1 9 4 2
December Contractors trials.
31st Build completion date and commissioning.
1 9 4 3
January Acceptance trials.
20th On completion took passage to Scapa Flow to work-up with 10th Cruiser Squadron Home Fleet.
22nd Worked-up with Home Fleet at Scapa Flow.
February On completion of work-up deployed with Squadron in Home Fleet.
Nominated for service in Mediterranean.
March Transferred to Plymouth Command with two Home Fleet destroyers.
17th Deployed in Bay of Biscay for interception of blockade runners.
April Passage to Gibraltar to join 12th Cruiser Squadron.
18th Joined Squadron at Algiers for interception of North African supply convoys.
May Transferred to 15th Cruiser Squadron for duty as Flagship.
22nd Embarked CinC (Admiral A B Cunningham) for passage to Malta.
24th Passage to Algiers to rejoin Squadron.
June
3rd Deployed for attack on Pantellaria (Operation CORKSCREW).
5th Bombarded Italian positions on Pantellaria.
8th Repeated bombardment.
11th Covered landing of 1st British Division on Pantellaria with H M Cruisers AURORA,
PENELOPE, ORION and EURYALUS screened by Fleet destroyers and MTB's.
(For details see ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY by Corelli Barnett).
13th Deployed with HM Destroyer NUBIAN at Linosa and accepted its surrender
16th Carried out exercises in Suez Bay until 22nd June.
July Transferred to 15th Cruiser Squadron as Flagship.
5th General Montgomery visited ship in Malta.
6th Admiral Ramsay came on board.
9th Passage to Alexandria to cover passage of military convoys for Sicilian landings
(Operation HUSKY. For details see ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY by
. C. Barnett and Naval Staff History).
11th Part of Support Force East for assault landings with HM Cruisers UGANDA, ORION,
MAURITIUS, CARLISLE, COLOMBO and DELHI.
Provided gunfire support at Pozallo with HM Destroyers BRISSENDEN and BLANKNEY.
12th Bombarded Syracuse and Augusta. Came under threat of submarine attacks.
17th Bombarded coastal targets and harbour AA defences at Augusta until 22nd July.
19th Bombarded gun positions at Catania with HM Destroyers LOOKOUT and BLANKNEY.
20th Bombarded shore positions at Lentini and Carlentini with same destroyers.
23rd Took passage from Augusta, Sicily for Malta with HM Cruiser MAURITIUS screened by HM
Destroyers LAFOREY, LOOKOUT and LOYAL.
Under attack by U407 which failed.
Torpedoed by Italian submarine ASCIANGHI whilst on passage.
Sustained major damage aft to steering gear and stem structure.
One rating was blown overboard and lost his life and six other men injured.
(Note: One source records the torpedoes from the Italian submarine missed.
ASCIANGHl was sunk during the subsequent anti-submarine operations by HM
Destroyers LAFOREY and ECLIPSE.
24th At Malta.
August Temporary repair carried out before taking passage to USA.
(Note: Only two shafts were available and steering possible only by main engines.)
8th Sailed for Gibraltar.
12th Sailed for USA.
22nd Taken in hand for repair by US Navy Yard on arrival at Boston
September Under repair at Boston Navy Yard.
to
December
1 9 4 4
January Repair at Boston Navy Yard in continuation.
February
14th Captain R W Ravenhill joined ship to take command.
Commissioned for Trials and passage.
20th Completed refit.
March Carried out post refit trials.
April Passage to Norfolk, Virginia.
20th Took passage to St. Johns, Newfoundland
29th At St. Johns.
May
3rd Took passage to UK.
Re-commissioned for service after arrival.
June Under further refit in Clyde shipyard to completion installation of British radar equipment
units not available in USA.
(Note: Replacement of main armament fire control radar Type 284 by a new design
of centimetric wavelength, Type 274.
Replacement of surface warning Radar Types 272 by new design Type 293.
Replacement of air warning Radar Type 281 using both masts by new design Type 281B
using only an aerial on the mainmast.
Installation of new design radar Type 277 for control of aircraft and for surface
warning.
For details of development and use of radar in RN see RADAR AT SEA by D. Howse).
Improved Close Range AA weapons were also fitted.)
July Under refit
to (Note: Following the addition of new radars and weapon equipment displacement at Full
October Load had increased to 11,058 tons compared with 10,840 on build).
November
3rd Refit work completed and commenced harbour and sea trials.
22nd Prepared for passage to Scapa Flow to rejoin Fleet. Nominated for service as Flagship,
4th Cruiser Squadron in British Pacific Fleet.
December Deployed at Scapa Flow to work-up for operational service with ships of the Home Fleet.
21st Passage to Mediterranean.
1 9 4 5
January Deployed in eastern Mediterranean.
February
2nd Sustained major damage after an explosion in port torpedo tube mounting Alexandria.
There were some casualties.
