Victory at Sea Royal Navy HMS Rawalpindi
The HMS Rawalpindi was an armed merchant cruiser (AMC) pressed into service by the Royal Navy during World War II. Originally a passenger liner for the P&O Steam Navigation Company, Rawalpindi was converted into a wartime patrol vessel, tasked with protecting convoys and intercepting enemy commerce raiders. She became legendary for her brave but doomed engagement against the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in 1939, where she fought against overwhelming odds before being sunk.
Features:
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Unique armed merchant cruiser: A civilian vessel converted for naval combat.
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Includes detailed ship model: Represents HMS Rawalpindi in Victory at Sea battles.
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Highly detailed plastic sculpt: Perfect for wargaming or display.
Why Choose the Royal Navy HMS Rawalpindi?
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Ideal for early-war convoy escort scenarios: A must-have for historical recreations.
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Famous for its last stand against German battleships: Adds a heroic narrative to your fleet.
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Expands fleet options in Victory at Sea: Provides an unconventional but historical Royal Navy warship.
Product Info:
This set includes a plastic model of HMS Rawalpindi, featuring waterslide decals for customization. Requires assembly and painting. Compatible with Victory at Sea wargaming rules.
About the Warship:
Originally launched in 1925 as a passenger liner, HMS Rawalpindi was requisitioned by the Royal Navy in 1939 and refitted with outdated naval guns to serve as an armed merchant cruiser. While patrolling between Iceland and the Faroe Islands, she encountered the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. Despite being heavily outgunned, Captain Edward Coverley Kennedy and his crew chose to fight, engaging the enemy before being quickly overwhelmed and sunk. Their sacrifice became one of the most heroic naval actions of the early war.
About the Model:
This Victory at Sea set accurately portrays HMS Rawalpindi in her final engagement, capturing her civilian-built hull, limited armament, and unique merchant cruiser profile. Whether for historical wargaming, dioramas, or display collections, this model represents the bravery and resilience of the Royal Navy’s armed merchant ships.
