LOCH Class
Anti-submarine Frigate ordered from Harland and Wolff, Belfast on 2nd May 1943
and to be
named LOCH ACHILTY. The ship was laid down on 2nd
May 1944 as Job No J3902 (Yard No 1250) but the order was
changed for the
ship to be built to a be constructed to a new design of Anti-aircraft frigate,
see General Information. The ship was launched by Mrs Woodbridge as ST BRIDES
BAY on 16th January 1945 ,and was the
first RN ship to bear this name, The build was completed on 15th June 1945.
G e o g r a p h i c D a t a
Bay in Pembrokeshire in SW
corner of Wales
Grid Reference: SM7917
B a t t l e H o n o u r s
KOREA 1950 – 53
H e r al d i c D a t a
Badge: On a Field
White,
on a lozenge Blue, surrounded by flames
proper, a celestial crown Gold.
(Explanation: White
field represents virginity.
Lozenge represents
a woman.
In art, St. Bride is usually symbolically represented either
with a perpetual flame or a column of fire or flames playing
around her head).
M a n n i n g D i v i s i o n
Devonport
D e t a i l s o f 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 5
June
Contractors trials and commissioned for service in British Pacific Fleet.
Commanding Officer: Lieut. Commander R A St C Sproul-Bolton.
15th Build
completion and acceptance trials.
July Prepared
for foreign service at Devonport.
Nominated as Stand By for Pacific Service if required
Passage to Malta for
work-up.
August Worked up in
Malta with 5th
Escort Flotilla based at Malta.
Deployment with Pacific Escort Force changed.
Re-allocated to 5th Escort Flotilla Mediterranean Fleet.
On
completion of work-up took passage for duty at Gibraltar.
September Deployed at
Gibraltar
to Carried
out Weather Ship and Air Sea Rescue duties in western Atlantic during US
November aircraft
trooping flights
Visited Casablanca
(Note: Visit marked by incident with marmoset belonging to wife of the British
Consul. Animal was acquired by ship and returned later.
December Re-joined
Flotilla in Malta.
Took
part in Flotilla Exercises off Malta.
Deployed for Patrol duty in Aegean.
Visited Piraeus for R&R.
Deployed as Guardship at Alexandria.
1 9 4 6
January Guardship
duty at Alexandria in continuation.
4th Escorted HM River Gunboats APHIS, COCKCHAFER and
SCARAB in Red Sea during
passage to Aden
(Note: This ships were returning to the China
Station after war service in Mediterranean.)
11th Called at Massawa.
17th At
Port Said.
24th
Despatched with HM Tug MARAUDER to assist Italian mercantile GRADISOO aground
at
Gavdo Island south of Crete.
28th
Resumed Flotilla duties in Malta. February
February Deployed
with Flotilla in Malta
March Deployed
for Guardship duties at Trieste and patrol in Adriatic.
to
(Note: Trieste was under allied occupation and Mediterranean Fleet ships were
June
Deployed in rotation as Guardship to assist if required.
These ships returned to Malta on relief.
R&R periods in Venice.
Visits were made to Pola during this duty.)
This ship assisted British yacht LATHARNA which had broken down in the Messina
Strait on
16th May.)
July Taken
in hand for refit by HM Dockyard Gibraltar.
August Under
refit.
September
5th
Retained at Gibraltar on completion of post refit trials.
Deployed to take British troops to Tangiers after civil unrest.
Returned to Malta to rejoin Flotilla after release from Gibraltar service.
Nominated for Haifa Patrol duty.
(Note: British warships were deployed to intercept ships carrying immigrants to
enter
Palestine illegally.)
October Deployed
in eastern Mediterranean and visited Nauphlia, Greece and Larnaca, Cyprus during
patrols.
17th At
Dragomasti
November
1st
Returned to Malta.
Redeployed for Haifa Patrol.
28th At
Piraeus.
December Deployed
with Flotilla in Malta.
1 9 4 7
January Under
repair in Malta.
(Note: Ships employed to intercept illegal immigrant ships had boarding ramps
and protective
netting fitted
Boarding Parties were given training for
this duty whilst in
Malta.)
February Resumed
Palestine Patrol
24th At
Volos.
March Flotilla
duties at Malta and interception patrols.
to
April
May Under
repair in Malta.
New Commanding Officer: Lieut. Commander T F Halifax.
Nominated for Guardship duties in Adriatic.
June
Deployed at Venice and visited Pola.
July
Maintenance Period in Malta and Flotilla duties.
August Deployed
at Gibraltar.
September On return to
Malta resume interception duties in eastern Mediterranean.
October Deployed
with Flotilla.
to
December Under refit
at Gibraltar
1 9 4 8
January On
completion of post refit trials took passage to Malta to resume Flotilla duty.
New Commanding Officer Commander G.M Bennett RN.
February Deployed
for interception patrols.
March Deployed
for Flotilla duties in Malta.
April
Maintenance Period and Boiler Clean in Malta.
May
Nominated for detached duty in Red Sea.
(Note: Pennant Number for visual signalling purposes changed to F600)
June
Deployed in Red Sea with visits to Aden, Massawa and Port Sudan.
Returned to Malta and resumed Flotilla duties.
Nominated for Guardship and patrol duty in Adriatic.
August Deployed
at Trieste.
September
10th
Returned to Malta.
October Nominated
for detached duty in Red Sea.
Deployed in Red Sea with calls at Ras Gharib, Jeddah, Port Sudan and Hoddeida.
November Red Sea
patrol in continuation.
3rd
Called at Perim to embark passenger for passage to Aden.
5th
Sailed from Aden to take up Guardship duty at Aqaba.
9th
Guardship duty at Aqaba.
18th
Exercised in Gulf of Aqaba and returned on completion.
22nd Took
passage from Aqaba on relief by HM Sloop MERMAID.
23rd
Deployed at Suez for Guardship duty.
27th Took
passage to Malta.
December
1st
Resumed duties with Flotilla at Malta.
(Note: During this period inspected by Flag Officer Destroyers.)
1 9 4 9
January
3rd Took
part in Local exercises.
4th
Docking in Malta.
8th Took
part in further Local exercises.
9th
Sailed from Malta for interception patrol duties.
12th At
Famagusta in Dhekalia Roads.
17th
Carried out exercises off Cyprus with HMS ST AUSTELL BAY.
18th Sailed
from Cyprus for patrol and passage to Malta with HMS ST AUSTELL BAY.
22nd Arrived
at Malta
25th Took
part in Flotilla exercise with ST AUSTELL BAY and CARDIGAN BAY.
30th New
Commanding Officer: Commander A H Diack, DSC* RN.
February 5th Escort
Flotilla re-designated 2nd Frigate Flotilla.
3rd At
short notice for steam due to adverse weather conditions.
8th Took
part in Flotilla exercises.
