SKU-H0112867P-1
HMS Pretoria Castle F61 Escort Aircraft Carrier August 1943 Photo Print
HMS Pretoria Castle (F61) lies at anchor in August 1943, a few weeks after her conversion to a Royal Navy escort carrier was completed. The camera is low on the water off her starboard bow, where the forward end of the flight deck overhangs the stem above a row of deep recesses cut into the hull below. Dazzle camouflage in bold pale and dark panels runs aft along her side, and a crane and dock sheds stand on the shore beyond her.
She was launched at Harland and Wolff in Belfast on 12 October 1938 as a Union-Castle liner, and the Admiralty took her up as an armed merchant cruiser in October 1939, arming her with eight 6 inch guns. She served mainly in the South Atlantic until the Admiralty bought her outright in July 1942 and Swan Hunter on the Tyne rebuilt her with a hangar and flight deck. For the rest of the war she worked as a trials and training carrier in home waters rather than on operations, and on 4 April 1945 the test pilot Eric Brown landed a Bell Airacobra on her deck, the first deck landing made by an aircraft with a nosewheel undercarriage. Union-Castle bought her back in 1946 and she returned to the South Africa run as Warwick Castle.
You can read more about the history of HMS Pretoria Castle HERE
This print is ideal for those who served in HMS Pretoria Castle and for anyone with a connection to the Fleet Air Arm's wartime trials work or to the Union-Castle Line.
Product Details
- Image Taken: August 1943
- Photographer: Royal Navy official photographer
- © Public Domain – Restored by Hampshire Prints
- Free UK Delivery
- Professional Lab Printing
- 5 Year Guarantee
- Award Winning Framing and Mounting
- Made to order in the UK
- High quality photo paper
- 6x4 Inches up to 46.8 x 33.1 Inches (A0)
- UL certified GREENGUARD GOLD inks
- Full print coverage
- Securely packed for safe transit
- Free UK delivery
EU Customer GPSR Information
- Features: Bright white paper 240gsm. Subtle pearl-like texture, satin finish. Giclée fine art photo print.
- Materials: Photo paper
- Age restriction: This product is made for adults
- EU warranty: 2-year warranty in EEA and UK, established by Directive 1999/44/EC.
- Eco properties: Water-based inks. Sustainably sourced paper or wood. Local fulfilment. Plastic-free. Vegan-friendly.
- GPSR manufacturer: Hampshire Prints Ltd
- Authorised representative: Prodigi B.V.
Jan van Riebeeckweg 15
5928 LG Venlo
Netherlands
Email: dpo@prodigi.com
Some images in our collection are over 100 years old. While we use advanced digital restoration techniques to enhance clarity and detail, certain prints may not match modern photography standards. We ensure every image is presented at the highest quality possible while preserving authenticity.
Framed Print Features
- Professional framing
- Strict quality control procedures
- Fine art Fuji photo paper
- 8 x 10 inches up to 30 x 20 inches image sizes
- UL certified GREENGUARD GOLD inks
- Premium acrylic glazing
- Framing and mounting by hand
- Securely packaged for safe transit
- Free UK delivery
Black Frame
A flat moulding that gives maximum impact, finished in an ash black effect.
- Width38mm (1.5″)
- Height20.5mm (0.8″)
- FinishPrinted
- MaterialPolycore
White Frame
A flat-faced moulding giving maximum impact, finished in a smooth, satin white.
- Width40mm (1.6″)
- Height26mm (1.0″)
- FinishFoiled
- MaterialPolycore
Silver Frame
Modern with a bright, brushed aluminium look and a gentle inward tilt.
- Width31.8mm (1.3″)
- Height28.6mm (1.1″)
- FinishFoiled
- MaterialRadiata Pine
Classic Frame
A traditional walnut-coloured frame inset with tasteful gold foiling.
- Width35mm (1.4″)
- Height20mm (0.8″)
- FinishStained
- MaterialWood
Hanging hardware included with every framed print.
Framing & Mounting
We provide a bright white mount as standard. If you prefer an alternative colour, please contact us. Depending on the print's size and orientation, we may occasionally need to adjust the mount's size or shape to ensure the best presentation.
Our frame selection is extensive, and due to website limitations not every style can be listed. If you have a particular colour or design in mind, please get in touch and we will be happy to discuss available options.
The final frame size and proportions may vary slightly based on the image ratio. Occasionally, frames may need to be a little taller or wider than the chosen size; however, they will never be smaller than the specified dimensions.
Your order will be crafted by award-winning framing technicians based in central England, with decades of combined experience. Using the finest FUJI professional photographic papers and premium materials, they ensure exceptional print and frame quality.
Our hand-picked craftsmen and women work with state-of-the-art printing and cutting equipment, yet every frame is still assembled by hand and subject to rigorous quality checks. Their dedication consistently results in outstanding work, appreciated by many returning customers.
- Made from sustainably sourced wood
- Securely packaged for safe delivery
Please note: once your order enters production, changes cannot be made.
The sizes shown denote the size of the print before framing.
| Size | Inches | cm | Framing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 x 4 | 6 x 4 | 15.2 x 10.2 | ✗ |
| 7 x 5 | 7 x 5 | 17.8 x 12.7 | ✗ |
| A5 | 8.3 x 5.8 | 21.0 x 14.8 | ✗ |
| 10 x 8 | 10 x 8 | 25.4 x 20.3 | ✓ |
| A4 Most popular | 11.7 x 8.3 | 29.7 x 21.0 | ✓ |
| A3 | 16.5 x 11.7 | 42.0 x 29.7 | ✓ |
| 20 x 16 | 20 x 16 | 50.8 x 40.6 | ✓ |
| A2 | 23.4 x 16.5 | 59.4 x 42.0 | ✗ |
| 24 x 16 | 24 x 16 | 61.0 x 40.6 | ✓ |
| 30 x 20 | 30 x 20 | 76.2 x 50.8 | ✓ |
| A1 | 33.1 x 23.4 | 84.1 x 59.4 | ✗ |
| 36 x 24 | 36 x 24 | 91.4 x 61.0 | ✗ |
| A0 | 46.8 x 33.1 | 118.9 x 84.1 | ✗ |
✓ available framed or as a print · ✗ print only
- For framed prints, the size shown is the print before framing. The frame, and a mount if you choose one, add to the overall size. See the Framing Guide for details.
- Not sure which size to choose? Email Sales@hampshireprints.co.uk and we will gladly help.