minutes' silence to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Numerous commemorative events have been arranged, with a remembrance service scheduled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on August 15, featuring a 400-strong military contingent, a Red Arrows display and historic aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Coordinated alongside the Royal British Legion (RBL), the remembrance ceremony will welcome Second World War veterans. The event will also include representatives from VJ associations, senior politicians, and military leaders, according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Tom Berry, a 101 year old Second World War veteran and RBL ambassador from Cheshire, who served aboard HMS Tartar during Japan's capitulation, remarked: "For veterans like me and all those who carried on fighting until VJ Day was announced, this will be a very emotional day – a moment in history." Prime Minister Keir Starmer is urging citizens to remain at home and watch the ceremony on television. He stated: "I'll be watching the service at home, and I'd ask the country to do the same – to stop and remember all those who gave so much for our freedoms, and those who never made it back." As part of this year's commemorations, the 76 year old King travelled to Poland in January to mark 80 years since Auschwitz-Birkenau's liberation. The monarch declared "the act of remembering the evils of the past remains a vital task" whilst meeting Holocaust survivors in Poland. Whilst VE Day on 8th May 1945 signalled the end of European warfare, the battle against Japanese forces across Asia and the Pacific raged on for another three months, with thousands of British and Commonwealth soldiers still engaged. Throughout four days of London commemorations, King Charles received some of the final surviving WWII veterans alongside their families at Buckingham Palace for a special ceremony honouring their sacrifice. At a Horse Guards Parade concert, he reinforced his grandfather's sentiments, declaring: "His words echo down through history as all this week, and especially today, we unite to celebrate and remember with an unwavering and heartfelt gratitude, the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation who made that hard-fought victory possible. While our greatest debt is owed to all those who paid the ultimate price, we should never forget how the war changed the lives of virtually everyone." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Buckingham Palace is collaborating extensively with the government on numerous special events next week to mark the occasion, representing one of the final major anniversaries alongside survivors of the war's atrocities. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated: "Those who continued to fight bravely in Asia and the Pacific in those last few months of the Second World War must never be forgotten. It is so important for us as a nation to come together on this important anniversary to remember our VJ Day veterans and hear their stories first-hand so we can ensure that their legacy is passed on to future generations and their sacrifice is never forgotten." Defence Minister John Healey remarked: "VJ Day was the final victory in a war that changed the world, and we honour those who served in the Far East with enduring gratitude. Just as we proudly marked VE Day, we reflect on the courage, sacrifice and resilience shown by so many to secure peace. Their legacy must never be forgotten, and it's our duty to pass their stories on to future generations."
Rhyl Journal
4 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
I feel they're watching me – Pride of Wren aged 100 as she visits old barracks
Dorothea Barron, aged 100, said she felt her departed comrades 'watching me' as she marked the start of construction work at the old barracks near Port Edgar which is being transformed into affordable homes. Ms Barron served as a visual signaller in the Women's Royal Naval Service, playing a key role in training personnel ahead of the D-Day landings. On Thursday, she laid the first brick as construction began at the site, saying: 'This is so exciting, I feel so honoured.' She arrived in a black cab driven by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, remarking: 'It's worth being 100 for this!' Speaking to the PA news agency, she was humble about her own role in the war, saying: 'I don't do this on my behalf, it's on behalf of everybody of every armed force. 'I feel their bodies watching me – having lived to 100 I'm still representing that generation, which went totally, totally devotedly to war to protect the British isles. 'I'm so proud still to be able to represent all my generation, who gave so much. They gave their all. 