Taken in hand for repair during which an additional 40mm Close Range AA Armament was fitted.
(Note: This work delayed the planned deployment).
March
26th Took passage to Sydney via Colombo, Cocos Island and Fremantle.
April
20th Arrived at Sydney and prepared for service in British Pacific Fleet.
27th CinC British Pacific Fleet, Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser addressed ship's company.
May
4th Sailed to join HM Australian Cruiser HOBART, HM Australian Destroyer ARUNTA and
HM Australian Destroyer WARRAMUNGA to support military operations in New Guinea.
10th Bombarded Cape Hoem with HMAS ARUNTA.
11th Bombarded Dove Bay before landings (Operation DELUGE).
12th Provided naval gunfire support at Wewak with HMAS HOBART during landings by 6th
Australian Division.
On release from DELUGE took passage to join British Pacific Fleet at Manus.
19th Took passage to Auckland, New Zealand.
24th Arrived at Auckland for R&R and minor repairs.
June
6th Took passage to Manus to rejoin BPF.
Nominated for duty in Task Group 111.2 for attack on Truk Operation INMATE).
12th Joined HM Aircraft Carriers IMPLACABLE and RULER with HM Cruisers SWIFTSURE,
ACHILLES and UGANDA to cover flying operations on Truk, screened by HM Destroyers
TROUBRIDGE, TENACIOUS, TERPSICHORE and TEAZER (Operation INMATE).
Deployed as Task Unit 111.2.5 with HMS UGANDA (RCN) and HMS ACHILLES (RNZN).
Carried out bombardment exercises on passage.
13th Detached with HMS SWIFTSURE and HMS UGANDA screened by HM Destroyers
TROUBRIDGE, TENACIOUS and TEAZER as Task Unit 111.2. to cover flying operations.
14th Deployed in designated area during air attacks by HMS IMPLACABLE which continued
after nightfall.
15th Rejoined main force at dawn.
Detached with HMS TROUBRIDGE to shell shore batteries on island of Uman.
Carried out bombardment.
(Note: The other two cruisers carried out bombardment of other targets.
One source suggests that this was not a total success owing to confusion with aircraft
spotting reports which covered bombardments by all ships).
16th Task Group reformed for return passage to Manus.
17th Arrived at British Forward Support Base, Manus with TG111.2.
Returned to Sydney with major units of Task Unit 112.3
28th Took passage from Sydney with HM Battleships KING GEORGE V, HM Aircraft Carrier,
FORMIDABLE, HM Cruisers UGANDA and EURYALUS screened by eight Fleet Destroyers.
July
4th Arrived at Manus
6th Took passage from Manus with HM Battleship KING GEORGE V, HM Aircraft Carriers
FORMIDABLE, VICTORIOUS and IMPLACABLE, HM Cruisers UGANDA (RCN) and
ACHILLES (RNZN) screened by RN destroyers of BPF as Task Force 37, part of US 3rd Fleet.
(Note: Destroyer screen comprised HM Destroyers GRENVILLE, ULYSSES, UNDINE,
URCHIN URANIA, UNDAUNTED, QUIBERON (RAN), QUICKMATCH (RAN),
QUALITY (RAN), QUADRANT (RAN) of 4th Destroyer Flotilla and HM Destroyers
TROUBRIDGE, TENACIOUS, TERMAGANT, TERPSICHORE and TEAZER of 24th
13th Replenished from Fleet Train.
16th Deployed with TF37 to join Task Groups 38.1, 38.3 and 38.4 of 3rd Fleet for joint RN/USN
bombardments and carrier air strikes against targets in the Tokyo-Yokohama area.
17th Bombarded Hitachi Works north of Tokyo with HMS KING GEORGE V, HM Cruiser BLACK
PRINCE and HM Australian Destroyer QUALITY.
18th Covered operations by H M Aircraft Carriers FORMIDABLE, VICTORIOUS and IMPLACABLE
against targets on Japanese mainland until 27/7/45.
(For details see THE FORGOTTEN FLEET by J Winton and Naval Staff History).
27th Replenished from US Navy tankers of Task Unit 30.18.1 with HMNZS ACHILLES.
(Note: This was necessary because of shortage of fuel from British Fleet Train).
31st Deployed with HM Escort Carrier RULER, HM Cruisers ARGONAUT and ACHILLES.
Acted as voice radio communications link between British TF37 and American TF38.
August
4th Released from radio link duty and rejoined TF37.
9th On re-organisation of allied Task Forces by US, detached with HMS KING GEORGE V, HMS
GAMBIA and HM Destroyers TERPSICHORE, TENACIOUS and TERMAGANT to form
TG37.1.8 in 3rd US Fleet. Bombarded Kamaishu in North Honshu with Task Unit 34.8.1.