10th
Maintenance Period alongside HM Depot Ship FORTH.
24th Took
passage from Malta for detached service at Trieste.
March On relief
at Trieste returned to Malta.
April
Deployed in Malta.
June Under
refit.
July
Nominated for transfer to Far East for service with 4th Frigate Flotilla.
Rejoined 2nd Frigate Flotilla at Navarin after post refit trials.
(Note: Mediterranean Fleet Regatta was held at Navarin, Greece.)
Took passage with HMS CARDIGAN BAY to join Fleet in Far East.
(Note: These ships were transferred as part of the strengthening of RN ships in
the area
in
view of increasing likelihood of Communist victory in China.)
August Passage in
Red Sea.
5th
Sailed from Aden.
16th Sailed
from Colombo.
23rd
Arrived at Singapore.
HMS CARDIGAN BAY detached.
25th Took
passage from Singapore for Hong Kong with HM Sloop BLACK SWAN.
31st
Arrived at Hong Kong after call at Pratus Island.
Joined 4th Frigate Flotilla.
September (Note:: Ships at
Hong Kong included H M Cruiser
BELFAST, HM Frigates WHITESAND
BAY and MOUNTS BAY of Flotilla.)
7th
Forced to leave Hong Kong anchorage because of Typhoon weather conditions.
Manoeuvring difficult and electrical problems compounded the situation.
Soundings made by Kevin machine.
Tiller Flat flooded. Bridge equipment damaged.)
Anchored near Cape Collinson
10th Making
good weather damage on return to harbour.
24th Took
passage from Hong Kong for Yangtse Guardship duty
29th
Carried out local patrol..
October Guardship
and patrol in continuation.
(Note: This included surveillance of Chinese Nationalist warship movements.).
20th Took
passage to Hong Kong on relief by HMS MOUNTS BAY.
(Note: Ship's cat lost overboard in heavy weather )
24th At
Hong Kong.
November
1st Took
part in Flotilla exercises including Night Encounter, Gunnery firings,
Anti -submarine procedures and Abeam refuelling.
Landing parties exercised whilst at Mir Bay.
9th
Deployed for Local Patrol with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
11th
Returned to Hong Kong.
17th Sailed
for Yangtse Guardship duties.
21st
Relieved HM Sloop BLACK SWAN.
to
Assisted safe passage of ss EBANO and carried out patrols.
28th
Relieved by HMS MOUNTS BAY.
Took passage to Hong Kong with HMS BLACK SWAN.
Gunnery exercises on passage.
30th Met
Fleet units and returned to Hong Kong.
December
12th Took
part in Flotilla exercises including Night Encounter.
13th Took
part in Fleet Exercise JUNKET.
14th
Returned to Hong Kong on completion of JUNKET.
(Note: During period in Hong Kong visited by Flag Officer, 2nd in Command, Far
East
Station.
Awarded Gunnery Efficiency Cup.)
Other snips in Hong Kong included HM Despatch Vessel HMS ALERT, HM Sloop
HART, ALACRITY, BLACK SWAN, HM Frigate MOUNTS BAY
Carried out Full Power Trial on Measured Mile off Hong Kong..
1 9 5 0
January
1st Took
passage to Singapore with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
7th
Arrived at Singapore and prepared for refit.
(Note: Some of ship's company were changed.
Ship's company moved ashore to HMS TERROR.)
14th
Entered dry dock.
February
2nd
Undocked.
(Note: Other ships at Singapore included HM Frigate LOCH GLENDHU.)
15th Basin
Trial.
20th
Carried out post refit sea trials and Gunnery firings.
24th Ready
for operational service.
Nominated for support of military operations and terrorist forces in Malaya.
27th
Deployed for local patrol of east coast.
March East
coast patrol in continuation
Investigated Burmese coaster ss BERENS.
9th
Returned to Singapore and took passage to Port Swettenham.
10th At
Port Swettenham.
Visit to Kuala Lumpur by ship's company representatives
11th Return
passage to Singapore.
12th On
arrival deployed for East Coast patrol duty.
to
Investigated craft and visited Kuantan.
17th
18th
Bombarded terrorist positions NW of Kuantan.
22nd Carried
out survey of Kapus Island.
24th
Returned to Singapore.
27th Took
passage to Penang for west coast patrol.
29th At
Penang with HM ML3508.
April
2nd Sailed
for patrol and passage to Singapore.
4th
Called at Port Swettenham.
Passage to east coast for further support and patrol duties.
5th
Deployed with HM ML3505 and HM ML.3506.
6th
Patrol and support in continuation.
to
Investigated beached mine at Kuantan, carried out starshell firings.
13th
Collected agent at Kuala Kemanon and landed him at Mersing.
14th
Returned to Singapore.
18th Sailed
for east coast patrol with HM ML.3506.
19th
Boarded suspect vessels and carried out anti-submarine exercises.
to
23rd
24th
Returned to Singapore.
29th Took
passage to rejoin Flotilla at Hong Kong.
May
5th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
15th Took
part in Flotilla and Fleet exercises with HM Frigates MORECAMBE BAY,
to
WHITESAND BAY and CARDIGAN BAY. Anchored overnight in Mirs Bay.
31st These
included over several days, Night Encounter, AA and surface gunnery firings,
convoy exercises and replenishments
June
1st Hong
Kong.
Boy ratings (later Juniors) joined ship.
6th
Embarked Chinese Nationalist General for passage to Pratas Island.
7th
Deployed for patrol off Amoy after General disembarked.
14th Took
passage to Yangtse estuary for Guardship duty.
16th
Relieved HM Destroyer COMUS.
17th
Guardship and patrol duty.
to
(Note: North Korean forces invaded South Korea on 25th June.)
30th
July
3rd Took
passage to Hong Kong.
Recovered man overboard.
6th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
(Note: HMS MOUNTS BAY, HMNZ Frigates TUTIRA and PUKAKI in harbour.)
July
24th Took
part in Local Exercises with anchorage in Junk Bay overnight.
28th
Gunnery firings.
30th
Passage to Pratas Island with electrical generator.
Ensured safe passage
of ss JEEP HOY stopped by Chinese gunboat
August
1st
Returned to Hong Kong.
2nd Took part in exercises
including AA Gunnery firings and shore bombardments.
5th At
Hong Kong.
7th Recovered unexploded
shell from ss HANG SONY at a buoy in
Hong Kong harbour.
8th Carried out gunnery
exercises with HMS WHITESAND BAY.
15th New Commanding Officer:
Commander W G C Elder OBE RN
18th Carried
out Local
exercises
29th Night Encounter Exercise
with HM Destroyer
CONCORD.
August Deployed at
Singapore for Malayan coast
support of military operations
to (To be confirmed)
November Nominated for service with UN of
Korea. Passage to
Hong Kong.
December Joined British naval force based
at Sasebo
Deployed off west
coast of Korea and
supported evacuation of Inchon.
