Each of the numerous items kept atthe Naval Museum come with a history.Shown here are just a few fascinatingexamples. In the room on the frontbuilding, which is dedicated to thePrince of Chumphon (Admiral PrinceAbhakara Kiartivongse), the Father ofthe Royal Thai Navy, the exhibits include certain personal items of his such as the handwritten letter he wrote to one of his young sons. The prince illustrated the letter with drawings that show how he and his companions slept during their sea journey to the South. The bell shown in one of the pictures belonged to the HTMS Thonburi, which was heavily damaged by the French during the Battle of Koh Chang on Jan 17, 1941. Navy officers shown in the old framed photo were those who survived the historical naval combat. The picture was taken soon after they were awarded the medals of valour. The intricately decorated and intimidating hae-ra boats, on display in the back building, were used to carry royal guards during the earlyRattanakosin Period.