Hms belfast was launched in 1938 and served with distinction in both the second world war and the korean war one of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built hms belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the second world war best known for her role during the second world war in supporting the allied troops on d day hms belfast offers nine decks of history for visitors to explore from the captains bridge to the sailors mess deck oper