1 9 5 1
January Korean
east coast duties in continuation.
On
relief took passage to return to Hong Kong.
February Deployed
for Flotilla duties at Hong Kong and Singapore.
to
July
August Passage to
Sasebo for 2nd Tour of operational duty with UN.
to
Deployed for patrol and gunfire support off west coast of Korea.
December Took part in
Han River bombardment operations to ensure access to Seoul.
Visit by CinC Far East in Han Estuary (October).
Remained on station during Peace negotiations over Xrnas period.
New Commanding Officer: Commander J G T Western RN.
1 9 5 2
January Resumed
Flotilla duties at Hong Kong and at Singapore for support of operations against
terrorists
to in
Malaya.
May
June
Passage to Sasebo for third Operational UN Tour.
July
Detached for duty with US Task Group en East Coast and provided medical aid to
USS PIERCE after damage by 75mm shore battery fire off Songjin,
August Resumed duties off east coast
of Korea.
September On station off Paengyong Do
during air attacks en sluice gates in river estuary.
October Visited by First Sea Lord
whilst in Haeju area en West Coast
November Returned to
Hong Kong for Flotilla duties.
December Deployed
with Flotilla at Hong Kong
1 9 5 3
January Flotilla
duties in continuation.
to March
April
Passage to Sasebo for Fourth Operational UN Tour.
May
Deployed for military support off East coast of Korea.
Rescued unhurt pilot of FIREFLY aircraft from HM Light Fleet Aircraft Carrier
GLORY off
Yongpyong Do on West coast after aircraft hit by small arms fire.
June At
Sasebo for Coronation Day (June)
Carried out bombardments in Chodo area in support of RoK operations
Took passage to Hong Kong on release from UN duty.
(Statistics - 72,000 miles steamed; 13,000 tons fuel used.)
Taken in hand for docking and maintenance at Hong Kong.
July Under
maintenance.
6th Post refit trials and
shakedown in Hong
Kong area.
7th Took part in local
exercises.
8th R&R at
Lantan Island.
7th New Commanding Officer:
Commander C Le M Scott RN.
(Note: Korean War hostilities ended)
29th Local sea exercises
Including bombardments and AA firings with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
August
4th
Carried local exercises with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
5th Sailed for Formosa
Straits patrol.
17th
Intercepted British ss NIGELOCK under escort of Chinese Nationalist Gunboat.
Arranged release
19th
Assistance request from British ss INCHKILDA cancelled.
(Note: Chinese Nationalist warships were attempted blockade of traffic to ports
on
mainland.)
20th
Passage to Hong Kong. Took part in Flotilla Regatta.
25th Took
part in Local exercises and carried out patrol.
31st
Returned to harbour.
September
2nd
Deployed on patrol in Foochow area.
to
Ensured safe passage of mercantiles INCHULVA, PAD YING YUAN, BELINDA and
9th
ADMIRAL HARDY.
10th
Returned to Hong Kong.
15th Took
passage to Sasebo for detached UN duty off Korea.
Carried out Foochow patrol.
18th
Passage for two mercantiles ensured.
22nd Arrived
at Sasebo.
25th Sailed
from Sasebo with HMS MOUNTS BAY for visit to Yokosuka
28th Took
part in exercises off Yokosuka with USN ships.
October
2nd Return
passage to Sasebo with HMS MOUNTS BAY and HMAS CULGOA
5th At
Sasebo.
(Naval Constructor Officer on board.)
8th Took
part in joint exercises with Australian and Dutch warships off Sasebo.
16th Passage to
Kure.
17th At
Kure.
25th Sailed from
Kure for Formosa Strain patrol
during passage
31st Arrived at
Hong Kong having ensure safe
passage for two
November
5th
Present during visit to Colony by Vice President Nixon,
9th
Deployed to cover passage of HM ML3511 during patrol off Hong Kong in case of
Chinese
interference
12th Docked
for one day for inspection.
16th Sailed
for Local patrol prior to passage for Formosa Strait duty.
20th Stood
by ss TEFKOSS with mercantile LAREL MAERSK.
Took ss TEKFOSS in tow.
21st Tow transferred to
Tug CASTLE PEAK. Claim for
salvage vas
22nd Returned to
Hong Kong.
30th Carried out Gunnery
firings before passage to
Formosa
Strait
December
3rd Returned to
Hong Kong.
4th Left harbour due to
weather conditions and then took passage to
Formosa Strait,
8th Returned to
Hong Kong.
9th Took part in Local
exercises.
21st Deployed for
Formosa Strait patrol.
28th Returned to
Hong Kong after bombardment
practice firings.
29th Took part in Local
exercises with HM
Ships MOUNTS BAY, MORECAMBE BAY,
CARDIGAN
BAY and HM Submarine THOROUGH (for
anti-submarine serials.)
30th Returned to harbour on
completion.
31st Citations presented to
two Able Seamen by Flag Officer, 2nd in Command Far East.
1 9 5 4
January
8th Took
passage to Kure from Hong Kong.
14th Arrived at
Kure having carried out
anti-submarine exercises on passage.
19th Passage to
Sasebo for briefing prior to
Guardship duty as Task Unit 95.1.5.
22nd Sailed from
Sasebo for duty at Pangyaengo Do
off east coast of Korea.
24th Relieved HMS
MOUNTS BAY as Guardship.
27th Refuelled at sea from RFA
WAVE CHIEF.
30th Took passage to
Kure. Libertymen were
landed during stay.
February
2nd At
Kure.
8th Took passage for
exercises with US ships and for
Formosa Strait patrol.
15th Arrived at
Hong Kong after rough passage.
21st Deployed for Formosa
Strain patrol after gunnery firings.
March
1st
Returned to Hong Kong.
8th Deployed for
Formosa Strait patrol.
16th Returned to
Hong Kong after Full Power Trial
and gunnery firings.
Prepared for refit.
Inspected by SO 4th Frigate Flotilla.
April Under
refit.
Docked
Fire in Oil Fuel Tank caused by electrical lead.
May Under
refit
27th
Undocked.
June Post
refit trials.
7th Refit
completion date.
10th
Carried out Local Exercises and Patrol after sea trials.
to
Deployed with HM MLs 3152 and 3153.
23rd
Carried out gunnery firings.
Senior Officer of Squadron on board.
27th Took
passage for Kure with Formosa Strait patrol initially.
July
3rd Arrived at
Kure.
7th
Typhoon FLOSSIE warning.
Squadron Padre embarked.
8th Took
passage from Kure for Guardship duties on east coast Korea.
Exercised with HMAS ARUNTA on departure.
11th
Deployed as Guardship at Paeonpyong Do and Yongpyong Do.
13th
Refuelled from RFA (possibly GREEN RANGER).
Exercised with US Navy ships.
22nd Took
passage to Kure with call at Sasebo and anti-submarine exercises.