12th Retained with HMS KING GEORGE V, HMS INDEFATIGABLE, HMS GAMBIA and nine
RN and RAN destroyers as TG38.5 to continue service when remainder of BPF had to return to
Sydney because of lack of fuel available from British Fleet Train tankers.
13th Covered HMS INDEFATIGABLE during air attacks on Tokyo.
15th Joined US Task Group 38.4 for entry into Japanese waters.
23rd Took passage to Tokyo Bay
27th In Sagami Wan awaiting formal surrender ceremony.
31st Entered Tokyo Bay with HMS GAMBIA.
(For details of operations by British Pacific Fleet see OPERATION PACIFIC by E.
Gray, THE FORGOTTEN FLEET by J. Winton and Naval Staff Histories).
September
2nd Present in Tokyo Bay when Japanese Delegation signed the Instrument of Surrender on board the
American battleship USS MISSOURI.
Resumed service in 4th Cruiser Squadron under RN control.
3rd Deployed in Japanese waters to assist in evacuation of allied POW who were taken to hospital
ships and Escort Carriers in Tokyo Bay.
(Note: Later deployed as Guardship at Yokosuka after other RN and Commonwealth ships
sailed. Landed Royal Marines to take over Japanese Naval Base
During war service ship had steamed 122,490 miles.)
October
1st Took passage from Yokohama for Sydney with call at Manus.
7th Arrived in Sydney flying at the masthead inferior to the White Ensign, the Japanese Ensign
captured by the Landing Party at the Yokosuka Ease.
Captain Ravenhill left ship. Captain C C A Allen assumed command.
29th Deployed for Goodwill Tour of New Zealand including calls at Milford Sound (29th) and Bluff (30th).
November New Zealand deployment in continuation with calls at Port Chalmers (1st-2nd), Dunedin (2nd-5th),
Lyttelton (6th-9th) and Wellington for bunkers (10th) (New Zealand dates with thanks to Chris Howell)
10th On completion took passage to Sydney.
December Deployed at Sydney.
1 9 4 6
January Deployed with 2nd Cruiser Squadron, British Pacific Fleet.
to
February
March During passage in Malacca Straits in stormy weather Commander Liddell was killed on deck.
April Squadron deployment in continuation.
Visited Shanghai
May Passage to Nanking with Admiral Fraser embarked for visit to Chinese Nationalist Leader,
General Chiang-Kei-Shek.
Grounded in Yangtse River on sandbank.
June Refit and docking at Hong Kong.
July
15th On completion rejoined Squadron for duty in Far East.
Deployed in Japanese waters.
August British Pacific Fleet duties with Squadron in continuation.
to
September
October Nominated for reduction to reserve and prepared for return passage.
28th Scuttled Japanese heavy cruiser TAKAO, 11,350 tons.
(Note: This cruiser had been damaged at Singapore by limpet mines and explosive charges
placed by HM Submarine XE3 on 30th July 1945.
Lieut. Ian Fraser and Leading Seaman J J Magennis were both awarded the Victoria
Cross for this gallant service. See THE FORGOTTEN FLEET and FROGMAN VC by
Ian Fraser).
November Left Squadron and took passage to Devonport.
December
On arrival paid off and taken in hand for refit.
S u m m a r y o f P o s t W a r S e r v i c e
1 9 4 7
January Reducing to Reserve status.
to
February
March
10th Deployed as Tender to HMS RALEIGH for training of Stoker ratings.
April Training deployment in continuation.
to
December
1 9 4 8 t o 1 9 4 9
Training deployment in continuation.
1 9 5 0
January Training deployment in continuation.
to
June
July On reversion to Reserve status laid up in Reserve Fleet at Devonport.
to Nominated for modernisation by HM Dockyard, Devonport.
December
1 9 5 1
January Laid-up at Devonport awaiting modernisation.
February Taken in hand for modernisation and reconstruction under Dockyard Control.
March Under dockyard control at Devonport.
to (Note: See Appendix for Notes on Modernisation)
December
1 9 5 2
January Under dockyard control at Devonport.
to Nominated to re-commission for service 4th Cruiser Squadron, East Indies.
May
June Advance party of 25 officers and ratings joined from RN Barracks, Devonport.
July Modernisation in continuation.
to
September
October Carried cut Post refit trials.
November
14th Commissioned for service
Commanding Officer - Captain M G Goodenough.
Sea trials, weapon trials and Shakedown.
December On completion prepared for foreign service.
1 9 5 3
January
8th Took passage from Devonport for Portland.
9th Took passage from Portland.
19th Took passage from Gibraltar.
26th Arrived at Malta after work-up exercises on passage.
Deployed with ships of Mediterranean Fleet in Malta area.
(Note: During stay visited by CinC, Admiral the Lord Mountbatten of Burma.)
February Mediterranean Fleet exercises in continuation.
11th Took passage to East Indies Station.
23rd At Aden.
27th At Mukalla, South Yemen.
. 28th Sailed from Mukalla.
