[FT] Ship names (NAC, NSL, FSE and Nea Rhomaioi)

A couple of thoughts on ship names: In the GZG range, the NAC
Battledreadnought is the "Excalibur" class, modified from the "Avalon"; a
distinctly Arthurian theme there. According to the WRG book "Armies of the
Dark Ages", Arthur had, amongst other ships, vessels named "Fairform" and
"Grim Smiler".

Having finally sent off an order for some NSL GZG ships (NSL), and recalling
Jon T. saying that the NSL has a strong Austro-Hungarian flavour, I
looked
up my Conway's 1860-1905 for some names for them.  A BB has just GOT to
be the "Erzherzogin Kronprinzessin Stefani", who I've mentioned before, with
"Kaiser Max" for a Maximilian BC (or "Werner Voss" for a Richthofen perhaps).
DDs ended up with German style numbers, but earlier had animal names, which
are rather nice.

Round about the turn of the century, the French had numerous pretty DDs named
after weapons (including Claymore!), with Battleships named after heroes (e.g.
Brennus), battles (e.g. Magenta) or "principles" (e.g. Justice, Liberte) and
several large cruisers named after literary figures (e.g. Victor Hugo).

A final point, I know John A.s Romans speak Greek, but the thought struck me
a while ago that some Japanese WW2 names translate nicely into Latin- eg
Hiryu becomes Draco Volans. Also, the Italians (almost!) had a class of very
fast CLs, the "Capitani Romani" named for ancient Romans and in character very
"FSE"

Rob

> Rob Paul wrote:

> A final point, I know John A.s Romans speak Greek, but the thought

Without any good references on what the Byzantines named their ships, I've
gone for predominately Saints (the 12 Fleet Carriers are named after the 12
Apostles, for instance). Emperors, Generals, and Cities make up the smaller
ships. I havn't named my System Defense Boats
(sublight) yet, but I'm leaning towards "Night-blooming Cerebus"