25th At
Kure.
August Ship's
Company photographed during stay at Kure.
1st
Sailed from Kure for Hong Kong with surveillance during Formosa Strait passage.
8th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
Squadron Padre left ship.
14th
Deployed for Formosa Strait patrol.
15th SOS
from mercantile cancelled.
21st
Returned to Hong Kong.
26th
Deployment for assistance after aircraft crash cancelled.
28th
Typhoon warning in force.
September Maintenance
Period at Singapore.
2nd CinC
Far East visited ship.
7th Took
part in anti-submarine exercises.
13th Sailed
from Hong Kong for Singapore.
18th
Arrived at Singapore after rough passage.
Some flooding experienced.
19th First
Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. J.L.P. Thomas) attended Divisions.
20th Cheer
Ship for CinC departure on board HM Cruiser BIRMINGHAM.
24th
Maintenance Period ended.
26th
Embarked Reserve personnel for Sea Training
29th Sultan
of Pahang and retinue embarked for visit to Pulau Ticman.
30th At
Pulau Tioman.
October
3rd At Port Dickson.
4th
Sailed for Malacca.
7th
Return passage to Singapore arriving same day.
9th Took part on Seaward
Defence Exercise.
10th Returned to
Singapore. CinC's Divisions.
11th Prepared to Pay-Off and
Re-commission. First Party left ship for
UK.
20th Re-commissioned.
Commanding Officer: Commander IF Somerville, RN
Also became Senior
Officer's Ship 4th Frigate Squadron.
24th Shakedown cruise. Passage
to Pulau Tioman.
28th Took passage from
Singapore to Hong Kong.
November Deployed at
Hong Kong.
December Took part in
Bombardment Exercise at Taitam Wan
Took part in Small Ships Regatta.
17th
Maintenance Period and docking in Hong Kong.
1 9 5 5
January
2nd Paint
Ship in Tolo Harbour.
10th Took
part in Fleet exercises with ships of 3rd Frigate Squadron, Destroyers of
6th Flotilla and HMS BIRMINGHAM.
13th
Passage to Kure.
17th At
Kure.
20th Took passage for east
Coast Korea
Guardship duty with call at Sasebo.
23rd
Relieved HMAS COOLHAVEN as Guardship at Yongpyong Do.
28th Took part in exercises
with USN minesweepers.
30th Carried out Local patrol
and called at Pangyong Do.
February
1st On
relief by HMCS SIOUX took passage to Sasebo.
2nd At
Sasebo.
3rd Took part in EXERCISE
DEEP THRUST with HMAS SHEARHAVEN,
HMS CARDIGAN BAY and US
Submarine USS SABALO.
9th Passage too
Nagasaki.
10th At
Nagasaki.
12th Passage to
Kure.
13th At
Kure.
19th Sailed
from Kure for Hong Kong.
25th Arrived at
Hong Kong after stormy passage
with snow and Force 9/10 winds.
March
2nd Took
passage to Guam with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
Carried cut anti-submarine exercises on passage.
10th Arrived at
Guam.
14th Took passage from
Guam to Sandakan, Borneo.
(Note: RN ships were deployed off Borneo because of incidence of piracy and the
activities of
pro-Indonesian elements.)
21st At
Sandakan.
23rd At
Tawau.
March
24th At
Sempora.
25th At
Anil.
27th At
Sandakan.
28th At
Kudat.
30th Took
passage to return to Singapore.
April
3rd
Arrived at Singapore.
4th
Prepared for refit.
De-ammunitioned and de-stored.
Ship's company moved to TERROR
13th Docked.
May Under
refit.
(Note: Some of crew visited Penang.)
6th
Undocked.
16th Docked
again in AFD20
June
3rd
Undocked.
(Note: Vice Admiral F T Mason, Engineer in Chief, Royal Navy visited ship.)
25th Basin
Trial
(Note: Completion delayed by oil fuel leak when refuelling.
Serious flooding in Store Room Flat.)
27th Involved in collision with
TONGKAN during sea trials in
Johore Strait.
TONGKAN sank and survivors rescued.
July
1st Gun
Functioning trials.
2nd DG
Ranging.
4th Inspection by Commodore.
5th
Passage to Tioman Palua for shakedown
10th On completion of
evolutions including Tow and Paint Ship
Took passage to Hong
Kong
with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
14th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
18th Took
part in Local exercises with HMS CARDIGAN BAY and HMNZS PUKAKI.
(Note: These included anti-submarine procedures and gunnery firings.)
23rd
Further Basin Trial.
August
3rd Took
passage from Hong Kong for Yokohama.
11th Met
HMNZS PUKAKI and HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
15th
Arrived at Yokohama with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
16th Took
part in Exercise COMEX with HMS CARDIGAN BAY, HMNZS PUKAKI,
ALMIRANTE PADILLA
(Columbian Navy).
Exercises included Refuelling from RFA GOLD RANGER and CASEX
anti-submarine
procedures.
21st On
completion of COMEX took passage to Kure arriving same day.
29th Sailed
from Kure for visit to Kagoshima.
30th At
Kagoshima. Exchanges made with civic leaders.
September
3rd Took
passage from Kagoshima for Hong Kong.
8th
Arrived at Hong Kong after ship Damage Control and other drills on passage.
13th
Admiral's Harbour Inspection.
14th
Admiral's Sea Inspection.
16th Took
passage to Singapore.
18th Ships Bell lost overboard
!
21st Arrived at Singapore. Full Power Trial carried
out on passage - 18 knots.
26th Board
of Enquiry re losses of Bell and Name Board missing after arrival.
27th Sailed
for Port Dickson after Board of Enquiry ended.
28th At
Port Dickson.
29th At
Malacca.
October
3rd
Sailed from Malacca for Gun Functioning trial at Langkawi.
5th
Passage from Langkawi to Penang arriving same day.
12th Return
passage to Singapore.
(Note: Patrols were carried out during stay for interception of terrorist arms.
traffic and support of military/police operations.)
14th
Arrived at Singapore.
16th Took
part in Local exercises.
23rd Sailed
for Hong Kong.
29th Arrived at
Hong Kong.
November At Hong
Kong.
8th
Pulling Regatta in Junk Bay.
14th Took
part in Flotilla exercises off Hong Kong.
18th CinC
Far East Inspection.
27th Ship's
Company Photograph
December
1st
Maintenance Period and docked.
16th Basin
Trial.
19th Sea
Trials and Local exercises.
1 9 5 6
January
12th Took
passage from Hong Kong to Kure.
14th
Ensured entry of mercantile HYRALOCK into Foochow after threat of detention by
Chinese Nationalist gunboat.
19th
Arrived at Kure after rough passage.
24th Took
passage from Kure for US Naval Base at Yokosuka. .
HMNZS PUKAKI and HMS CARDIGAN BAY in company.
