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SERVICE HISTORIES of ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS in WORLD WAR 2

by Lt Cdr Geoffrey B Mason RN (Rtd) (c) 1998

HMS NEWFOUNDLAND -  Colony-type Light Cruiser  
including Convoy Escort Movements

HMS Newfoundland (Navy Photos, click to enlarge)

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CEYLON or Colony-Class cruiser ordered from Swan Hunter, Newcastle on Tyne under 1939 Estimates and was laid down on 9th November 1939. The ship was launched on 19th December 1941 by Mrs Ernest Bevin, wife of the Minister of Labour, and was the first RN ship to carry this name. Build was completed on 31st December 1942 and she was adopted by the civil community of Wolverhampton in place of HM Cruiser CURACOA which had sunk in a tragic collision with RMS QUEEN MARY on 2nd October 1942. This ship has also a significant association with the colony whose name she bore. The community of the colony had provided £100,000 by public subscription towards the cost of her build. Apart from visit in May 1944 the ship did not visit the colony again but her activities were always of interest to Newfoundlanders.

 

B a t t l e   H o n o u r s.

 

MEDITERRANEAN  1943 - SICILY   1943 - JAPAN  1945 - SUEZ 1956

 

H e r a l d i c   D a t a

Badge:  On a Field White Badge, upon a mount an Elk statant Proper

 

 

D e t a i l s  o f   W a r   S e r v i c e

 

(for more ship information, go to Naval History Homepage and type name in Site Search

 

 

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)

 

 

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