March
4th Arrived at Mogadishu, Somaliland.
(Note: Held under Italian administration by UN resolution since 1950).
8th Took passage from Mogadishu to Mombasa. Arrived at Mombasa, Kenya for visit.
16th Sailed from Mombasa to join East Indies Squadron at Trincomalee.
24th Arrived at Trincomalee.
April
15th Took part in multi-national SEATO exercise in Indian Ocean (Exercise JET).
21st On completion returned to Trincomalee.
27th Sailed from Trincomalee for visit to Colombo.
28th At Colombo.
May
11th Took passage from Colombo for Trincomalee.
12th Deployed at Trincomalee.
19th Took passage for Mombasa.
28th Arrived at Mombasa..
June
2nd At Mombasa for Coronation ceremonials.
12th Sailed from Mombasa for visits programme.
Arrived at Tanga, Tanganyika.
16th At Dar-es-Salaam, capital of Tanganyika.
24th Sailed for Zanzibar arriving same day.
July
1st Took passage from Zanzibar for Mauritius. Arrived at Mauritius.
6th Arrived at Trincomalee.
August
3rd Took passage to Colombo for visit.
4th At Colombo.
17th Return passage from Colombo to Trincomalee.
18th Arrived at Trincomalee.
September Deployed at Trincomalee with East Indies Squadron.
October At Trincomalee.
5th Took part in Squadron exercises in Indian Ocean.
8th Returned to Trincomalee on completion.
16th Took passage from Trincomalee for duty in Persian Gulf.
24th Visited Mina al Ahmadi.
(Note: Mina is the principal oil terminal for Kuwait).
November
4th At Bahrain.
9th Took passage to Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia for visit arriving same day.
10th Return passage to Bahrain.
11th Passage from Bahrain to Umm Said, Trucial Emirate of Qatar.
(Note: Umm Said is the principal industrial and oil complex of the State and has since
been extensively developed. Now part of the United Arab Emirates).
12th At Umm Said.
14th Took passage to Sharjah.
(Note: Now part of the United Arab Emirates.
Became a large oil exporting state in the 1970's and has since been very
extensively developed.
British Army units were deployed here at the time.
17th Sailed from Sharjah to Muscat.
18th At Muscat.
(Note: Capital of the Sultanate of Oman.
At the time of the visit Oman was still under development, but oil revenues have
transformed its economy. Muscat was, and still is medieval and its position inside
a narrow gulf is not easily forgotten).
20th Took passage from Muscat for visit to Bombay.
23rd At Bombay.
29th Return passage to Trincomalee.
December
3rd Resumed duties with East Indies Squadron.
14th Took passage for Singapore from Trincomalee.
21st Arrived at Singapore.
1 9 5 4
January Deployed at Singapore.
to (Note: Fleet at Singapore was significantly dispersed due to UN requirements in Korea and
February was also providing support to local anti-terrorist operations).
March
15th Took passage from Singapore to rejoin Squadron at Trincomalee.
21st Arrived at Trincomalee.
(Note: Prepared for Royal escort duty in Indian Ocean).
30th Took passage from Trincomalee for Cocos Islands for Royal escort duty.
April
5th Arrived in Cocos Islands.
6th Escorted ss GOTHIC in Indian Ocean to Colombo from Cocos Islands.
(Note: HM Queen Elizabeth II was embarked in GOTHIC for return passage to UK from
Royal Tour in New Zealand and Australia.
10th Arrived at Colombo with ss GOTHIC.
11th Honoured by visit from HM Queen Elizabeth and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
21st Sailed as escort for ss GOTHIC from Colombo for passage to Aden.
27th Arrived at Aden and detached from ss GOTHIC.
30th Sailed from Men to Berbera, British Somaliland.
Deployed for Sea-Air Rescue duties)
May
4th Took passage from Berbera to Trincomalee on completion of duties.
10th Arrived at Trincomalee.
Nominated for further detached service at Singapore.
22nd Took passage to Singapore for support of anti-terrorist operations in Malaya.
27th Arrived at Singapore.
June Deployed at Singapore
7th Sailed for support of military operations.
8th Bombarded terrorist positions in Kedah Peak area.
9th On release passage to Penang for visit, arriving same day.
14th Took passage from Penang for visit to Sandakan.
20th At Sandakan with HM Survey Ship DAMPIER for Queens Birthday Parade.
Note: Wearing Flag of FO2 i/c FES).
23rd Took passage from Sandakan for visit to US Naval Base at Subic Bay, Philippines
24th At Subic Bay,
26th Sailed from Subic Bay for Hong Kong.
28th Arrived at Hong Kong.
July
5th Took passage from Hong Kong for visits and exercise programme in Japanese waters.
9th Arrived at Sasebo '
(Note: Sasebo was main base for US Naval Forces serving in support of the United Nations
in Korean waters after the Armistice).