26th On
arrival took part in multi national exercises including convoy defence, RAS
and
surface gunnery in Area GEORGE.
28th
Entered Yokosuka with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
February
2nd Took
passage to Tokyo with HMS CARDIGAN BAY arriving same day for formal
visit.
8th Official exchanges with
civil and military authorities.
9th Took
part in exercises in Sagami Wan area
These included serial with US submarine USS GREEN FISH.
Sailed for Chinhae, Korea with BMS CARDIGAN BAY on completion.
an
emergency on board during passage.)
12th
Arrived at South Korean Naval Base at Chinhae
(Note: Medical Officer had been transferred to HMS CARDIGAN BAY during
passage to deal with emergency on board.)
14th
Cheered HMS CARDIGAN BAY on departure.
Leaving Station.
Carried out gunnery firings.
Assisted ROK fishing vessel and transferred crew to ROK Navy craft.
Took passage to Hong Kong.
19th
Arrived at Hong Kong after surveillance during period in Formosa Strait.
Advance Party for re-commissioning joined ship.
(Note: 4in Shell was fuzed whilst in passage as a precaution in view of current
international unrest.)
27th Sailed
for Singapore.
(Note: Shallow water divers examined Sonar Dome whilst at Hong Kong.)
Repair was effected before sailing.)
March
3rd Arrived
at Singapore.
4th Prepared
for re-commissioning.
9th
Re-commissioned .
New
Commanding Officer: Commander N Dixon.
(Note: This was under new rules which required re-commissioning after 18 months
foreign service instead of 2 years.)
12th Took
part in exercises and work-up off Singapore.
(Note: These included anti-submarines procedures with HM Submarine
THOROUGH and
night gunnery firings.)
19th Sailed
for Hong Kong.
(Note: During passage starboard screw fouled by wire and cleared by divers.
28th On
arrival deployment for search after aircraft crash was cancelled.
April
10th Took
part in Local exercises including anti-submarine procedures .damage control
and gunnery firings.
16th
Fire-fighting demonstration on board.
17th Took
part in Local exercises with ships of Squadron.
26th Took
part in further exercises off Hong Kong.
May
7th
Sailed from Hong Kong for Sasebo with HMNZS KANIERE after exercises.
12th
Arrived at Sasebo.
15th Sailed
for visit to Kagoshima.
16th At
Kagoshima.
Official calls exchanged.
21st
Passage to Kure arriving same day.
25th Sailed
for official visit to Kobe.
26th At
Kobe.
June
5th
Passage to Yokosuka to take part in exercises with US Navy.
13th On
completion took passage for Hong Kong with surveillance during period in the
Formosa Strait.
19th
Arrived at Hong Kong.
20th Took
part in Fleet exercises.
25th Took
part in Squadron exercises.
27th
Prepared for refit and ship's company moved ashore to HMS TAMAR
Ship at Extended
Notice.
July Under
refit.
12th Docked
August Under
refit
September
15th Refit
completion date.
19th Began
sea trials.
24th
Completed sea trials and local exercises
October
1st Took
part in Local exercises.
10th Sailed
for Fleet Exercise JET 56.
(Note: Captain went to hospital before sailing.
Lieutenant Commander W J Cirry assumed command.)
15th
Deployed for exercises with HM Cruiser NEWCASTLE, HMNZS PUKAKI and HMNZS
KANIERE, HMAS TOBRUK, ANZAC and ALBATROSS..
(Note: Serials included convoy defence, anti-submarine procedures with USN
submarine.)
22nd At
Manila.
Open to visitors.
25th Sailed
for Singapore.
29th At
Singapore.
Captain rejoined ship.
November
1st
Despatched to Middle East Station in support of operations pending against Egypt
7th At
Trincomalee.
18th At
Aden.
(Note: HM Cruiser NEWFOUNDLAND also at Aden.)
Constructor Lieutenant visited ship.)
December
2nd Flag
Officer Middle East visited ship at Aden.
4th Took
passage for patrol duty in Ras Gharib area, Red Sea.
(Note: HMS NEWFOUNDLAND, HM Destroyer DIANA, HM Sloop MODESTE,
RFA GOLD RANGER and RFA WAVE SOVEREIGN were also deployed.)
26th
Provided assistance at Jebbel Attair Lighthouse but patient too ill to be moved.
28th
Returned to Aden.
1 9 5 7
January
3rd
Released from detached duty and took passage to Singapore.
7th
Arrived at Singapore after exercising on passage with HM Sloop OPOSSUM.
23rd At
Extended Notice for docking in AFD10.
February Nominated
for detached service in New Zealand.
11th
Undocked.
12th CinC
Far East Divisions on board.
13th Took
passage to Tawau, Borneo with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
18th At
Tawau.
19th Sailed
from Tawau for Townsville, Australia.
25th Called
at Howick Island.
28th At
Townsville.
March
2nd Took
passage from Townsville.
8th
Arrived at RNZN Base in Auckland.
17th Took
passage to Port Fitzro, Great Barrier Island for visit arriving same day.
20th Sailed
from Port Fitzroy to visit Catherine Bay and Moari Bay on return passage
to
Auckland.
21st Took
part in RNZN exercises.
23rd
Visited Port Fitzroy and Port Abercrombie between exercises.
27th
Resumed exercises
April
1st
Returned to Auckland
12th Sailed
from Auckland with RNZN ships for exercises.
(Notes: These included the training of
Reservists.
Ship visited Maori Bay.)
17th
Returned to Auckland.
24th Took
passage for visit to Wellington.
26th
Official visit with Civic welcome.
28th Sailed
for exercises with RNZN ships.
30th At
Marlborough Sound.
May
1st At
Ship Cove.
2nd
Resumed exercises.
3rd
Returned to Wellington
7th At
Nelson.
9th
Sailed for exercises.
10th At
Wellington.
12th Sailed
for exercises
14th At Lyttleton
16th Sailed
for Wellington.
17th At
Wellington.
20th Lt.
Cdr Corry assumed temporary command
Took passage to Timaru.
21st At
Timaru. Civic exchanges made.
22nd Captain
rejoined ship.
23rd Return
passage to Wellington from Timaru.
24th Return
passage to Auckland from Wellington
26th At
Auckland.
June
Deployed for visits to Pacific islands.
5th Took
passage from Wellington for Suva
9th At Suva.
Lost awning during rough weather.
11th Sailed
for Apia.
Crossed International Date Line.
12th At Apia
17th Sailed
for Nuku Nono.
18th At
Nuku Nono. Two natives found on board !
19th Took
passage to Kakaofo and thence to Apia and Atafu.
21st
Returned to Apia.
23rd Sailed
for Nukualofa.
26th At
Nukualopa.
28th Sailed
for Suva.
30th At
Suva
July
1st Took passage to San
Cristobel Island.
5th
Arrived at Wanoni Bay.
