To commemorate the re-dedication of the Type 42 guided missile destroyer HMS Edinburgh at HM Naval Base Portsmouth on 16th February 1996.

This cover is C.F. Hockaday Royal Navy Cover Series Three No.27

It is signed by Cdr. P. Fisher RN, Mrs Anne Heseltine Ship’s Sponsor, wife of Member of Parliament, Michael, Capt. M.L. Ladd OBE RN, Rt. Revd. Mgr. J.R.N. Mullin QHC VG RN, Lt. Cdr. R.M. Howe, DSC RN.

HMS EDINBURGH is a Batch Ill Type 42 Destroyer built by Cammell Laird at Birkenhead and Launched by the Ship's Sponsor Mrs Anne HESELTINE in April 1983. The ship displaces 4,500 tons is 463 feet long and has a complement of 300 personnel. The main role of the Type 42 Destroyer is Area Air Defence protecting a formation of ships against missile or aircraft attack, using her Sea Dart Missile system, the effect of which was shown in the Gulf War. The missile weighs three quarters of a ton and flies at twice the speed of sound. Other armament includes the fully automatic 4.5 inch gun, 20mm Gambo and 7.62mm machine guns and two triple torpedo launchers. The highly effective Phalanx Close In Weapon System protects from missile and air attack. The ships Lynx helicopter can carry Stingray torpedoes, depth charges and Sea Skua anti-ship missile. There is comprehensive computer suite to gather all information and utilise the most effective weapon system to combat any threat. The current HMS EDINBURGH is the sixth Royal Navy vessel to bear proudly the name of Scotland's capital city, the first a sixth rate with 32 guns from 1707 to the fifth a 10,000 ton cruiser launched in 1938 which saw service in WW2. Nine Battle Honours were obtained by these ships. In 1981 £45 million of gold was recovered from the War Grave of the fifth HMS EDINBURGH in 900 feet of water 170 miles north of Murmansk. Since Commissioning on 17/12/85 the ship has seen service in the Gulf, Far East and Antipodes as well as routine operations closer to home. HRH Prince Andrew served on board in 1988. The ship's many Affiliations include XI(F), and No.8 Squadrons RAF, the control centre at RAF Buchan, The Royal Scots(the oldest Regiment in the British Army), 3 Sea Cadet Units, Caledonian Brewery and Glenkinchie Distillery. Refitted at Rosyth Royal Dockyard in 1995, HMS EDINBURGH is today one of the most powerful Royal Navy warships.

Portsmouth Isle of Wight 16th Feb 1996 

Royal Naval Covers Series Three No.27 

Certified No.50 of 75 SPECIALS issued

Certified No.-- of 115 COVERS issued

Signed by:

1. Commander P.Fisher, Royal Navy, current Commanding Officer HMS Edinburgh, stamp on back. 

2. Anne Heseltine, Ship's Sponsor, wife of Member of Parliament, Michael.

3. Captain M.L.Ladd, OBE Royal Navy, First Commanding Officer of HMS Edinburgh.

4. Right Reverend Monsignor J.R.N.Mullin, QHC VG RN, Principle Roman Catholic Chaplain. 

5. Lieutenant Commander R.M.Howe, DSC RN, as a Lt. on previous 'Edinburgh' from 1940 to 1941. 

25p English postage stamp with a Portsmouth Handstamp. 75 specials from 115 covers issued.

See attached photos for more details regarding limited edition, inserts, photos and newspaper articles included with this cover. All covers have been kept in FDC file and are in good/very good/excellent condition.

Usually posted within 24/48 hours, if you purchase the value of £25 plus, I will use recorded delivery.

I always enclose my covers with an extra piece of card to protect each cover and to keep it as flat as possible on transit.

I will be selling a lot of First Day Covers/Royal Naval Covers over the next few months.

I post to the UK only. From a smoke free home.

Please let me know if you are not happy with your item before you leave negative feedback. 

Many thanks!