Scale: 1:48. A very striking model with its sleek and menacing looking profile, tall, raked mast and funnels, and a bow shape reminiscent of fast clipper ships. It has been painted in realistic dark colours, and the metalwork has been patinated the colour of gunmetal, the only bright work being the four gold-plated propellers. Details include shutter telegraphs, chart table, and signalling lights.

Laid down in January 1914 at the Cammel Laird shipyard, Birkenhead, and commissioned in December of the same year, HMS ‘Caroline’ was one of a class of six. Most of them were mined during the war but none of the class was lost. Powered by Parsons turbines, at 40,000 horsepower, they could cruise at 28 knots.

‘Caroline’ was attached to the First Light Cruiser Squadron at Scapa Flow and later to the Fourth when it took part in the Battle of Jutland in 1916. During the remainder of the war it was with the Grand Fleet on patrol and escort duties. Paid off in 1922, it became the headquarters of the Ulster Division of the Royal Navy Volunteer reserve. She is still stationed at Belfast today.