Royal Navy | |
---|---|
Naval ensign | |
Active | 16th century - present |
Country | United Kingdom |
Type | Navy |
Size | 39,100 active personnel
50 surface ships |
Part of | Ministry of Defence |
Garrison/HQ | Devonport, Portsmouth |
Commanders | |
First Sea Lord | Bruce Fraser |
The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of HM Armed Forces. From the beginning of the 19th century until the end of World War I it was the most powerful navy in the world, playing a key part in establishing the British Empire as the dominant world power from 1815 until 1919. In World War II the Royal Navy operated almost 140 ships.