12th Sailed from Sasebo for visit to Inchon, Korea and RN ships serving off East coast
on UN duties.
13th At Inchon.
15th Passage in Yellow Sea from Inchon with calls at Paengongdo and Yongpyongdo.
(Note: RN and Commonwealth Navies maintained Guardships in these islands).
17th Return passage from Yongpyongdo to Sasebo.
19th At Sasebo.
Prepared for visits to Japanese ports and exercises with U S Navy.
27th Took passage from Sasebo for Yokohama.
29th Arrived at Yokohama for visit.
August
2nd Took passage for Okinawa.
5th At Okinawa.
8th Sailed from Okinawa for Exercise programme based at Kobe.
12th Deployed at Kobe for exercises with US Navy and Commonwealth warships.
18th On completion of exercises sailed for Sasebo.
20th At Sasebo.
22nd Took passage to Hong Kong from Sasebo.
25th Arrived at Hong Kong
28th During stay Hong Kong area affected by severe weather with routine precautions.
(Typhoon IDA)
30th Resumed normal routine at Hong Kong after Typhoon IDA.
September
1st Took passage from Hong Kong for Singapore.
6th Arrived at Singapore.
Docked for routine inspections
24th Sailed for return passage to Trincomalee from Singapore.
29th Rejoined East Indies Squadron at Trincomalee.
October Deployed at Trincomalee.
Nominated for detached duty in Persian Gulf after visit to Bombay.
19th Sailed for visit to Bombay.
23rd At Bombay.
30th Took passage from Bombay to Bahrain.
November
3rd Arrived at Bahrain.
9th Took passage to Umm Said for visit.
12th Sailed for Ras Tanura from Bahrain.
13th At Ras Tanura (See above).
16th Took passage to Kuwait.
17th At Kuwait.
20th Took passage to Mena-al-Ahmedi (See above).
23rd Sailed for visit to Basra, Iraq.
(Note: Basra, chief port of Iraq is 60 miles up the Shat-el-Arab estuary and is
a major oil production centre.).
24th At Basra.
30th Took passage from Basra to Dubai for demonstration to Rulers of Trucial States.
(Operation SHOPWINDOW).
December
2nd At Dubai.
3rd Embarked six Rulers of Trucial States for demonstration exercises with HM Frigate
LOCH INSH and aircraft of 73 Squadron, RAF.
4th Took passage from Dubai for call at Muscat.
7th At Muscat (See above).
9th Took passage from Muscat to Karachi, West Pakistan.
11th At Karachi for visit.
17th Return passage to Trincomalee.
21st Arrived at Trincomalee.
28th Sailed from Trincomalee for visit to Calcutta, East Pakistan.
1 9 5 5
January
1st At Calcutta.
8th Passage to Trincomalee from Calcutta.
12th Arrived at Trincomalee to prepare for return passage to UK.
17th Sailed for visit to Colombo before leaving Station to recommission.
18th At Colombo for visit.
22nd Took passage for Aden.
28th At Aden.
(Note: During visit, President Tito of Yugoslavia was at Aden en route to India).
31st Sailed from Aden to continue return passage.
February Passage through Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean.
8th Arrived in Malta.
10th Sailed from Malta for passage to Portsmouth.
17th Arrived at Portsmouth to pay off and re-commission.
(Note: New Commanding Officer: Captain R E Portlock, RN joined).
23rd Re-commissioned at Portsmouth for duty in Far East.
March Prepared for foreign service.
4th Sailed for Malta.
11th Arrived in Malta..
April Deployed at Malta.
5th Carried relief stores to Argostoli following an earthquake.
(Note: These had been provided by British Earthquake Relief Fund).
9th Passage to Aden.
15th At Aden.
16th Arrived at Singapore
May
2nd Taken in hand for refit by HM Dockyard Singapore.
June Under refit at Singapore.
to Commenced post refit trials.
July
August
8th Refit completed.
26th On completion of work-up and preparation for operational service rejoined Fleet.
Took passage to Labuan, North Borneo.
29th Arrived at Labuan.
September Return passage to Singapore.
5th At Singapore.
Took part in exercises off Singapore.
26th Took passage for Manila.
30th At Manila for visit.
October
5th Took passage for Hong Kong.
7th Arrived at Hong Kong.
9th Deployed for Fleet duties and exercises at Hong Kong.
November Hong Kong deployment in continuation.
Took part in Fleet exercises off Hong Kong and Fleet Regatta.
16th Sailed from Hong Kong for visits programme.
21st At Inchon, South Korea.
23rd Passage from Inchon to Kure
(Note: Kure was used by RN and Commonwealth warships serving with UN for R&R).
26th At Kure.
30th Passage to Nagoya, Honshu, Japan.
December
1st At Nagoya.
5th Passage to Yokohama for visit.
6th At Yokohama.
12th Return passage to Hong Kong.
17th At Hong Kong.
