HMS Active was the tenth Royal Navy ship of the name and was built at Pembroke Royal Dockyard. Lady Herbert launched her in 1911 as the wife of Major General Ivor Herbert, a member of Parliament associated with support for the armed forces and defence spending. Giving her the ceremonial role made a favourable political impression. The launch connected the dockyard and construction programme with an influential advocate as well as marking a technical milestone.
Notable Point · 10:20-11:02
Lady Herbert's launch links Pembroke Dockyard to naval politics
Active's launch by the wife of a pro-defence member of Parliament illustrates how warship ceremonies could reinforce political support for naval spending.