Embarked 15 passengers and sailed for Honiara.
Crossed International Date Line.
At
Honiara.
Open to visitors and civic exchanges.
8th
Sailed for Gizo.
9th At
Gizo.
Open to visitors.
Took passage to Manus.
12th
Arrived at Manus. Refuelled and sailed for Hong Kong.
15th
Machinery failure repaired quickly.
21st
Arrived at Hong Kong and resumed duties in 3rd Frigate Squadron.
July
27th Began
Maintenance Period
August
1st
Docked.
3rd Undocked.
12th Sailed to
Singapore from Hong Kong to
re-commission.
17th Arrived at
Singapore
21st
Re-commissioned.
New Commanding Officer: Commander B C Moth MBE RN.
24th Sailed for Shakedown at
Palua Ticman.
29th Took passage to Malacca.
30th At Malacca.
September
1st Sailed for
Singapore.
2nd Returned to
Singapore.
4th Deployed at
Singapore for exercises.
12th Took passage to Port
Dickson.
13th At Port Dickson. Civic
exchanges.
15th Sailed
for Singapore.
16th At
Singapore.
17th Took passage to
Hong Kong. Ship exercises.
21st Met HM Despatch Vessel
ALERT for transfer.
23rd Arrived at
Hong Kong.
26th Civil Lord of the
Admiralty visiting Colony.
30th Took
part in Local exercises.
October Deployed at
Hong Kong.
Local exercises
including anti-submarine procedures with HM Submarine ANDREW.
November Deployed at
Hong Kong.
5th Local Flotilla exercises
19th Fleet Regatta in
Junk Bay.
30th Took passage to
Sandakan, Borneo for patrol
duties.
December
4th At
Sandakan and sailed for Jesselton.
5th At
Jesselton.
6th
Return passage to Singapore.
8th At
Singapore and prepared for refit
.
De-ammunitioned and de-stored.
Ship's Company moved ashore to HMS TERROR.
Taken in hand for refit by HM Dockyard, Singapore
1 9 5 8
January Under
refit.
February
4th
Docked in King George V Graving Dock.
March New
Commanding Officer: Commander J H Groom RN.
3rd
Visited by Bishop of Maidstone.
18th Tilt
Test and undocked. Ship's company returned on board. Basin trials.
24th Refit
completion date.
26th Sea
trials
. 29th
Completed sea trials.
31st Gun
functioning trials
April
3rd
Sailed for Shakedown at Palau Ticman.
8th
Returned to Singapore.
12th Took
passage to Hong Kong.
17th
Arrived at Hong Yang.
Exercised on passage including RAS from RFA GREEN RANGER.
19th Took
passage to Sasebo.
23rd
Exercise FLOTEX in Sasebo area with HM Sloops OPOSSUM and MODESTE.
25th At
Sasebo
26th Sailed
for Inchon, Korea with HM Despatch Vessel ALERT for official visit by
CinC Far East.
28th At
Inchon. Calls exchanged with ROK Navy and other authorities..
30th
British Ambassador visited HMS ALERT.
Sailed for Yongpyon Do.
May
1st At Yong Pyong Do. Sailed
for Sasebo after
exchange of visit.
3rd
Arrived at Sasebo.
4th
Passage to Beppu with HMS MODESTE for official visit.
5th At
Beppu.
Calls exchanged.
Open to visitors
8th Took
passage with HMS MODESTE to Nagoya.
10th At
Nagoya for official visit. Hail a exchanged and Press on board.
Open to visitors.
Bus tour arranged for
ship's company.
13th
Passage to Yokohama with HMS MODESTE
14th
Carried out anti-submarine exercise before arrival.
19th Sailed
for Hong Kong with HMS MODESTE and exercised on passage.
25th
Arrived at Hong Kong after gunnery firing trial.
Began maintenance
period at Kowloon.
June
10th Took
part in Local exercises.
13th
Demonstrations on board for visitors
17th Took
part in Local exercises.
July
3rd
Annual Harbour and Sea Inspections.
7th
Sailed for Singapore with Ceremonial Departure.
Exercised on passage with HM Destroyer COSSACK before arrival.
12th At
Singapore.
14th Prepared for Self-Refit.
Ship's company moved ashore to HMS TERROR.
24th Docked
in AFD 31
27th
Undocked.
August Nominated
for detached service in Middle East Station.
(Note: This was due to increased unrest.
Middle East Station
was due to close on 1st September.)
5th
Ship's company returned on board.
7th Took
part in exercises at Palau Tioman.
9th
Malayan RNVR trainees embarked for exercises at Palau Tioman.
16th
Returned to Singapore from exercises.
19th Took
passage to Aden.
September Exercised on
passage.
1st At
Aden.
4th Deployed for local patrol
and interception of illegal traffic.
6th Met
HM Inshore Minesweeper BASSINGHAM under tow by RFA FORT
SANDUSKY to Mombasa.
(Note: This ship was being transferred to Mombasa for loan service in the Royal
East
African Navy
and presumably had broken down on passage.
Took over tow and took passage to Aden.
8th
Arrived at Aden with HMS BASSINGHAM.
9th Took
passage for patrol off Omani coast.
12th Met HM Commando Carrier
BULWARK.
Transferred mail and stores.
13th Took
part in Salvage operations in Arabian Sea after mercantiles ss MELIKA and tanker
FERNAND GILABERT had collided.
Found derelict MELIKA and took in tow.
14th Tow parted.
to
Assisted in salvage work with HMS BULWARK and HM Frigate LOCH KILLISPORT.
17th (Note: FERNAND GILABERT was later towed by HMS LOCH KILLISPORT).
Significant awards were later paid to ship's companies of all RN ships.)
20th
Released from detached service in Middle East and took passage to Trincomalee.
22nd At
Trincomalee and sailed for Singapore same day after replenishment.
27th
Arrived at Singapore.
29th Docked
in Floating Dock for repairs.
30th First
Sea Lord visited snip in dock.
(Note: Leading Cook injured by dockyard crane during docking period.)
October Undocked
and resumed Flotilla duties.
8th Took
passage to Hong Kong.
13th
Arrived at Hong Kong after gunnery firings in Junk Bay area.
22nd Took
part in Local exercises.
26th Took
part in Local exercises.
November Deployed at
Hong Kong for local Exercises.
Embarked Commodore Hong Kong for day during exercises.
Ship's Company photographed.
6th Took
part in Local exercises.
13th Took
part in Local exercises including anti-submarine procedures and gunnery firings.
17th Fleet
Regatta.
28th Took
part in Fleet exercises off Hong Kong.
December Maintenance
Period.
3rd
Docked.
16th
Undocked.
30th
Deployed for patrol in Mirs Bay.
1 9 5 9
January
2nd Took
passage for Borneo patrol via Mindora Strait.
6th At
Tawau, North Borneo.