1 9 5 6
January Hong Kong deployment in continuation.
February
10th Deployed with HM Destroyers CONSORT, COMUS, ANZAC (RAN), TOBRUK (RAN),
HM Frigate PUKAKI (RNZN) and US warships for joint exercises in South China Sea.
(Exercise FIRM LINK).
14th On completion visited Bangkok.
19th Passage to Singapore.
March Deployed at Singapore.
11th Passage to Hong Kong for multi-national exercises with ships of Far East Fleet.
19th Took part in exercises.
to
23rd
26th Deployed in South China Sea.
April
4th At Hong Kong.
Took part in Exercise with H M Light Fleet Aircraft Carriers ALBION and CENTAUR,
RAN and RNZN ships (Exercise MONSOON).
23rd Took passage from Hong Kong to Singapore.
30th Deployed at Singapore.
May Singapore deployment in continuation.
Nominated for duty at Montebello during Atomic Bomb tests (Operation MOSAIC).
24th Passage to Australia.
31st Arrived at Fremantle.
June
4th At Fremantle for Foundation Day celebrations.
8th Took passage to Montebello Island.
11th At Montebello for support of nuclear test (Operation MOSAIC). (Note: after
to "wind-finding" in the Indian Ocean, she sailed to Exmouth Gulf to refuel before
19th heading for Singapore. With thanks to Robert Griffiths)
On release from MOSAIC took return passage to Singapore.
(Note: To re-commission at Singapore.
New ship's company to be transferred from UK by air. (Operation AIRLIFT)
28th At Singapore Deployed at Singapore.
July
31st New Commanding Officer Captain John Hamilton, RN assumed command.
August
2nd Paid off at Singapore.
4th Re-commissioned for service as Flagship, 5th Cruiser Squadron.
(Note: Also Flagship, Flag Officer, Second-in-Command, Far East).
8th Took part in Fleet exercises off Pulau Tioman, east of Malaya.
Returned to Singapore on completion.
23rd During support duty for anti-terrorist operations bombarded positions in the Kota
Tinggi area, East Coast of Malaya. 101 rounds of 6" fired.
September Singapore deployment in continuation.
Nominated for attendance at Sydney during Olympic Games.
4th Passage to visit Penang and Port Dickson.
16th Planned programme of visits to Australia cancelled due to Suez Crisis.
Transferred to Red Sea for duty as Senior Naval Officer (Operation MUSKETEER).
Took passage to Trincomalee.
20th Arrived at Trincomalee.
24th Passage to Aden.
27th Arrived at Aden.
October Deployed at Aden.
18th Took part in exercises off Yemen in preparation for war service.
28th Received signal about possible hostilities with Egypt.
31st Joined HM Destroyer DIANA, HM Sloops CRANE and MODESTE, French Frigates
LA PEROUSE, GAZELLE, JASMIN and RFA WAVE SOVEREIGN for the protection
of British and French shipping in Gulf of Suez
(Operation TOREADOR – Part of overall Operation MUSKETEER).
November
1st During patrol intercepted darkened ship following mercantiles travelling north.
Illuminated target that identified as an Egyptian Frigate.
Engaged and sank frigate DOMEAT (Ex HMS NITH) with 6in and 4in fire.
Hit by return 4in fire causing slight damage and casualties. 1 killed 5 injured.
69 of Egyptian crew were rescued.
2nd Opened fire on targets after radar detection. No return fire.
3rd Deployed in Gulf of Suez.
7th Operation MUSKETEER ended after UN intervention.
Passage to Aden and remained in area.
December Deployed at Aden.
9th Took part in exercises with HM Frigate ST BRIDES BAY in Red Sea.
25th Visited Djibouti, French Somaliland for Xmas period.
1 9 5 7
January Deployed at Aden.
Released from East Indies Station duties.
7th Took passage for Singapore from Aden.
18th Deployed at Singapore.
22nd On passage to Hong Kong from Singapore area.
24th Arrived at Hong Kong.
February Deployed at Hong Kong.
26th Took part in exercises at Plover Cove, Mirs Bay.
March
4th Deployed at Hong Kong.
6th Sailed for return to Singapore from Hong Kong.
16th Arrived at Singapore.
21st Took passage from Singapore to Hong Kong for refit.
April Taken in hand for refit at Hong Kong.
May Under refit.
to
July
August Post refit trials.
16th Took passage from Hong Kong to rejoin Squadron at Singapore.
30th Deployed at Singapore.
September Singapore deployment in continuation.
Nominated for visits programme to Japanese ports.
October Passage to Japanese waters after call at Hong Kong.
8th At Tokyo.
Visits programme included Yokosuka and Yokohama.
(Note: Yokosuka was used by US Navy for repair and R&R).
24th Sailed from Yokohama for Inchon.
28th Deployed in Yellow Sea and visited Inchon.
November Passage from Inchon to Hong Kong.
