no they dont! Not unless there are some massively geeky RN historians within DRS.
I was told that any such connection is entirely coincidental and that the names are not linked to any name used by the Royal Navy. The words were chosen to suggest strength, solidity and power. The conversation came about as I suggested that if they were named after the ships then the ships crest would be a nice touch especially as we have family history with at least one of the ships.
If we look at the names the link with the Royal Navy is tenuous at best. Only 3 are live RN ships. I could see DRS locomotives named after RN submarines as they are built at Barrow and DRS transport naval reactor material. However I struggle with ships dating from WW1 or WW2 or earlier!
- HMS Intrpid was an amphibious assault ship withdrawn in 1999
- HMS Astute is a current attack submarine
- HMS Rapid was a WW2 R Class destoryer sunk as a torpedo target in 1981
- HMS Defiant was a film or a 1780's ship of the line! However USS Defiant is in Star Trek first contact and is commanded by Worf
- HMS Daring is a live type 45 Destroyer
- HMS Valiant was a WW1 battle ship although there is a USS Valiant in Star Trek
- HMS Avenger was a WW2 escort carrier or a Type 21 frigate sold to Pakistan in 1994
- HMS Fearless was amphibious assault ship withdrawn in 2002
- HMS Hornet was a WW1 destroyer
- HMS Vigilant is an active missile submarine
- HMS Reliance was last used in the 1700's
- HMS Tireless was an attack submarine withdrawn in 2014
- HMS Resolution was a ballistic missile submarine withdrawn in 1994
- HMS Achilles was a Leander class frigate sold to Chille in 1990
- HMS Centaur was an aircraft carrier scrapped in 1970
- HMS Superb was an attack submarine withdrawn in 2008
Of the proposed names Endevour was the name of James Cook exploration ship in the 1770's, Excelsior is a Star Trek ship, HMS Patriot was a WW1 destroyer, HMS Courageous is a semi preserved attack submarine and HMS Victorious is an active missile submarine.
If someone has alternative information I will happily offer my apologies. Personally i tihnk the name sound more like sci fi space navy ship names from Star Trek or Star Wars
PS I cant find HMS Oxford Flier