8th
Deployed for patrol with Police embarked..
12th At
Sandakan.
15th At
Kudat.
17th Took
passage to Singapore.
20th
Arrived at Singapore.
Some of snip's company left for flight to UK
Prepared for re-commissioning..
30th
Re-commissioned.
New Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Commander PJ Wyatt, RN).
February
4th Took
part in Flotilla and Fleet exercises off Singapore.
14th
Returned to Singapore.
18th
Prepared for Royal Visit by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to Hong Kong.
March
1st Sailed from
Singapore with HMS MOUNTS
BAY to met HM Royal Yacht BRITANNIA.
(Note: HMZNS ROTOITI and HMS CARDIGAN BAY joined later on passage.)
6th
Joined HMY BRITANNIA for entry to Hong Kong
18th HMY
BRITANNIA sailed from Hong Kong for Pacific visits.
23rd Took
passage to Singapore from Hong Kong.
28th
Arrived at Singapore with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
April
2nd Took
part in Fleet exercise FLOTEX in Gulf of Siam.
(Note: Won 3rd Frigate Squadron Soccer Cup.
7th On
completion returned to Singapore.
9th Taken
in hand for refit.
Ship's company moved to HMS TERROR.
New Commanding Officer: Commander R Von T B Kettle RN.
May
Under refit.
to
June
July
6th Ship's company returned
on board
9th Basin
trials.
13th Began
post refit sea trials.
15th Began
Shakedown period including exercises at Tioman Palua.
27th Ready
for operational duty in Squadron.
August
3rd Took
passage to Hong Kong from Singapore.
8th
Arrived at Hang Kong.
13th Took
part in Local exercises including bombardments.
16th
Carried out local survey work.
21st Took
part in Local Defence exercise with HM ML2518 and 2618 of Local Flotilla.
30th Sailed
from Hong Kong for Singapore.
September Nominated
for Guardship duty at Addu Atoll in Indian Ocean.
5th
Arrived at Singapore.
12th Took
passage to Addu Atoll.
(Note: This deployment was made to ensure that the programme for establishment
of an
RAF Staging Point was kept on schedule. This building work was an urgent
requirement since trooping flights to Singapore were being made over the
Indian Ocean instead of over Middle East countries due to the local political
situation.
A
Guardship was therefore being sent.
21st
Arrived at Addu Atoll and relieved HM Destroyer CAPRICE as Guardship.
Air Chief Marshal The Earl of Brandon visited ship.
October Addu
Atoll Guardship duty in continuation.
(Note: Period of duty was extended from the planned 3 weeks because of delay in
completion of refit of HM Sloop CRANE at Singapore.
Problems relating to payment of ship's company were solved by unorthodox
methods including borrowing money from the civilian Laundry on board)
November Sailed for
Singapore and called at Penang for two days R&R visit.
Arrived at Singapore.
December
1st
Docked.
Ship's company moved to HMS TERROR.
4th
Undocked.
13th Basin
Trial.
Flag Officer 2nd in Command Far East visited ship.
14th Ship's
company returned on board.
Emergency compass found missing.
Sea trials and ammunitioned.
15th Took
passage for detached service visits to Australia and New Zealand.
(Note: This was probably arranged in compensation for the stay at Addu Atoll.)
24th
Arrived at Fremantle after rough passage and refuelled at sea.
Civic exchanges and children’s party on board.
Open to visitors.
28th Sailed
for Adelaide.
1 9 6 0
January
2nd At
Adelaide.
4th Took
passage to Auckland, New Zealand.
11th
Arrived at Auckland.
19th Took
part in RNZN exercises in Hauraki Gulf.
(Note: Trips were arranged for ship's company during stay.)
25th Sailed
from Auckland for Official visit to Wellington.
27th
Arrived at Wellington after exercises on passage.
Civic exchanges and extensive hospitality.
Open to visitors
February
1st Took
passage to Hobart, Tasmania.
5th At
Hobart.
to
Exchanges made with civil and military authorities,
11th Took
part in local Regatta and open to visitors.
(Note: Visit was marked by robbery in Canteen).
12th Took
passage to Sydney
15th
Arrived at Sydney after rough passage.
Open to visitors during stay.
19th Sailed
from Sydney for Cairns.
23rd At
Cairns.
Ship's company photographed.
Open to visitors
25th Took
passage to Singapore.
(Note: During the visits to ports in both countries there was a marked increase
in leave-
breaking and potential desertion.
Many personnel were recovered and returned to the ship later.)
March Painted
ship during passage in position 3 Degrees South, 110 Degrees East.
7th Took
part in anti-submarine and air defence exercises off Singapore.
Arrived at Singapore on completion.
9th
Annual Harbour Inspection by SO 3rd Frigate Squadron 10th Sea Inspection.
13th
Present during visit to Singapore by First Sea Lord.
19th Ship's
company moved to HMS TERROR.
21st
Docked for Interim Docking and maintenance.
April
5th
Undocked.
9th
Ship's company retuned on board.
15th Sailed
for exercises before taking passage to Hong Kong.
20th Arrived at Hong Kong.
22nd Took
part in Local exercises with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
May
Deployed at Hong Kong and took part in Local exercises.
(Note: Some of snip's company were employed as 'Extras' during the filming of
THE
MAKING OF SUZIE WONG at Hong Kong during this period.)
Expedition Training was carried out
26th Took
passage from Hong Kong for exercises prior to visit to Chinhae, Korea.
27th During
Squadron exercises machinery problems experienced.
Withdrawn and returned to Hong Kong escorted by HM Destroyer CAVENDISH.
31st Took
passage to rejoin Fleet for major exercises.
June
3rd Met
HMNZS ROTOITI for exercises.
Took part in Fleet exercises with HMS ALBION and ships of Far East Fleet.
(Note: These included Replenishment at Sea, Night Encounter, convoy defence and
anti-submarine defence with HM Submarine TEREDO.)
9th At
Yokohama.
Open to visitors
15th Took
passage to Maizuru with ships of Fleet.
18th
Arrived at Maizuru after delay when wire fouling screw had top be cleared.
to This
was an Official visit to Japanese Defence Force.
22nd Formal
exchanges with Guard.
Japanese naval visitors and open to public
(Note: Jujitsu and fencing displays by host nation.
Children’s party for Orphans,.
23rd Took
passage for Fleet exercises on return passage to Hong Kong.
Joined Fleet exercises on passage including convoy defence.
Rendezvous with HM Cruiser BELFAST.
(Note: Other ships included HMNZS ROTOITI, HM Destroyer CAPRICE, HM Sloop
CRANE, HMS CARDIGAN BAY and RFA RETAINER.)
Fire in radar generator was extinguished
July
2nd On
arrival at Hong Kong collided with HM Inshore Minesweeper DAMERHAM.