8th At Hong Kong.
December Hong Kong deployment in continuation.
1 9 5 8
January Return passage to Singapore to re-commission.
18th New Commanding Officer Captain A R Hezlet, RN assumed command.
20th Re-commissioned at Singapore.
February
10th Deployed with Squadron for exercise and visits programme based at Singapore.
14th Visited Penang.
Returned to Singapore on completion.
March Deployed at Singapore.
8th Taken in hand for refit and docking at Singapore.
April On completion prepared to resume Squadron duties.
21st Deployed for exercises with HM Light Fleet Carrier BULWARK off Singapore.
(Exercise BULLFIGHT)
May Took part in SEATO Exercise OCEAN LINK.
13th Visited Manila.
15th Passage to Hong Kong.
June Returned to Singapore for multi-national SEATO exercises in Indian Ocean.
(Exercise JET).
20th Took part in exercises based at Trincomalee with Far East Fleet and Commonwealth
warships. These included harbour serials and extensive convoy defence, gunnery
firings, manoeuvring and replenishment serials.
30th On completion of JET took passage to visit Fremantle, Western Australia.
July
9th At Fremantle.
16th Recalled to Singapore for support of operation in Persian Gulf
On arrival prepared for detached duty in Persian Gulf as relief for HM Cruiser GAMBIA.
Took passage to Persian Gulf
(Note: This deployment was made to provide protection for British interests in Iraq
following the overthrow of the monarchy as part of other Royal Navy
deployments to reinforce normal presence in the Gulf).
August Passage to Bahrain.
23rd At Bahrain.
September Deployed in Persian Gulf.
13th Took passage from Bahrain to resume Squadron duties at Singapore.
On arrival nominated for visits and exercise programme in Japanese waters.
30th Passage to Hong Kong.
October
2nd Arrived at Hong Kong.
9th Passage to Japan for exercises and visits.
24th Paid visit to Kobe.
28th Took passage to Sasebo.
November Deployed at Sasebo.
3rd Took passage from Sasebo to Hong Kong.
7th At Hong Kong.
28th Took passage from Hong Kong to Singapore for refit.
December
2nd At Singapore and prepared for refit.
15th Taken in hand for refit by HM Dockyard, Singapore.
1 9 5 9
January Under refit.
Nominated for reduction to Reserve on return to UK.
February
12th Refit work completed and carried out post refit trials.
Prepared for return passage
16th Sailed for UK via Mombasa, Zanzibar, Dar-es-Salaam, Lorenco Marques and Durban.
May On passage in Atlantic
June
25th Arrived at Portsmouth to pay off.
Final Phase
HMS NEWFOUNDLAND paid off and reduced to Reserve at Portsmouth in October 1959-The ship was sold to Peru in November that year following the earlier negotiations. On 30th December 1959 she was formally handed over to the Peruvian Navy at Portsmouth and renamed ALMIRANTE GRAU When the Dutch cruiser DE RUYTER was purchased by Peru in 1973 and was to take the name ALMIRANTE GRAU, this ship was once again given a new name and became CAPITAN QUINONIS .She was taken cut of service in 1979 and later sold for breaking-up in Japan.
A p p e n d i x 1
L i s t o f C o m m a n d i n g O f f i c e r s
1942 to 1943 Captain W Slayter (Later Vice Admiral)
1943. to 1946 Captain R W Ravenhill
1945 to 1946 Captain C C Allen
1952 to 1953 Captain M G Goodenough (Later Admiral).
1953 to 1955 Captain E H Thomas.
1955 to 1956 Captain, R E Portlock. (Later Rear Admiral).
1956 to 1958 Captain J G Hamilton (Later Admiral)
1958 to 1959 Captain A R Hezlet (Later Vice Admiral)
Distinguished Officers serving on board 1942 to 1959.
Captain W R Slayter. Commanding Officer 1942 to 1943
Chief of Staff, to Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, CinC, Home Fleet 1944
Lieutenant Commander David Clutterbuck 1942 to 1946.
Chief Staff Officer, Home Fleet and CinC Allied Forces Easterm Atlantic 1963 to 1966
Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, Eastern Atlantic 196.6 to 1968,
Captain R W Ravenhill. Commanding Officer 1944 to 1945
Awarded DSC as Commanding Officer, HM Destroyer NUBIAN.
(For services during Malta Convoys 1941)
Later Director of Naval Ordnance, Admiralty).
Lieutenant Edward Ashmore 1945
Flag Lieutenant to Flag Officer, 4th Cruiser Squadron, British Pacific Fleet
First Sea Lord 1974 to 1977
Chief of Defence Staff 1977
Captain M G Goodenough. Commanding Officer 1952 to 1953-
Principal Assistant to Flag Officer, Dover during Operation DYNAMO 1940
(Evacuation of British and allied forces from Dunkirk)
Captain J G Hamilton, Commanding Officer 1956 to 1958
Staff Gunnery Officer, Mediterranean Fleet 1941 to 1942
Staff of CinC Mediterranean Fleet, Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham)
Last Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet 1966.