'They were prepared to die for their country.' With the anniversary of VJ Day approaching, she said the end of the war had felt like a 'burden being lifted'. The veteran said it is 'tremendous' the old barracks site will have a new lease of life as housing and community centres. She remembers arriving at the 'beautiful' location as a young member of the Wrens who did not mind the fact that their accommodation was in 'very rudimentary' corrugated iron huts. Ms Barron enlisted in the Wrens when she was 18, having been a schoolgirl in London during the Blitz. She was so determined to serve she faked her height in order to pass the Wrens' entrance requirements – stuffing cardboard inside her shoes to make her appear taller. During the war she spent much of her time at naval sites in Scotland, initially at Port Edgar on the Firth of Forth and then Rosyth in Fife, Aberdeen, and Campbeltown on the Kintyre peninsula. The centenarian – who now enjoys yoga and lives in Hertfordshire – specialised in reading morse code and semaphore, and was stationed at the site from November 1943 to June 1944 when it was known as HMS Hopetoun. Working in other parts of Scotland as well as Port Edgar, her main job was to help naval personnel learn signalling techniques at sea. Her visit to Port Edgar is part of a special trip organised by The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, run by volunteer London black cab drivers. As well as the old barracks building, she will be taken to other sites around Scotland where she served during the war. The old barracks buildings have sat derelict for years and are now being transformed by the project by Lar Housing Trust. Lar chief executive Ann Leslie said: 'We're absolutely delighted to welcome Dorothea to our Port Edgar development – she is a remarkable lady with a fund of stories to tell about her time here. 'This project has captured the imagination of so many people with historic and family links to the barracks, and it's a special moment for us to meet Dorothea and hear about her memories of being stationed here. 'We've also enjoyed incredible support from the City of Edinburgh Council as well as local community, heritage and history groups who are delighted that something so positive is happening at such an important and historic site.'
North Wales Chronicle
4 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
I feel they're watching me – Pride of Wren aged 100 as she visits old barracks
Dorothea Barron, aged 100, said she felt her departed comrades 'watching me' as she marked the start of construction work at the old barracks near Port Edgar which is being transformed into affordable homes. Ms Barron served as a visual signaller in the Women's Royal Naval Service, playing a key role in training personnel ahead of the D-Day landings. On Thursday, she laid the first brick as construction began at the site, saying: 'This is so exciting, I feel so honoured.' She arrived in a black cab driven by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, remarking: 'It's worth being 100 for this!' Speaking to the PA news agency, she was humble about her own role in the war, saying: 'I don't do this on my behalf, it's on behalf of everybody of every armed force. 'I feel their bodies watching me – having lived to 100 I'm still representing that generation, which went totally, totally devotedly to war to protect the British isles. 'I'm so proud still to be able to represent all my generation, who gave so much. They gave their all. 'They were prepared to die for their country.' With the anniversary of VJ Day approaching, she said the end of the war had felt like a 'burden being lifted'. The veteran said it is 'tremendous' the old barracks site will have a new lease of life as housing and community centres. She remembers arriving at the 'beautiful' location as a young member of the Wrens who did not mind the fact that their accommodation was in 'very rudimentary' corrugated iron huts. Ms Barron enlisted in the Wrens when she was 18, having been a schoolgirl in London during the Blitz. She was so determined to serve she faked her height in order to pass the Wrens' entrance requirements – stuffing cardboard inside her shoes to make her appear taller. During the war she spent much of her time at naval sites in Scotland, initially at Port Edgar on the Firth of Forth and then Rosyth in Fife, Aberdeen, and Campbeltown on the Kintyre peninsula. The centenarian – who now enjoys yoga and lives in Hertfordshire – specialised in reading morse code and semaphore, and was stationed at the site from November 1943 to June 1944 when it was known as HMS Hopetoun. Working in other parts of Scotland as well as Port Edgar, her main job was to help naval personnel learn signalling techniques at sea. Her visit to Port Edgar is part of a special trip organised by The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, run by volunteer London black cab drivers. As well as the old barracks building, she will be taken to other sites around Scotland where she served during the war. The old barracks buildings have sat derelict for years and are now being transformed by the project by Lar Housing Trust. Lar chief executive Ann Leslie said: 'We're absolutely delighted to welcome Dorothea to our Port Edgar development – she is a remarkable lady with a fund of stories to tell about her time here. 'This project has captured the imagination of so many people with historic and family links to the barracks, and it's a special moment for us to meet Dorothea and hear about her memories of being stationed here. 'We've also enjoyed incredible support from the City of Edinburgh Council as well as local community, heritage and history groups who are delighted that something so positive is happening at such an important and historic site.'