(Note: Accident due to failure of communications between Bridge and Engine Room
when
berthing alongside HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
HMS DAMERHAM was almost cut in half.
Fortunately the only person on board was able to escape before impact.
Board of Inquiry was held later in HMS BELFAST.
3rd Took
passage to Singapore.
8th
Arrived at Singapore.
10th
Prepared to re-commission.
15th
Re-commissioned for service in 3rd Frigate Squadron.
Commanding Officer: Commander JO Roberts, RN.
16th Took
passage to Palau Tioman for shakedown.
20th
Returned to Singapore and prepared for refit.
23rd Ship's
company moved ashore to HMS TERROR.
August Under
refit.
9th
Flooding in Paint Store and Forepeak due to leaking firemain in Messdeck.
10th
Docked.
September
10th Death
of Ordinary Seaman Hannah in hospital.
19th Fire
extinguished in Canteen Flat.
October Under
refit
16th
Completion date.
17th Ship's
company returned on board.
18th Basin
Trial.
24th Sea
Trials.
26th Post
refit equipment sea trials.
November
4th
Completed post refit checks.
7th Took
part in Local exercises at Pulau Aura and Pulau Ticman.
(Note: These included anti-submarine procedures, gunnery firings and tow.)
11th
Returned to Singapore on completion.
14th Took
part in Fleet and Squadron Exercises in South China Sea.
(Note: These included convoy defence, AA firings and anti-submarine
procedures.)
24th
Returned to Singapore on completion.
29th Took
passage to Townsville with HMS CARDIGAN BAY for detached service.
(Note: Senior Officer 3rd Frigate Squadron was embarked in HMS CARDIGAN BAY.)
December
10th At
Townsville with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
Refuelled.
Civic exchanges made and open to visitors.
12th Sailed
from Townsville for Pacific islands visit programme.
16th At
Noumea, New Caledonia with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
(Note: Inspection carried cut by Senior Officer 3rd Frigate Squadron.)
20th Sailed
from Noumea with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
23rd
Arrived at Suva, Fiji after exercises with SUNDERLAND aircraft.
(Note: Xmas at Suva with children’s party.)
28th Took
passage from Suva for Apia, Samoa with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
29th At
Apia.
20th
Returned to Singapore and prepared for refit.
23rd Ship's
company moved ashore to HMS TERROR.
28th Took
passage from Suva for Apia, Samoa with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
29th At
Apia.
1 9 6 1
January
2nd Took
passage from Apia, Western Samoa to Hawaii with HMS CARDIGAN BAY.
9th
Arrived at Pearl Harbour for official visit to US Navy by CinC Far East.
(Note: Formal exchanges were made with US Navy senior officers, US Army senior
offers and civil
authorities. Extensive hospitality offered to ship's company)
16th Sailed
from Pearl Harbour with HMS CARDIGAN BAY, which then detached and
took independent
passage for visit to US Ports before return to UK.
17th
Passage to Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
25th At
Funafuti.
26th
Passage to Noumea and Onatoa Tuvalu.
30th At
Tarawa
February
1st
Passage from Tarawa to Admiralty Islands.
6th At
Manus
(Note: This was used by ships of the British Pacific Fleet as a forward base
during WW2.
See WAR WITH JAPAN (HMSO).)
7th
Passage to Philippines
13th At
Ilo
Ilo
14th
Passage to Hong Kong.
18th At
Hong Kong for duty as Guardship.
20th
Passage to Singapore from Hong Kong.
25th At
Singapore and prepared for Annual Inspection and for routine docking.
(Note: During the period before docking , took part in exercises with ships of
Far East Fleet
including Annual Inspection.
Ship's company were accommodated in HMS TERROR during docking period.)
April
Docking and essential defect repair by HM Dockyard Singapore
May Post
refit trials and ammunitioning.
Nominated for patrol duties based at Tawau, Borneo on completion.
(Note: Patrols to intercept small vessels (Kumpits) which were carrying out
attacks on local
shipping and fishing vessels had been established for some years.
Activities of this type have escalated in recent years when large ships are now
vulnerable to
piracy from small vessels.
In
1962 when Indonesian forces attempted to take over Borneo (KONFRONTASI)
extensive RN operations were carried out to prevent landings and support of
Guerrilla
groups.
Piracy patrols were thus a pre-amble to these operations.
Civil Police units were embarked in warships deployed off Borneo.)
16th
Deployed for anti-piracy patrol duties based at Tawau
20th
Passage to Hong Kong on release from duties in Borneo.
Passage from Hong Kong to Japanese waters.
June
18th At
Yokosuka which is the port for Tokyo and where a US Navy Base has been in
operation since
WW2..
Formal exchanges made with US Navy senior officers and
civil authorities.
20th
Passage to Hong Kong with HM Submarine TACTICIAN which remained surfaced.
26th
Deployed as Guardship at Hong Kong.
(Note: Due to emergency requirements in Kuwait several ships were transferred
to the
Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. This reduced the number of ships on Station and
Guardship duty lasted longer than the seven days originally programmed. One
source suggests ship carried out Formosa Straits patrol to ensure safe passage
of
British flagged mercantiles stopped by. Chinese warships.
This deployment is to be confirmed.)
July Hong
Kong Guardship deployment in continuation.
25th
Passage from Hong Kong to Singapore.
30th At
Singapore to prepare for Fleet exercise .
August Took part
in SEAC Exercise TUCKER BOX with Far East Fleet and commonwealth
warships.
(Note: Involvement was restricted due to requirement to maintain high speeds
needed
during exercises in company with faster more modern ships.).
Deployed for anti-submarine warning duties on boundary of exercise area with HM
Frigate ROTOITI (RNZN) of basically similar design and low speed..
On
completion returned to Singapore to prepare for visit to Australia.
15th
Passage to Brisbane.
26th At
Brisbane
September Passage to
Mackay, Queensland.
4th At
Mackay, Queensland.
9th At
Cairns, Queensland.
13th
Passage to Darwin, Northern Territory.
18th At
Darwin.
20th
Passage to Singapore.
28th
Prepared for refit on arrival. Ship’s Company moved ashore
October Under
docking and refit by HM Dockyard Singapore.
Station Leave granted
November On
completion of post refit trials prepared for return to UK to Pay-off
12th
Passage to Colombo, Ceylon.
16th At
Colombo
19th
Passage to Aden
24th At
Aden
26th
Passage to Suez
December
1st Suez
Canal transit.
5th At
Malta
9th At
Gibraltar
14th
Arrived at Portsmouth.
16th
Paid-off and de-storing
F i n a l P h a s e
HMS ST BRIDES BAY remarkably
had spent 16 years continuously overseas and was accepted into Reserve at
Portsmouth in January 1962. She was placed on the Disposal List and sold to
BISCO for demolition. Towed to Faslane on the Clyde for breaking-up by Metal
Industries she arrived there on 3rd September 1962.
|