Captain A R Hezlet. Commanding Officer 1958 to 1959.
Awarded DSO and Bar and DSC for service in submarines 1940 to 1945.
Flag Officer Submarines 1959 to 1961; Flag Officer Scotland 1961 to 1962
Flag Officer Scotland and Northern Ireland 1963 to 1964.
Lieutenant Julian Oswald 1956 to 1958.
First Sea Lord and Chief of Defence Staff 1989.to 1992.
A p p e n d i x 2
N o t e s o n M o d e r n i s a t i o n
Cruisers of the SOUTHAMPTON and Improved COLONY Classes which were held in Reserve after WW2 were taken in hand for extensive refit and modernisation during the 1950's. This was necessary if they were to be retained as efficient fighting units and was primarily concerned with incorporating the changes introduced as a result of wartime experience and the development of nuclear weapons.
The following summary is divided into the various types of work involved and shows the extent of work involved. It is not intended as a comprehensive specification.
Hull - The entire Bridge structure was replaced by a streamlined design which would reduce the effects of blast from nuclear weapons. Its internal layout was designed to provide the facilities for all communications and radar display equipment needed to fight the ship. The new structure included an enclosed Bridge which protected personnel from the effects of weather. In addition to the changes in Bridge structure both masts were replaced by a Lattice type, essential to support the new design of radar aerials being fitted. Facilities were provided for protection of the ship and her personnel during nuclear attack.
Marine Engineering - No significant changes were made to the propulsion machinery.
Electrical Systems - The basic supply systems remained unchanged but additional generating capacity was provided for the supplies to new communications, weapons and radar outfits. This work was extensive since the new facilities in the Bridge structure also required direct contact with all positions involved in the control and operation of weapons, radar and signal communications. In addition internal telephone and broadcast communications had to be provided throughout the ship.
Weapon Fit - The main and secondary armament gun mountings were unchanged but new Directors were fitted for 4" fire-control to suit the design changes to the electrical and radar systems. The Close Range 20mm weapons were replaced by 40mm mountings and were sited in new positions. Torpedo armament was removed during modernisation.
Radar Equipment - This was the most significant part of the modernisation since not only were new outfits fitted to improve the 4" fire control and both surface and air warning cover, the arrangements for display of radar information had to be completely changed to suit the new Bridge layout. During WW2 additional radar equipment and associated displays were added as they became available and resulted in arrangements entirely unsuited to modern naval requirements. This was a known area of weakness throughout the Fleet and the new Bridge layout was designed to provide the space required to accommodate equipment to suit the new procedures introduced as a result of war experience. The provision of an Action Information Organisation (AID) to provide the command with all data relevant to any situation required special attention and this need was met by the provision of all radar displays in the new structure with adequate communication arrangements. The compartment included facilities for control of defence against surface and air attack.
The particular changes to equipment were:
Replacement of Radar Type 281B by Type 960 of improved design for aircraft warning.
The new outfit installation included extensive changes to display arrangements. Replacement of Radar Types 285 by Type 275 of improved design for 4" armament fire control.
Extensive alterations to the fire-control arrangements were needed casing new Directors
Replacement of existing aerials for Radars Type 277 and 293 and modification of equipment. Provision of suitable 'Plan' displays for all radars in new compartment in Bridge Structure. Modification of existing Interrogation equipment associated with warning radars. These alterations involved significant changes to power supply arrangements.
Communications Equipment - Changes to the radio equipment arrangements during modernisation due to replacement of the Bridge structure and to satisfy the requirements for Action Information were extensive. lt was essential that the main radio communications centre should be adjacent to the radar display facilities and equipment arrangements were accordingly redesigned.
New receiving outfits were provided to replace the earlier pre-war designed equipment and a new type of control system for all radio equipment was Installed. The radio-telephone outfits which were introduced during WW2 and essential to communications with aircraft and ships were resited to suit new requirements. In order to accommodate the planned replacement of VHP equipment by the modern UHF communications, new wiring was fitted and sites were prepared for later installation.
The aerial arrangements were changed and 'Whip’ type units fitted to forward structure and funnels.
ASDIC (Sonar) Equipment - No significant changes were made.
Addendum
CONVOY ESCORT MOVEMENTS of HMS NEWFOUNDLAND
by Don Kindell
These convoy lists have not been cross-checked with the text above
| | | | |
Date convoy sailed | Joined convoy as escort | Convoy No. | Left convoy | Date convoy arrived |
| | | | |
15/03/43 | 19/03/43 | KMF 011 | 20/03/43 | 23/03/43 |
12/03/43 | 27/03/43 | SL 126 | 28/03/43 | 01/04/43 |
| | | | |
(Note on Convoys)