Was There Ever an HMS King George VI?

Quite simply, no. However, the complexity of naming conventions in the Royal Navy can lead to confusion. Let's dive into the history and reasoning behind these names, especially regarding the HMS King George V class ships and the relevance to the current Royal Navy carriers.

The HMS King George V Class Ships

The HMS King George V class ships are indeed a unique part of naval history. These were two battleships named after King George V of the United Kingdom. The first ship, HMS King George V, was launched in 1911, and the second, HMS Hood, in 1939. But what makes these ships particularly unusual is their adherence to what is often seen as an unconventional naming practice in the Royal Navy.

Naming Conventions in the Royal Navy

In the Royal Navy, ships are typically named after notable figures such as kings, queens, cities, and other memorials. However, the King George V class stands out as they bypassed the typical convention of naming ships after living monarchs or recently deceased kings/queens. Instead, the ships were named after reigning monarchs at the time of their commission:

HMS King George V(1911) - Named after King George V, who was the reigning monarch at that time. HMS Hood(1939) - Named after King George V’s father, King Edward VII, who had passed away in 1910, making him a fitting choice for a ship launched in 1939.

This historical precedent allows for potential confusion in understanding the naming conventions. For instance, it’s not uncommon for some to mistakenly assume that there would be a ship named HMS King George VI, given the historical context of the previous naming practice. Yet, this was never the case.

The Current Royal Navy and Naming Conventions

Understanding the past is useful for comprehending the present. The naming conventions of the Royal Navy today largely mirror those of the past. This is best exemplified by the naming of the current Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier fleet:

HMS Queen Elizabeth - This aircraft carrier, launched in 2010, is the second ship to bear this name. The first HMS Queen Elizabeth (1912) was a part of the World War II-era Queen Elizabeth class battleships, which had evacuated British forces from Dunkirk. Thus, the second ship does not represent the current Queen, but continues a broader naval tradition. HMS Prince of Wales - Similarly, this aircraft carrier is the second ship to carry this name. The original HMS Prince of Wales (1941) was a battleship that saw action in World War II but was sunk in 1941. The new ship, launched in 2012, follows in this tradition.

Both of these recent additions to the Royal Navy’s fleet continue the interesting tradition of naming for significant historical figures and naval milestones. This has led to a complex set of naming conventions, where a ship can be named after a monarch who is no longer alive, or even a deceased previous monarch.

The Precendents and Future Implications

Given these precedents, there is indeed the possibility of a future HMS King George V. The naming of subsequent ships in the line of King George V class provides a precedent for naming after figures from the past, rather than the current or recent monarchs. For instance, the Royal Navy’s convention is to reuse naming after significant battles or figures, such as HMS Duke of York or HMS Princess Royal, which honor historical leaders and significant battles.

However, the naming of the future ships is ultimately decided by the Royal Navy, and they may choose to build upon historical naming conventions based on specific criteria or historical significance. Since the naming of ships is a deeply symbolic and historically significant act, it will be interesting to see how the Royal Navy balances historical continuity with modern relevance.

Conclusion

In summary, there has never been an HMS King George VI given the existing conventions and historical precedents. While the naming of ships can be complex, following these conventions can lead to interesting historical continuities and confusion. As the Royal Navy continues to honor royal figures through its naming conventions, we should expect to see further nuances in future ship names.

Understanding these naming conventions is crucial for any enthusiast of naval history and provides a fascinating glimpse into the enduring traditions and symbolic roles of the Royal Navy.