Forward Steering Position
On 4 Deck, deep in the bowels of HMS Belfast, can be found the Forward Steering Position, seen above, manned by three men in quite a large compartment.
The sailor in the centre steers the ship using the large wooden ship's wheel in front of him. Just above and forward of the wheel is a brass semi-circular fitting with a pointer, which shows him how much wheel (angle on the rudders) is being applied. Above his head is the compass, showing the ship's heading (which way she's pointing). To either side of him are sailors who appear to be manning the engine order telegraphs, which send messages to the engine room dictating how much power is required.
Very different from modern gas-turbine warships where the steering position is on the bridge, manned by one man, who controls both the steering and directly sets the required engine outputs.
Forward Steering Position
On 4 Deck, deep in the bowels of HMS Belfast, can be found the Forward Steering Position, seen above, manned by three men in quite a large compartment.
The sailor in the centre steers the ship using the large wooden ship's wheel in front of him. Just above and forward of the wheel is a brass semi-circular fitting with a pointer, which shows him how much wheel (angle on the rudders) is being applied. Above his head is the compass, showing the ship's heading (which way she's pointing). To either side of him are sailors who appear to be manning the engine order telegraphs, which send messages to the engine room dictating how much power is required.
Very different from modern gas-turbine warships where the steering position is on the bridge, manned by one man, who controls both the steering and directly sets the required engine outputs.