National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth

HMS M.33

Immerse yourself in the stunning battle experience, hear the stories of the men who served on board and the bloody history of the Gallipoli Campaign which brings HMS M.33’s remarkable history to life.

Descend into the bottom of the dock and step aboard HMS M.33, one of the last British warships from the First World War that is open to the public.

The monitor, or M-class, of Royal Navy ships were intended to be of simple, cheap and fast construction, so weren’t expected to last long. HMS M.33 bucked the trend, a survivor of three major conflicts, multiple roles, and over a century of wear and tear. Today she sits proudly opposite HMS Victory as one of only three surviving First World War Royal Navy warships and the sole survivor of the Gallipoli Campaign.

Climb aboard this steel wonder, explore the cramped spaces that managed to house 72 crew, discover the scars of her previous lives, and marvel at her dazzle paint.

HMS M.33 is open daily between 11.30am to 3.30pm (last entry 3pm).

Please note - the lift at this attraction is currently out of order.

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History

Built in 1915, HMS M.33 was one of five monitor-class ships designed for shallow-water bombardment. Her unique design allowed her to sail closer to the coast, enabling her to support land forces with devastating firepower.

HMS M.33's most famous role was during the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915. Despite the campaign's ultimate failure, HMS M.33 emerged unscathed, and with no casualties earning the nickname from the crew as "The Lucky Ship." Luck continued during the Russian Civil War in 1919, where she faced intense combat and survived near-misses and direct hits.

Today, HMS M.33 stands as a testament to storied past. The distinctive dazzle paint and battle scars are a reminder of her crucial role in shaping history.

Plan Your Visit

HMS M33 is open all year round from 11am every day*. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a great place to bring the family, celebrate birthdays and special occasions. You can also enjoy weekends, holidays, and days off, having quality time out in good company.

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Conservation

After service in Russia, HMS M.33 was spared the fate of her sister ships, finding new roles as a minelayer and a support vessel. In 1991, the long restoration process began, culminating in her transfer to the National Museum of the Royal Navy in 2014.

Balancing conservation and restoration has been a delicate task. While her guns have been restored to showcase her firepower, original engines and internal spaces remain largely untouched and are as they would have been in 1915.

This approach allows visitors to appreciate the ship's history and the marks of her long service and experience why the nickname "The Lucky Ship" was earnt. Today, HMS M.33 stands as a testament to naval past.

Curator Highlight

Ditty Box

Ditty box which belonged to F W A Roberts who served on board HMS M.33. The box would have contained his personal belongings whilst on board the ship.

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Related Collections & Conservation

Admiring the collection from HMS M33 is a unique experience. The artifacts, from ship's fittings to personal belongings, offer a tangible connection to the past. Each item tells a story, from the grandeur of naval power to the daily lives of the sailors who served aboard this historic vessel.

See the collection